Ford’s venerable F-series has been a popular and top selling truck series for decades. But like all trucks and cars, they have typical issues owners run into. Here are the top 5 most common Ford F-350 problems of the 4th generation, years 2017 to 2020 in no particular order.
Top 5 Issues 4th Gen Ford F-350 (2017 to 2020)
1. Block Heater Problems
Symptoms of Block Heater Problems on the 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350
- Corroded connection
- Melted wires near the block heater
Causes of Block Heater Issues
If you have one of the F350’s 6.7L diesel engines, you likely have a block heater. The block heater will have a cable that connects to the wall. The connection to the cable on the 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350 tends to corrode. When it corrodes, it can build up electrical resistance, which creates heat. This heat can melt surrounding wires and can be a fire hazard.
How to Fix Block Heater Issues
- Replace the block heater cable, which might be under recall
- Disconnect the block heater until it can be fixed
2. PCV Oil Separator
Symptoms of a Bad PCV Oil Separator
- Oil leaks usually at the upper oil pan gasket
Causes of a Bad PCV Oil Separator
The PCV oil separator has a spring unit with a valve that can malfunction and affect the oil separators ability to move the valve on the spring unit up and down. This can build up pressure in the crankcase system and cause oil leaks.
How to Fix a PCV Oil Separator
Wear safety glasses, run the vehicle, and open the oil cap. If you hear pressure blow out, it’s the pressure that built up in the crankcase system from the PCV system not functioning properly.
Test and confirm there are no blockages causing the oil leak. The most likely cause is the PCV oil separator, which can be replaced.
3. Fuel Tank Problems
Symptoms of Fuel Tank Problems on the 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350
- F-350 won’t start
- Less engine power
- Sputtering engine
Causes of Fuel Tank Problems
The coating on the inside of the fuel tank on the 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350 tends to shift or fall off the fuel tank and stick inside the fuel pump or fuel filter’s screen. The clogged screens can cause problems like engine performance issues.
How to Fix Fuel Tank Problems
Steps for Inspecting the Gas Tank
- Drain the Fuel Tank
Open the valve and drain the fuel into a drain pan
- Lower the Gas Tank
Loosen the supports and lower the gas tank
- Check the Gas Tank’s Interior
Inspect the condition of the gas tank’s interior coating. If the coating has shifted or fallen off, replace the fuel tank. If the interior coating caused this issue and affected the fuel filters, you can try cleaning it or replace them.
4. EGR Valve Cooler Issues
Symptoms of a Bad EGR Valve Cooler
- White smoke blowing out of the tail pipe
Causes of a Bad EGR Valve Cooler
The EGR valve cooler on the 2017 to 2020 Ford F350 tends to crack internally and leak coolant into the exhaust. The coolant then burns in the exhaust system and expels out the tail pipe as white smoke.
How to Fix a Bad EGR Valve Cooler
Replace the EGR valve cooler since it’s an issue with its internal components
5. Turbo Hose Blow Off
Symptoms of Turbo Hose Blow Off
- Loud and sudden popping sound after the turbo turns on, causing a drastic loss of engine power
Causes of Turbo Hose Blow Off
The plastic housing located between the air intake and the turbo hose tends to dry out, brittle, crack, and rupture. The pressure from the turbo can break this housing, causing a loud noise and the engine to have no turbo and pull in unfiltered air.
How to Fix Turbo Hose Blow Off
Replace the turbo hose if it is cracked or broken
Fix 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350 Parts Yourself
1A Auto has how-to videos for the 2017 to 2020 Ford F-350 and other makes and models. Remove and install parts like the headlights, front and rear brakes, and the mirrors on your F-350 yourself with our installation videos.
Shop 4th Gen Ford F-350 Parts
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4th Generation Ford F-350 Model Years
