Ford 1.0 EcoBoost — Wet Belt vs Timing Chain: When the Change Happened, Which Models, and How to Tell
If you own or are shopping for a Ford with the 1.0 EcoBoost, you’ve likely heard about the wet timing belt. In Europe from 2018 onward Ford rolled out a revised 1.0 with cylinder deactivation, a reversed-flow head (turbo at the firewall), and crucially a timing chain for the cams.
The Fast Answer
- ✓ 2018+ “revised” 1.0 EcoBoost = timing chain for cam drive (turbo at rear / firewall).
- ✓ All 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV (48V) models use the revised chain-cam engine.
- ✗ Pre-2018 1.0 EcoBoost = wet timing belt for cam drive (turbo at front of engine bay).
- ! Regardless of cam drive, the oil pump is still driven by a small wet belt on the revised engines.
Always confirm by VIN/spec — transition timing varies by plant/trim and registration plate can lag model-year.
How to Spot the Difference
Pre-2018 Wet-Belt Engine
- Turbo at the front of the engine bay
- Conventional head layout
- Main camshaft drive is a wetted rubber belt
- Prone to belt shedding into oil system
2018+ Revised Chain Engine
- Turbo mounted at the rear (firewall side)
- Reversed flow cylinder head
- Main camshaft drive is a timing chain
- Includes cylinder deactivation tech
Model & Year Changeover Table (UK Market)
| Model | Years With Wet Belt | Years With Timing Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | 2012–2017 | 2018+ (all mHEV are chain) |
| Focus 1.0 EcoBoost | 2012–2017 | 2018+ chain |
| Puma 1.0 EcoBoost | – | All production chain (2019+) |
| EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost | 2014–2017 | 2018+ chain |
| C-Max / B-Max 1.0 EcoBoost | 2012–2018 (end of model run) | Never got revised engine |
| Mondeo / Galaxy / S-Max 1.0 EcoBoost | 2015–2018 | Never updated — discontinued |
What About the Oil Pump Belt?
Service & Reliability Notes
Wet Belt Engines
- Ford originally claimed “life of car” belt
- In reality: replace at 8 years / 100,000 miles (UK service advice)
- Failure often ruins sump, oil pickup, and turbo
Chain Engines
- Chain is designed to last engine life
- Still dependent on correct oil spec (WSS-M2C948-B)
- Poor servicing can still cause wear/stretch
Common FAQs
Does every mHEV EcoBoost use the chain engine?
Yes. All 48V mild hybrids require the revised engine layout (chain-driven) because the belt-alternator starter motor packaging would clash with the old turbo-at-front design.
Can I swap a chain engine into a wet-belt car?
It’s not a straight swap. Mounts, ECU coding, ancillaries, and wiring differ. It’s more practical to replace like-for-like.
Do oil pump belts need changing?
Not listed as a service item by Ford. Failures are rare compared to the main wet cam belt. Still, keeping oil changes frequent minimises risk.
Need Help With a Ford 1.0 EcoBoost?
At TGPP Autocare Stevenage we specialise in EcoBoost engines — from wet belt replacement to full engine swaps and turbo issues. We use genuine parts, Ford-approved oil, and can collect and return your vehicle locally.
Book Your EcoBoost Service
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Comments
Thanks for the information, just looked at my mk8 fiesta and the turbo is at the front so it’s the old style ecoboost with a Wetbelt
Thanks Jake, we are glad we could help.