It looks like Ford has pulled the rug out from under the competition once again, thanks to the industry-first use of cylinder-head covers made entirely from recycled carpeting. It’s yet another way the automaker is remaining true to its commitment to “reduce, reuse and recycle” its way to a smaller environmental footprint.
This time, according to Houston Ford Dealers, the advantage comes courtesy of EcoLon, a nylon resin developed by Wellman Engineering Resins that is now used to cover the cylinder heads of Ford’s 3.0-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines. Wellman makes the new material by grinding up used nylon carpeting into its constituent fibers, then recapturing the nylon through a patented, proprietary process. Clovis Ford Dealers say the reclaimed material is sent to another Ford partner, the Dana Holding Company, which uses it to manufacture the covers.
“By working with Wellman and Dana, Ford has found a way to bring green applications to a new, unique location in our vehicles,” said Brett Hinds, Ford manager, engine design. “This single use has made an incredible impact, and we’re continuing to look for ways to expand the use.”
Leveraging this innovative, high-quality material provides significant ecological advantages, including keeping more than 4.1 million pounds of old carpeting—enough to cover 154 football fields—out of landfills in 2010 alone. In addition, EcoLon saved 430,000 gallons of oil that would have been needed to make traditional cylinder-head covers.
And best of all, added Ford engine-sealing supervisor Roy Ford, “We didn’t have to make compromises for this application.”
Which means neither will Dayton Ford Lincoln owners.
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