V10 Triton Major Tuneup

[Sweetbriar]

Stay with the recommended maintenance. Unlike the vehicles our fathers drive, or maybe your first or second cars, there really isn't much to do in the way of a tune up.

If you still want to do something preventative in nature then schedule an appointment to have MAP and throttle body cleaned and the original spark plugs changed but keep the check book ready up just in case. The original plugs in the early three valve V10 can sometimes break off inside the head during removal. A good mechanic knows this and should have the kit to extract as this was a problem that effect more than just the V10 engines. Extracting will add labor time and cost to the project with a worst case scenario of needing to pull the cylinder head which is very rare. I think in 2008 the plugs were redesigned to prevent breaking off in the heads.

I would leave the coil packs alone or may be carry one as a spare. Easy to replace and if you get a miss-fire as the ECU code will tell you which cylinder.

[bpu699]

If the motor isnt throwing engine codes DO NOT TOUCH the plugs. They have a tendency to break, and you will then spend several grand trying to get them out...

Ours went 140,000 miles on the original plugs with no issues, before selling our cargo van.

Google v10 triton and plugs...

[edge68474]

Originally Posted by bpu699

If the motor isnt throwing engine codes DO NOT TOUCH the plugs. They have a tendency to break, and you will then spend several grand trying to get them out...

Ours went 140,000 miles on the original plugs with no issues, before selling our cargo van.

Google v10 triton and plugs...

Scenario: You are on a trip and your coach starts acting up with a misfire. Now you HAVE TO take it to a mechanic and get it fixed, and possibly a broken plug, more time more money, plus the aggravation of the problem while on the road.
I would, change the plugs and coils, if they are both new then they are putting out at 100%. And as suggested, the throttle body FULL cleaning
and MAF sensor. I have gone through this twice now with my pickup, and I know how it acts when it's time to change.


Here is a writeup for us on the V-10
https://dieseliq.com/ford-triton-v10-engine-problems/

[bpu699]

Originally Posted by edge68474

Scenario: You are on a trip and your coach starts acting up with a misfire. Now you HAVE TO take it to a mechanic and get it fixed, and possibly a broken plug, more time more money, plus the aggravation of the problem while on the road.
I would, change the plugs and coils, if they are both new then they are putting out at 100%. And as suggested, the throttle body FULL cleaning
and MAF sensor. I have gone through this twice now with my pickup, and I know how it acts when it's time to change.

Can't disagree...

Brings two movie quotes to mind...

"You feeling lucky...?"

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[wolfe10]

Yup, if the engine is running as it should, stick with the Ford recommended service interval.


And, do NOT use an RV dealer to do engine or chassis service!

[oakcreekeric]

Interesting thread - good information

I'm mulling over a "tune up" myself - I have a 2012 with 61K miles - while I know I'm 39,000 miles away from 100K - I also know I'm at the 10yr mark - I just feel that after 10yrs, it would be a good idea to change out plugs, at a minimum - I'll also clean the MAP sensor and inspect the air filter

My question, what kinda plugs is everyone using - I'm partial to going with Motorcraft (SP509 double platinum plugs) - wondering if anyone with my vintage has used different plugs ?

Once I'm in the middle of the job, I will inspect and make a decision on the wires/coils - my gut feeling is, they'll be fine - but 10yrs worth of freeze/thaw and heat cycles over 61k miles - I will be giving them a thorough inspection.

[FLRosebud]

Originally Posted by edge68474

Scenario: You are on a trip and your coach starts acting up with a misfire. Now you HAVE TO take it to a mechanic and get it fixed, and possibly a broken plug, more time more money, plus the aggravation of the problem while on the road.
I would, change the plugs and coils, if they are both new then they are putting out at 100%. And as suggested, the throttle body FULL cleaning
and MAF sensor. I have gone through this twice now with my pickup, and I know how it acts when it's time to change.


Here is a writeup for us on the V-10
https://dieseliq.com/ford-triton-v10-engine-problems/

This /\

We changed to plugs and coil packs at 101,000 miles, and had the throttle body cleaned as well. The plugs and coil packs are about $450 for all 10. Also had the oil changed and a full lube, and tranny fluid and filter changed (dropped pan). was about $1,000 for parts and labor.

Al

[jpstakun]

There's nothing to tune up. Ignore this mechanic.

[FredKate]

Originally Posted by jpstakun

There's nothing to tune up. Ignore this mechanic.

Maybe the mechanic is wanting to use the new dwell and tach meter, and timing light he received for Christmas, in 1970.

[rtaggio]

For what its worth, I have a 1997 F150 w/4.6 triton engine. It got new plugs around 300k otherwise only regular fluid changes.
This engine is just short of 500k now and runs fantastic, doesn't smoke or use oil and sits in a truck that most other items are failing or have failed.
My money says a "major tuneup" is pure 🐂 💩

[ga traveler]

I was a service manager for 15 years at a large dealership. It is true that you have a 3 valve engine with the two piece spark plug. They build up carbon on the side of the plug. When you try to remove them they sometimes break in half. There is tools for removing them if this happens. The new plugs are one piece and do not break. There are two thoughts about the plugs. One side says leave them alone and change them 100,000 to 130,000 miles. The other side says change them early before the buildup gets worse.
Spark plugs today are tipped with super hard iridium. They do not wear out at 20,000 miles like the old days.
I had many customers who let the plugs go to 150,000 miles with no problems. If it were me I would wait but if you decide to do it now DO NOT go to a RV dealership. Find a local ford dealership or garage that specializes in ford V 10.
The main thing to remember is this used to be a big deal. Now several tool manufacturers have developed tools to remove the broken pieces. It is no longer a big deal.
1300 dollars is way to high for plugs and coils.

[edge68474]

Thank you for sharing your experience ga traveler.
I do appreciate wisdom and experience.