Community Forums

tanksalotct · 07-13-2019, 03:07 PM

After having misfire errors I replaced all the coils with Motorcraft. Still got misfire on #4. Mechanic pulled #4 plug and it was oily and had low compression (70psi).

Although it's a '99, we live in it and really like it. I've been told that if I have just the heads redone that could cause problems with the main block, bearings etc.

Anyone have recommendations for a good shop that will work on RV's in the California, Arizona, Nevada (or thereabouts) area?

We're willing to go so far as to replace the engine with a rebuilt if we have to, but finding someone to trust with an honest opinion is the hardest part (as well as willing to work on an RV).

Thanks in advance!

twinboat · 07-13-2019, 04:34 PM

A simple test to see if its piston rings or valves.
Compression test dry and then with a tea spoon of oil in the cylinder.

If the compression comes up with the oil, its not the valves, which are in the head.

A32Deuce · 07-13-2019, 05:30 PM

X2 on that test. I worked in an automotive shop and did many valve jobs on heads. Should have no problem doing that as long as the short block is good, meaning no noise and good oil pressure and no coolant leaks. I have an engine that has over120000 miles on it and I am replacing the heads and cam. No machine work.
On yours, I would pull the cover on that head and examine the lifter and cam follower and make sure they are ok. With only one cylinder, I think mechanical could be the problem. They are a pretty Bullitt proof engine.

avfordguy · 07-13-2019, 10:22 PM

Easy test, any competent tech should do a cylinder leak down test, that would eliminate any issues with the short block or cylinder head

Waiter21 · 07-14-2019, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Although it's a '99, we live in it and really like it. I've been told that if I have just the heads redone that could cause problems with the main block, bearings etc.

It shouldn't..

However, you need to find out if its valves or piston/rings before proceeding..

ALSO - Odds are you will have broken exhaust studs that need to be dealt with..

If you get into the lower end, The cost of a reman now starts to get more attractive than repairing what you have. When I worked on mine (broken studs) I checked into a Ford Reman. I was surprised at the low cost. Stop by your nearest Ford Dealer and check with them. These are official Ford Re-manufactured, I seem to remember the cost was around $2700..

I had the heads off of mine when I repaired studs. Heres an article and photos.

http://www.1999southwind.com/f53-rep...anifold-studs/

..

tanksalotct · 07-21-2019, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the responses! Getting a Ford engine installed at a Ford dealer. $8500-$9000. (Depends on Hoses replaced etc.) Need the peace of mind.

mikell · 07-22-2019, 08:45 AM

Could still have a wiring issue my 20-00 a critter got under the hood and ate a bunch of wiring and I'm still not sure every things back in place right.

A32Deuce · 07-22-2019, 08:57 AM

If I could, I would hold off for a new 7.3 crate engine.

twinboat · 07-22-2019, 09:58 AM

You think that will slip right in and wire up to the V10 computer and cooling system?

How about the 4 speed transmission. Will that handle the 7.3 power ?

Huge expense doing that kind if conversion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

If I could, I would hold off for a new 7.3 crate engine.

A32Deuce · 07-22-2019, 10:21 AM

That will take some research. But its just my take on it.

Kraken · 07-22-2019, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanksalotct

After having misfire errors I replaced all the coils with Motorcraft. Still got misfire on #4. Mechanic pulled #4 plug and it was oily and had low compression (70psi).

Although it's a '99, we live in it and really like it. I've been told that if I have just the heads redone that could cause problems with the main block, bearings etc.

Anyone have recommendations for a good shop that will work on RV's in the California, Arizona, Nevada (or thereabouts) area?

We're willing to go so far as to replace the engine with a rebuilt if we have to, but finding someone to trust with an honest opinion is the hardest part (as well as willing to work on an RV).

Thanks in advance!

You didn't say how many miles are on it. But a bottom end failing after a new top end does occur. That's because the engine wears as a unit. You put a nice tight top end on it then it starts blowing past the rings. Do the tests like the guys say to isolate the problem. Low compression will absolutely give you a misfire. You might be money ahead of the game to get a new long block.

Waiter21 · 07-22-2019, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the responses! Getting a Ford engine installed at a Ford dealer. $8500-$9000. (Depends on Hoses replaced etc.) Need the peace of mind.

I totally understand.. What are they putting in, a Reman or new???

My Southwind is in excellent condition, so if I was faced with the same choices, I'd do the same. I kind of look at it, like, Where else could I get a MH is such great condition for less than $10k, AND, it will have a zero miliage engine installed.

retiredusps6 · 07-22-2019, 05:51 PM

You say you live in it full time. Do you run it often? It could be a struck ring.Do a compression test with oil.Check with oil and without. compare the readings Maybe you will luck out and the ring will free up.

Ron Dittmer · 07-22-2019, 11:51 PM

Hi tanksalotct,

My brother experienced his E350-V10 engine light come on and eventually the engine was not running right. Long story short, after much money spent at two different auto repair shops, a knowledgeable friend sprayed electronic cleaner on his mass air flow sensor. It looked clean before, but shiny new afterward. That did the trick. The mass air flow sensor is located in the air tube between the air filter and the throttle body.

If not at the point of no return with the new engine, it's surely worth a try to see if you saved yourself piles of money. I think you can buy electronic cleaner (also called electrical contact cleaner) at Walmart.