Community Forums

moisheh · 04-12-2023, 07:52 AM

I am looking at buying a used Class C. 95 % are on the E450 with a V10. I remeber reading about the problem with the threads in the heads. I see conflicting information on the years with this problem. I Are the post 2004 heads OK? What is involved with fixing the problem? Thanks

twinboat · 04-12-2023, 07:58 AM

Pre 2004 V10s blew out the plugs.

The first few years post 2004 had 2 peice plugs that sometimes broke in half while removing.

They have kits to fix both problems without removing the heads.

All fixed now with 1 peice plugs.

Exact years can be found on Ford V10 sites.

Dynamite · 04-13-2023, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

I am looking at buying a used Class C. 95 % are on the E450 with a V10. I remeber reading about the problem with the threads in the heads. I see conflicting information on the years with this problem. I Are the post 2004 heads OK? What is involved with fixing the problem? Thanks

Here's a link to an article that explains some.
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/ford-v10-problems
Basically the early 2 valve engine you couldn't keep the plugs in and the later 3 valve engine you couldn't get them out.
Repaired alot of them though. Proper maintenance helps. Just because a spark plug can last for 100,000 miles doesn't mean that they should stay in that long. I routinely replace them every 30k miles for severe service like towing, plowing and motorhome usage. A dab of never seize on the threads when installing. There are kits to repair damaged threads in cylinder heads without removing them. Exhaust studs are just as problematic. Maintenance is alot cheaper than repair. You need a trustworthy mechanic familiar with them. My son and I went to Ford school twice. Learned alot. I would much rather own a V-10 than a 6.0 diesel!

jl.kauai · 04-13-2023, 09:54 AM

Prior to 2003 there were problems, not only with lack of threads in the cylinders but Ford was only torquing the plugs at 22 pounds. Over time they would loosen and blow out the plugs requiring expensive repairs. I had my 2003 Lazy Daze done by a Ford mechanic at El Cajon Ford in Calif. A qualified mechanic will retorted new plugs at about 30 lbs as this solves the issue. Their recommendation was to replace the plugs after 80,000.
Travato John

Ron Dittmer · 04-13-2023, 03:15 PM

Good question with good answers.

With that said, My brother's motorhome is built on a 1998 E350 chassis with the earliest V10 engine. He replaced the spark plugs at around 110,000 miles and experienced no issues removing the old plugs, nor installing the new ones. He drives his rig year round in all kinds of weather including some wintery salted roads. So the corrosion factor is there too.

Col. Klink · 04-13-2023, 10:53 PM

A 2004 should be fine, keeping in mind that the chassis on an RV is usually 1 year older or in this case a 2003. I had a 2003 regular cutaway van V10 and it had the good spark plugs.