Looking at excursion with v10 need advice
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Island KY
Looking at excursion with v10 need advice
I'm looking at picking up a excursion this spring and most of the ones I'm seeing are v10. I've never had an excursion or a v10 and looking at advice on the v10 engine as far as are they reliable and will they go 200,000 miles and what is the common problems with them. I"ve owned powerstrokes before but not a v10 just needing it as a daily driver and to pull my 21 ski boat on weekends.Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2011
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Coil on Plugs may need replacing. I just got a V10 and it needed new coils. I replaced all ten of them.
I have heard horror stories about spark plugs blowing out of the earlier V10's due to not enough threads or something like that. Point is if you have an early V10 make sure that the plugs are torqued down properly.
I've heard the studs that hold the manifolds on to the engine like to break. If you plan on adding headers that is a great time to fix that.
Over all this a solid engine. I expect to get a lot of solid service out of it.
I have heard horror stories about spark plugs blowing out of the earlier V10's due to not enough threads or something like that. Point is if you have an early V10 make sure that the plugs are torqued down properly.
I've heard the studs that hold the manifolds on to the engine like to break. If you plan on adding headers that is a great time to fix that.
Over all this a solid engine. I expect to get a lot of solid service out of it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
A well cared for V10 should take you +300K. Common problems were with the early years 2000-2002 spitting spark plugs. You can read up on that here and on the V10 forum.
Other problems are with a failing COP (coil over plug) it acts like all sorts of other problems but it is easy to test and fix, just replace one at at time with a single good one and you'll know it when you hit the bad one.
Exhaust manifold bolts break and cause exhaust leaks/ticks. They can be a bear to replace but the can be checked easily from underneath the truck. (search the v10 forum for more info)
Other than that, I can't think of any other common issues with the 6.8L. I'll let others chime in next...
Other problems are with a failing COP (coil over plug) it acts like all sorts of other problems but it is easy to test and fix, just replace one at at time with a single good one and you'll know it when you hit the bad one.
Exhaust manifold bolts break and cause exhaust leaks/ticks. They can be a bear to replace but the can be checked easily from underneath the truck. (search the v10 forum for more info)
Other than that, I can't think of any other common issues with the 6.8L. I'll let others chime in next...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A well cared for V10 should take you +300K. Common problems were with the early years 2000-2002 spitting spark plugs. You can read up on that here and on the V10 forum.
Other problems are with a failing COP (coil over plug) it acts like all sorts of other problems but it is easy to test and fix, just replace one at at time with a single good one and you'll know it when you hit the bad one.
Exhaust manifold bolts break and cause exhaust leaks/ticks. They can be a bear to replace but the can be checked easily from underneath the truck. (search the v10 forum for more info)
Other than that, I can't think of any other common issues with the 6.8L. I'll let others chime in next...
Other problems are with a failing COP (coil over plug) it acts like all sorts of other problems but it is easy to test and fix, just replace one at at time with a single good one and you'll know it when you hit the bad one.
Exhaust manifold bolts break and cause exhaust leaks/ticks. They can be a bear to replace but the can be checked easily from underneath the truck. (search the v10 forum for more info)
Other than that, I can't think of any other common issues with the 6.8L. I'll let others chime in next...
X2..... But I'm at 195k on original cop's...I purchased 10 new at 135k miles and never installed them.
Never have had a problem with plugs.
Had a few Manifold bolt snap off, I installed headers when I had that taken care of.
Agree, a well maintained V10 should go 300plus.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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I have a 2000 Ex with the V-10, I have an 8" lift with 37's, even with the 3;73 gearing it has a lot of power. My buddy scared me off the V-10s due to the spark plug issues, but another buddy who works at a ford dealership said he had only seen 2 have that issue in the 7 years he's been working there, and he's a chevy guy so he wouldnt make that up! LOL. Ive seen a lot of guys go over 200,000 miles easily and most of them towed some sort of trailer. theres my 2cents!
Posting Guru
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From: Southwest VA
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: North of Williamsport, PA
My 2003 4x4 Limited only has 80,000 miles and I like it. Pulling a 21ft boat is a bit overkill! I tow a 29ft Sea Ray Sundancer coming in at 10,000lbs plus. No issues so far. I tow my 23ft boat with my 4L V6 OHC '98 Explorer, Mike.
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New User
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I was in the same boat as you. I could not make my mind up if I wanted a diesel or the v10. Well I decided on the V10 last week and loving every bit of it. It is lifted with 35 nitto grapplers and it has plenty of power. Now the gas mileage is not that great. 9-11 city 11-13 highway but look what it is. I bought it for my wife and almost have more fun driving it than my 550 horse Mach 1!!
By looking at all the research on here, all you need to do is regular maintenance it should last a easy 300,000 miles.
By looking at all the research on here, all you need to do is regular maintenance it should last a easy 300,000 miles.
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
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I bought a 2003 4x4 V10 and love it. My neighbor has a 7.3 and I can hear him 2 blocks away. Yes better mileage but it is a second car for me so I am not driving it all the time. 105k miles and runs great except for springs which will be replaced tomorrow.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 2
From: Summit, MS
I'm looking at picking up a excursion this spring and most of the ones I'm seeing are v10. I've never had an excursion or a v10 and looking at advice on the v10 engine as far as are they reliable and will they go 200,000 miles and what is the common problems with them. I"ve owned powerstrokes before but not a v10 just needing it as a daily driver and to pull my 21 ski boat on weekends.Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
I bought my 2000 with 93k on the odo. I'm at 105 now and just did the V/B spring swap (make that a high priority mod if it is still on the stock springs). I have literally 0 motor issues so far. I've heard of the spark plug issue, but it supposedly happened on the 5.4s as well and I clocked 140k on my Expedition with no plug issues, so I think those horror stories may be a bit overblown.
Be sure to check your potential Excursion for the exhaust manifold bolts, sagging front springs (<2" between bump stop and spring) and leaks on the undercarriage and if all pans out, you'll have a great tow vehicle and a comfy daily driver.
Be sure to check your potential Excursion for the exhaust manifold bolts, sagging front springs (<2" between bump stop and spring) and leaks on the undercarriage and if all pans out, you'll have a great tow vehicle and a comfy daily driver.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
Love mine - no major issues at all. I had several exhaust studs broken off and I took care of those and used exhaust bolts instead after removing all of the originals. The drivetrain is very solid as is the rest of the truck. Basic maintenance will be all you need to do. The Ex wont even know that boat is behind you!
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Island KY
Thanks guys, yea it is overkill for a 21ft boat. I"m pulling it now with my wifes 02 4.0 explorer and it does fine but the explorer has 222,xxx miles on it and I"m about ready to retire it. Thought the excursion would pull anything I need to and have room for the kids on road trips. I sold my f350 so thought this would serve as a dual purpose vehicle. Looks like a v10 excursion is in my near future. Thanks