New to the forum so I apologize in advance for any transgressions.

I have a 97 E350 Motorhome with a V10. I'm not sure if it is 2V or 3V. It has 68k miles on it. Runs fine. I'm thinking I should change the plugs - they've been in there 20 years! Given everything I've heard about the 4 thread and soft material issues - I'm afraid to touch them. It's not like a Super Duty where you can get to them easier.

What should I do?

 

Your engine is a 2 valve.

As far as what to do with your plugs;

Do you plan on keeping it long term?

Is there any drivability concerns?

The spark plugs in these engines are not the horror story you may read about online, as long as you follow the torque specs that are needed when replacing them.

If it were mine, I would replace them along with cop boots and not worry about it for another 20 years.

 

Changing them while following the proper procedures should give you a fresh start and lots of time and miles down the road. But at that mileage the plugs should be fine for some more miles, the 20 year old plug boots may be getting a little long in the tooth though, they can develop small cracks over time that will leak voltage out to the head and that can lead to misfires.
Your E-350 should have the removable doghouse in the cab which would make access to the plugs easier than on a pickup.....I think.

 

Thanks for your responses. I'll take a closer look today and see how difficult they are to get to. I never thought about the boots being 20 years old.

My brother suggested I remove one of the easier ones to reach and decide from that.

Paul

 

If you decide to change the boots torque the plugs even if you don't change them.
Can you let us know if any are loose?
When I changed mine at 108k the entire passenger side was a little loose.
I've been running NAPA Belden 702418 or Denso 671-0001 boots/springs with no problems.
On ebay the Beldens are $5.99/ea and the Densos are $29.95/10.

 

I didn't think about re-torquing then. Good idea.

Thanks

 

I'm learning, too.
We bought our 2002 Excur with 104k and blew #3 just before I was going to change them at 108K.
I should have torqued them immediately, didn't realize they were factory originals.
I change plugs,boots,springs at 50k and retorque one more time at 10k.
No more issues so far.