Hello all,
You may think I'm nuts but I picked up a '99 F-250 Lariat SC 4x4, in pristine condition for way cheap (7k under kelly bb)but it has 100k on it. Now I'm not too scared about the mileage since it had all the service records and with the $$ I saved I can afford a rebuild on a tranny or block. But I have some questions on the V10 since I have been reading the problems people have.

1.Since the motor has reached this point (100k) w/o the piston slap problem or a plug blowing out am I out of the woods as far as these go?

2.After reading all I can on the plug blowouts it appears it may be caused by a mis-threaded plug on change or from bad machining when built. I want to replace them myself now so there is only me to blame if a mis-thread occurs. Now these plugs look way different just looking at the top end, any special procedures here? What is the box looking thing on top of them??

3.I eventually want to put on a Banks system but have some concern about a header on an aluminum head, will this cause excess heat buildup that could lead to a head problem - spark plug blowing or other??

4.Finally, has anyone heard of issues on the V10 after it reaches high mileage like specific wear patterns or common breakage points?

An answer to any or all these questions would be much appreciated. I am going from a Ford 4.0 V6 that has 200k and is as tight and strong as day one, and hoping that this baby will do the same. I'm just a little concerned about this plug business and the fact that the design is relatively new.

BTW - The truck is awesome so far, no oil consumption, no vibrations or rattles, drives and rides like brand new!

 

I wouldn't be afraid of 100K either as I expect my V-10 to go 200+. Just like all my Fords before have gone. I drive alot, 40-60K a year. You sound like you do also so you must have good maintenance habits as I do. There's no substitute for new oil every 3-5K. Trannys are the same, they need it too, as do radiators, rear-ends, master cylinders and power steering pumps. As far as headers on an aluminum head, I would think the extra scavenging effect of headers would allow your heads to run cooler than with the stock cast iron manifolds that hold in heat. I think there's been 3 or 4 posts here of plugs blowing out but I read them before I bot my V-10, and it didn't stop me. I grew up around motorcycles w/aluminum heads, and they were forever getting stripped threads and such. Technology has come a long way in the past couple of decades, enjoy your 'new' V-10. You've made the right choice, Ken. 98 E-350 Club Wagon V-10 E4OD 15 pass.

 

Welcome to the site & congrats on your truck!

>1.Since the motor has reached this point (100k) w/o the
>piston slap problem or a plug blowing out am I out of the
>woods as far as these go?
>
I'd say yes- until you change the plugs.

>2.After reading all I can on the plug blowouts it appears it
>may be caused by a mis-threaded plug on change or from bad
>machining when built. I want to replace them myself now so
>there is only me to blame if a mis-thread occurs. Now these
>plugs look way different just looking at the top end, any
>special procedures here? What is the box looking thing on
>top of them??
>
The "box" on each plug is actually the coil for that plug. It should unplug by lifting straight up. To change the plugs, you'll need several lengths of extensions, probably a universal joint (or two), and it helps to be double-jointed. :P

>3.I eventually want to put on a Banks system but have some
>concern about a header on an aluminum head, will this cause
>excess heat buildup that could lead to a head problem -
>spark plug blowing or other??
>
The cast manifold has very little contact with the head. So, all the heat from the port is concentrated around the port. Headers with a solid flange should, IMO, distribute the heat better. The Banks headers have a nice 5/8" thick flange that should resists warping and work better to prevent hot-spots. Lots of RV'ers running them with no reports of problems. I have the full Powerpack on my truck & love it.

>4.Finally, has anyone heard of issues on the V10 after it
>reaches high mileage like specific wear patterns or common
>breakage points?
>
I've heard nothing about high-mileage problems.

As an FYI, the V10 engine has been around since 1997. It was originally used in the Econoline vans and made its way into the trucks in '99 when the new SuperDuty came out. So it's a well-tested design and a good engine.

 

Thanks for the replies!

Yes, I am a maintenance freak with my trucks, everyone is shocked when they learn my little Navajo (2dr Exploder) has 200k with the stock motor and tranny but that is what regualr maintenance does. Now it gets rewarded with being my Colorado rock crawler.

I ended up reading a bunch about the Banks powerpack and decided that is the way to go. I am impressed with their philosophy of air first then fuel in order to increase engine longevity which is what I am all about. I also think you guys are on the right track telling me the heads will actually be cooler as a result of the Banks headers.

NoMo, You said you have the powerpack system on your V10 and love it. Did you get the module and trans command as well?

Looking forward to 200+k on my newest black beauty!

 

No, just the Powerpack. I don't think the Ottomind chip is worth the $$ and my tranny seems to shift pretty good- not crisp though. I'd recommend looking at a Superchip to increase power and improve shifts.

 

Yup, a good chip will definitely help that tranny shift like it means it. It's one of the biggest reasons I'm going to chip my E-350, along with adding a little giddy-up and go with the trailer on the back.

 

IMO a chip is very important with headers when you are worried about
heat. The scavenging effect can lean out the intake charge. An engine
running lean will run a LOT hotter.

If you use a chip to richen up the fuel mixture, I can believe you
could run cooler than stock. Ford uses extra fuel to cool some systems from the factory.

-Jim

 

I hope it gives you good service .
Feel free to keep us up to date concerning your maintenance and Mods.