Does anyone know for sure when the plug issue was resolved?
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Freshman User
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From: northern mn
Does anyone know for sure when the plug issue was resolved?
I've read up a bit on the spitting spark plug problem and am hoping to avoid experiencing the problem. Our travel-loving, trailer-toting, larger-than-normal family (with loveable kids who none of us would like to see stranded 
) is in the market for a previously enjoyed e350 extended van with the v10. The problem is that we're not sure what model year gets us over that threat. Buying used seems tricky with this issue. Anyone have concrete information on what we should avoid. When was the issue fixed? Would VIN numbers help us dechipher if the engine is a keeper?
Any info would be a great help... including other mechanical issues that we should be aware of.
Thanks!
) is in the market for a previously enjoyed e350 extended van with the v10. The problem is that we're not sure what model year gets us over that threat. Buying used seems tricky with this issue. Anyone have concrete information on what we should avoid. When was the issue fixed? Would VIN numbers help us dechipher if the engine is a keeper? Any info would be a great help... including other mechanical issues that we should be aware of.
Thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Here it is again:
December 1996 - 4.6L 4V alignment feature added
February 1997 - 4.6L 2V head alignment feature added
September 2000 - WEP (Windsor Engine Plant) 2V head alignment feature modified (4.6/5.4/6.8)
November 2002 - WEP introduced long thread heads on 2V (all)
May 2003 - REP (Romeo Engine Plant) introduced long-thread heads on 4V 4.6 and 5.4
November 2003 - REP introduced long-thread heads on 2V and modified alignment feature
What that means is, the best V10's to buy were manufactured approximately November 2002 and up.
The 3-valve cured the plug spitting problem. It created a plug-removal problem - as in, getting them out sometimes screwed up the threads on the way out
But that was a service procedure change, nothing more. I think the cure was to make sure the motor was warm before removing them ...
December 1996 - 4.6L 4V alignment feature added
February 1997 - 4.6L 2V head alignment feature added
September 2000 - WEP (Windsor Engine Plant) 2V head alignment feature modified (4.6/5.4/6.8)
November 2002 - WEP introduced long thread heads on 2V (all)
May 2003 - REP (Romeo Engine Plant) introduced long-thread heads on 4V 4.6 and 5.4
November 2003 - REP introduced long-thread heads on 2V and modified alignment feature
What that means is, the best V10's to buy were manufactured approximately November 2002 and up.
The 3-valve cured the plug spitting problem. It created a plug-removal problem - as in, getting them out sometimes screwed up the threads on the way out
But that was a service procedure change, nothing more. I think the cure was to make sure the motor was warm before removing them ...
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Freshman User
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From: northern mn
That was very helpful. Thanks. So, if I'm understanding this properly, all engines made at the Windsor plant after November 2002 should be ok. Did the Romeo engine plant make 6.8 engines also? If so, can you tell by the VIN which plant made the engine?
Also, when did the 3-valve engine come online? Is there any real difference (pro/con) between the 2-valve (after Nov 2002) and the 3-valve? All this info will go into the filter as we try to figure out which model year used e350 to pursue.
Thanks again!
Also, when did the 3-valve engine come online? Is there any real difference (pro/con) between the 2-valve (after Nov 2002) and the 3-valve? All this info will go into the filter as we try to figure out which model year used e350 to pursue.
Thanks again!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
V10's are Windsor plant only.
E350's, I do not think, ever came with the 3-valve anyway, so that's a moot point
But the 3-valve did put out a lot more power, and something like an extra 40 ft/lbs.
E350's, I do not think, ever came with the 3-valve anyway, so that's a moot point
But the 3-valve did put out a lot more power, and something like an extra 40 ft/lbs.
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Freshman User
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From: northern mn
How can one tell the engine manufacture date? There are some 2002 e350s out there. Is there a way to tell if the engine is post Nov 02? Or is it just best to look at 2003+ models?
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On my truck, there is a tag on the drivers side valve cover that shows the build date. I would imagine that it's on the van motor too, just not as easy to see.
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Freshman User
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From: northern mn
So, when you say "November 2002 for a manufacture date is way into the 2003 model year", are you saying that almost all 2003 models are safe... or are you saying stay away from 2003 models altogether for something newer? The reason we're trying to boil the info down is because we live pretty remote. We're a bit challenged in finding an E350 v10 15 passenger van way up here in northern Minnesota. So likely anything we look at is going to be online... not the greatest way to shop... I know. But we can't afford new or almost new.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the help.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
What I'm saying is, early 2003's are not long-thread. Model year 2003 started, what, August 2002?
You really need to check the manufacture date. If you're interested in a van, ask the owner for the manufacture date.
Now, I'm going to say something that may or may not make you happier And, I'm sure it is going to be controversial to a degree.
DO NOT WORRY about buying an earlier V10. According to what I posted, Ford made a concerted effort to make sure the plugs were installed and torqued correctly at the factory in September 2000. My V10 was manufactured in September 2000. Too close to call. But, I did change all the plugs on my own, and each one came out with the same effort, and no damaged threads. But I also didn't leave them in there for 100K - I had 5 years and only 20K miles, but I changed them anyway because of the corrosion possible over 5 years. No issues.
Flame suit on
So, if it comes down to a model-year 2001 or 2002 that you like, get it.
You really need to check the manufacture date. If you're interested in a van, ask the owner for the manufacture date.
Now, I'm going to say something that may or may not make you happier
And, I'm sure it is going to be controversial to a degree.DO NOT WORRY about buying an earlier V10. According to what I posted, Ford made a concerted effort to make sure the plugs were installed and torqued correctly at the factory in September 2000. My V10 was manufactured in September 2000. Too close to call. But, I did change all the plugs on my own, and each one came out with the same effort, and no damaged threads. But I also didn't leave them in there for 100K - I had 5 years and only 20K miles, but I changed them anyway because of the corrosion possible over 5 years. No issues.
Flame suit on
So, if it comes down to a model-year 2001 or 2002 that you like, get it.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
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From: Pa
Originally Posted by krewat
What I'm saying is, early 2003's are not long-thread. Model year 2003 started, what, August 2002?
You really need to check the manufacture date. If you're interested in a van, ask the owner for the manufacture date.
Now, I'm going to say something that may or may not make you happier And, I'm sure it is going to be controversial to a degree.
DO NOT WORRY about buying an earlier V10. According to what I posted, Ford made a concerted effort to make sure the plugs were installed and torqued correctly at the factory in September 2000. My V10 was manufactured in September 2000. Too close to call. But, I did change all the plugs on my own, and each one came out with the same effort, and no damaged threads. But I also didn't leave them in there for 100K - I had 5 years and only 20K miles, but I changed them anyway because of the corrosion possible over 5 years. No issues.
Flame suit on
So, if it comes down to a model-year 2001 or 2002 that you like, get it.
You really need to check the manufacture date. If you're interested in a van, ask the owner for the manufacture date.
Now, I'm going to say something that may or may not make you happier
And, I'm sure it is going to be controversial to a degree.DO NOT WORRY about buying an earlier V10. According to what I posted, Ford made a concerted effort to make sure the plugs were installed and torqued correctly at the factory in September 2000. My V10 was manufactured in September 2000. Too close to call. But, I did change all the plugs on my own, and each one came out with the same effort, and no damaged threads. But I also didn't leave them in there for 100K - I had 5 years and only 20K miles, but I changed them anyway because of the corrosion possible over 5 years. No issues.
Flame suit on
So, if it comes down to a model-year 2001 or 2002 that you like, get it.
Last edited by dkf; Feb 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM.
