I think I may have posted this in the wrong forum, but did get a nice response, now that I have found the V10 forum and searched through some of the threads I still am a bit confused: Original Post:
Newbie here, looking for a truck. I have been looking at various age F350 V10s. I have had numerous people say "run" as they blow spark plugs. Now with most things there are misconceptions/misinformation, though I have seen some V10 bashing associated with spark plugs blowing out. I have also heard 3 valves took care of this in @2005 model years, once again real info or?. I searched the site but can't seem to come up with my main questions:
Is a V10 reliable and what years should I consider and/or which are problematic?
Thanks much!
So, my use would be considered medium duty, looking for F350 Crewcab, 8'box. I see some threads with regard to ball joints (good to know) piston slap and gear ratios, all good to know, still concerned as to what year should I be looking for, 2005 and up?
Thanks!!!!

 

I posted this reply over in the SD forum too but I'll post it here as well for any other newbies that may be reading.

There isn't a single year V10 I'd tell someone that wants one to stay away from. I love my 99 even though it has the least power and is at risk for spark plug blowout. The risk for that is only as big as you make it. With proper care you'll probably never blow one. I have over 130k and almost spit one but its been good for about 10k now.

99s don't have PI heads
00-02 have PI heads but still at risk for plug blowout
03-04 have PI heads and addressed the issue with the plugs
05-current have 3V heads and no issues with the plugs

I've never driven one but I hear that the 05+ are an incredible difference from previous years thanks to the TorqShift tranny and the 3V motor.

 

Thanks, that is short and sweet and the answer I was looking for!
I have my eye on an 2004 F350 but it has a short box, your answer puts it back in the running but I am holding out for an 8 foot box.
Thanks again!

 

I posted an initial reply over on the thread you posted in the general Super Duty forum, but one thing that you may want to take into consideration, if you are not already, are some of the product line changes through the years. In particular, the 2005 and newer Super Duties have a few advantages over their older brethren. These changes include coil-sprung front ends which drastically reduced the turning radius, and larger disc brakes on all four corners. And, if you are doing some medium- to heavy-duty towing, the newer model years also have the TowCommand system as an option.

Good luck!

 

Just purchased a 2000 F350 4x4 auto, crew cab, short bed with 115k. I wanted a long bed for the increased fuel tank…but after months of looking jumped on the short bed with low mileage and great shape. Agree with the other comments…not a bad year to stay away from. If money is NOT an issue I’m sure you’ll find something quick. However, be prepared to travel to find your V10 beauty. Less then 10% of Super Duties built were V10 and most of those <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:PersonName>work</st1:PersonName> trucks. Also be prepared to compromise on some things. I was determined to find nice truck, good price, and low miles, with 4.30 gears. I learned quickly that criteria was too tight and might have past up a few nice trucks. Expand your search area and good luck.

 

A 2003 or 2004 2-valver has the long-thread heads which greatly reduced the spark plug blowout issue, even though there are PLENTY of earlier V10's here that never had a problem.

The 2005-up 3-valvers have their own issues - you can't get the plugs OUT - so you're still going to have to maintain them. A 30K or 2-3 year maintenance interval is still a good idea.

 

My 2003 does NOT have the longer threads, it has 4 threads. It does have i believe what krewat has eluded to as the alignment feature.

 

Found a 2005 F250 Crewcab, V10, 4x4, short-box (darn still like 8') the kicker here is it has under 10K on it! Carfax checks out, going to go look in the morning!

 

under 10K orignal miles ???

that seems hard to beleive...





i'd go over that one with a fine tooth comb and even hit a Ford dealer with the VIN for a Oasis report to dble check if it has warrenty work higher then the indicated milage...

 

Thanks for the info on an Oasis Report, I did not know such a thing existed. After looking at the truck, if I am still interested I won't be that far from a Ford dealership, sounds like an oasis report would/could be the prudent route.
Old Dog learns new trick!

 

Truck checks out, now has 13K miles on it as they have started driving it. It is a Harley model....didn't know there were so many options...like wow...the V10 sits there and purrs like a kitten, can't say I have every seen a motor sit and idle so smooth, no shake no shimmy...the ride rivals the current 2006 Chevy 2500 diesel I drive for work, a little stiffer but impressed. The price is firm ( I tried !) at private seller, excellent, blue book $$$. Still a short box so decided to sleep on it and wait until Monday but I already know the answer, if not sold Monday, I'll be a part of the Ford family...better yet the wife says go for it....after almost 34 years we finally agree on something Kind of feel like I'm waiting for Christmas morning as a youngster....let ya know how this turns out....thanks for all the input!

 

Don't wait...buy it!

 

you really can't go wrong with a superduty. I've had my 2000 F-250 for 2 yrs now. I just rolled over 200,000 miles on it a month ago. I've replaced the O2 sensor and a vacuum line....thats it! the V-10 tows really well and is a solid engine. not to mention the body itself has held up very well. even the interior is still in great condition. the worst I had to replace was the front wheel hub bearing, which cost $200. I bought it for $7500 and never once regretted it.

 

sounds like a rare gem...

if u buy it be sure to post up pics..

 

Don't wait until Monday to buy this truck go buy the truck now. I purchased a 2005 F-350 V10 dually in July and couldn't be happier. Towing my toy hauler trailer with this truck is a dream. Plenty of power to get up the hills and the built in brake controller is GREAT!!

Go get the truck and don't look back you'll be happy.