If want to buy a V10-equipped Ford, then you’ll be glad to learn that this configuration is known for reliability. You can take it around town or on long drives with confidence it will get you where you’re going. That doesn’t mean, however, that it cannot have problems on occasion.
What are the most common Ford V10 problems you should be aware of?
There are several that are good to keep in mind as you look for a car to buy, such as:
- Ejection of the spark plugs
- Engine stalls while driving
- Excessive oil consumption
- No-start issues
Fortunately, you can count on us to go through all the major Ford V10 problems to keep on your radar. With that info, you can search high and low for a vehicle that will suit you best through the years.
The History of This Marvelously Modular Engine
The Ford V10 is a member of the modular family of engines that got its start in 1991. As the name suggests, these engines use a similar overhead cam, small block configuration that allows for the sharing of parts. In addition to their beloved V10, this family has a wide range of eight-cylinder engines in its ranks.
Although the V8 has a lot of power, they needed even more to get their large trucks moving. So, in response, they made the single overhead cam V10 for use in the 1997 model year.
At first, it just appeared in the E- and F-series motorhomes, but soon it was an important part of the 2000 to 2005 Ford Excursion’s build. In 2005, the V10 made an appearance as the powerplant of choice for the E350 and E450 commercial trucks.
A Look at All the Major Ford V10 Problems
Ford V10 problems are common across all years and models, so you have to go beyond that to avoid them. It’s often best to simply remember to look for them as you browse vehicles for sale and skip the ones that have signs of a problem. Here’s a short list of major issues that you can keep with you while you shop.
Spark Plug Ejection
Spark plugs thread into the head to firmly stay in place through the combustion cycle. On the Ford V10, these threads are not strong enough, causing the spark plugs to suddenly eject from the head. The repair involves placement of a threaded insert that’s stronger than stock.
Stalls While Driving
The V10 in the 2000 Ford Excursion can start to run rough for no apparent reason, and then stall while driving. When this occurs, you might hear ticking or knocking noises from the engine bay. In most cases, you’ll need an engine rebuild or replacement to fix the issue.
Consumes a Lot of Oil
The V10 can turn out to be a very thirsty engine as it goes through oil with reckless abandon. The excessive oil consumption often starts at the 100,000-mile mark and gets worse with time. Often, this links back to internal part wear, which requires a rebuild to fix.
Failure to Start
On the 2004 Ford Excursion, the V10 powerplant may refuse to start up on command. The issue often links back to a stuck exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. If that’s not the problem, you may need to have the EGR sensor replaced instead.
