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rv:ford_e-series [2022/04/06 17:01]
frater_secessus [Known Issues] duplicate content 		rv:ford_e-series [2024/01/02 18:06]
princess_fluffypants [Facts and Figures]
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 === Engines === === Engines ===
  
-All of the gasoline V-6/8/10 engines offered in the later generations of vans were the "2-valve" engine, as opposed to the "3-valve" found in pickup trucks. While they make less power than their truck brethren, they're also generally more reliable as they do not suffer from the cam phaser issues that plagued the 3-valve engines.  See the [[rv:van_issues|Known Issues]] page for more details.+All of the gasoline V-6/8/10 engines offered in the later generations of vans were the "2-valve" engine, as opposed to the "3-valve" found in pickup trucks. While they make less power than their truck brethren, they're more reliable as they do not suffer from the cam phaser issues that plagued the 3-valve engines.  See the [[rv:van_issues|Known Issues]] page for more details.
  
 Depending on the year, the Econoline vans were offered with the following engines: Depending on the year, the Econoline vans were offered with the following engines:
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     * The one you want. Excellent power, good gas milage (20+ mpg). Hard to find in good condition.     * The one you want. Excellent power, good gas milage (20+ mpg). Hard to find in good condition.
   * **6.0L V-8 Diesel** (2004-2010)   * **6.0L V-8 Diesel** (2004-2010)
-    * [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-0l-is-so-unreliable/|A ticking time bomb of failures]]. Multiple $5,000+ repair bills are //guaranteed//. Avoid like the plague. +    * [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-0l-is-so-unreliable/|A ticking time bomb of failures]]. Multiple $5,000+ repair bills are //guaranteed//. Avoid. 
-  * **6.4L V-8 Diesel** (2011-2014) +  * **6.4L V-8 Diesel** 
-    * Slightly less terrible, but still [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|extremely unreliable]] with very expensive failures //that absolutely will happen.//+    * Was never put into vans but can be found in pickup trucks and some RVs. Slightly less bad than the 6.0, but still [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|extremely unreliable]] with very expensive failures //that absolutely will happen.//
  
 === Height === === Height ===
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 **Build Quality.** The vans were built quickly and cheaply, and while the drivetrain and mechanical parts are reliable the interior fit-and-finish leaves a LOT to be desired. Sound deadening/insulation is almost nonexistent. Squeaks, rattles, engine & wind noise are a daily part of life in an E-Series, and while these //can// be mitigated to a limited extent they will never have the tight and quiet feeling of a modern vehicle. The final generation (2009-2014) is //slightly// better but not by much. **Build Quality.** The vans were built quickly and cheaply, and while the drivetrain and mechanical parts are reliable the interior fit-and-finish leaves a LOT to be desired. Sound deadening/insulation is almost nonexistent. Squeaks, rattles, engine & wind noise are a daily part of life in an E-Series, and while these //can// be mitigated to a limited extent they will never have the tight and quiet feeling of a modern vehicle. The final generation (2009-2014) is //slightly// better but not by much.
  
-**Amenities.** There aren't any. Even things like very basic cruise control are a rarity. None came with backup cameras, forget about blind-spot detection or heated seats or power-folding mirrors. Even power seats weren't offered. +**Amenities.** There aren't any. Even things like very basic cruise control are a rarity. None came with backup cameras, forget about things like bluetooth or blind-spot detection or power/heated seats or power-folding mirrors.
  
 The good news is that they're very easy to put aftermarket head units into, so you can at least get some tunes going through the (terrible) speakers that are in the door and no where else. The good news is that they're very easy to put aftermarket head units into, so you can at least get some tunes going through the (terrible) speakers that are in the door and no where else.
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 The vans are not difficult to steal; a flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock.  There's no computer chip in the keys, so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start.  It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]]. The vans are not difficult to steal; a flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock.  There's no computer chip in the keys, so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start.  It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]].
  
-The 4.2L V-6 (used from 1997–2003) is barely able to keep up with traffic, and so under-powered that it's almost dangerous if you have any weight in the van at all. It usually gets //worse// gas mileage than the V-8s, because you're constantly having to floor it just to keep moving.  +The 4.2L V-6 (used from 1997–2003) is barely able to keep up with traffic, and so under-powered that it's almost dangerous if you have any weight in the van. It usually gets //worse// gas mileage than the V-8s, because you're constantly having to floor it just to keep moving.  
  
 The 4.6L and 5.4L V-8s are acceptable, and the 6.8L V-10 is quite potent and makes short work of mountain passes and steep inclines. The 4.6L and 5.4L V-8s are acceptable, and the 6.8L V-10 is quite potent and makes short work of mountain passes and steep inclines.
  
-The 2008 model year (and newer) got //much// better & stronger brakes than prior years.  The 2009+ interiors are a bit more modern feeling as well. +The 2008 model year (and newer) got //much// better brakes than prior years.  The 2009+ interiors are a bit more modern feeling.
 ===CNG/Propane conversions=== ===CNG/Propane conversions===
  
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 Unfortunately, the companies that made these conversion kits are long since out of business which means that spare parts and manuals/support are nonexistent. Plus you're limited to running on Propane/CNG, which is getting harder and harder to find. Unfortunately, the companies that made these conversion kits are long since out of business which means that spare parts and manuals/support are nonexistent. Plus you're limited to running on Propane/CNG, which is getting harder and harder to find.
  
-Converting the vans back to run on gasoline involves replacing the entire intake, fuel system, engine computer and wiring harness. You'd need almost an entire donor van worth of parts to do it, because trying to buy the needed parts one-by-one would bankrupt most small nations.+Converting the vans back to run on gasoline involves replacing the entire intake, fuel system, engine computer and wiring harness. You'd need almost an entire donor van worth of parts to do it, as trying to buy the parts one by one would be prohibitively expensive.
  
 Because of these problems it's generally best to avoid these vans, as they're going to be far more trouble than they're worth. Because of these problems it's generally best to avoid these vans, as they're going to be far more trouble than they're worth.
rv/ford_e-series.txt · Last modified: 2024/01/02 18:11 by princess_fluffypants

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