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rv:van_issues [2020/11/24 15:02]
frater_secessus [RAM Promaster]
rv:van_issues [2021/12/16 19:19]
princess_fluffypants [Ford E-Series]
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   * ball joint failure   * ball joint failure
   * leaking cylinder head gasket   * leaking cylinder head gasket
 +  * HVAC Blower motor problems
 +    * The blower motor resistor will fail every 3-4 years. Symptom is that the HVAC fan only works on one speed (usually high).  Replacing it is cheap and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzQllt2MAwQ|takes ~45 minutes]].
   * 1997-2008 2-valve Triton engines may experience the  spark plug ejection issue((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues))    * 1997-2008 2-valve Triton engines may experience the  spark plug ejection issue((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)) 
-  * 2004-2011 3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)),((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hw888i/2010_ford_e350_life_expectancy/fyy5uh8/))  +  * 2004-2011 3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)),((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hw888i/2010_ford_e350_life_expectancy/fyy5uh8/)) 
 +    * Note that the 3-Valve engine was only ever installed in the Pickup Trucks, and was never installed in the Econoline Vans. All van engines are 2-valve.  
   * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf))  Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure.    * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf))  Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure. 
   * 5.4 Tritons can experience oil pan gasket leaks.  The part costs ~$20 but replacement runs about $1000, due to requirement to lift the engine.    * 5.4 Tritons can experience oil pan gasket leaks.  The part costs ~$20 but replacement runs about $1000, due to requirement to lift the engine. 
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   * The International VT365 (rebadged as Ford 6.0 L PowerStroke) found in 2003-2010 model year Ford E-Series vans/chassis was problematic.(("has the reputation as being the worst diesel engine ever put into a pickup truck". https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f0jzbt/is_it_a_bad_idea_to_get_a_diesel_van/fgweslt/))   * The International VT365 (rebadged as Ford 6.0 L PowerStroke) found in 2003-2010 model year Ford E-Series vans/chassis was problematic.(("has the reputation as being the worst diesel engine ever put into a pickup truck". https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f0jzbt/is_it_a_bad_idea_to_get_a_diesel_van/fgweslt/))
   * 1996-2001 2v Tritons may have a nylon intake manifold that can crack and leak.((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Intake_manifold_defect))   * 1996-2001 2v Tritons may have a nylon intake manifold that can crack and leak.((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Intake_manifold_defect))
 +  * 2011 - 2013 5.4L 2V and 6.8L 2V Engine – Excessive Engine Oil Consumption (valve seals)((https://ford.oemdtc.com/2278/5-4l-2v-and-6-8l-2v-engine-excessive-engine-oil-consumption-2011-2013-ford-e-series))
 +
 +
 + The 6.0L and 6.4L diesel engines are ticking time bombs of catastrophic failures. These engines should be avoided at all costs, no matter how inexpensive the van is. $5,000+ repair bills are to be expected especially on vans that spent a lot of time idling (ambulances), or once they get above 120,000 miles. (The 7.3L diesel engine, by comparison, is arguably one of the most reliable engines ever put into a Ford commercial vehicle and can reliably last for 500,000+ miles)
 +
 +The 4R70E 4-spd transmission (found behind the 4.6L V-8 gas engine from 2002-2005) is weak. They're fine for light duty, but cannot handle a lot of weight. It's advised to not tow more than a few thousand pounds with them, and keep your interior build-out lightweight. The E4OD (found behind the larger gas engines of the 90s and early 2000s) and 4R100 are acceptably durable, while the 5R110W (optional for the 5.4L V-8 and standard for the 6.8L V-10) is preferred if you've got a very heavy build or are towing.
 +
 +The E-150 vans were very under-built for their weight spec, and eat brake and suspension components regularly. The E-250 and E-350 vans are much tougher, and are generally recommended if you're doing all but the most minimal metal-tent usage.
 +
 +The blower motor controller (for the interior HVAC system) will fail every few years. The replacement part costs $75 and takes 45 minutes to install.
 +
 +The vans are prone to rust, especially if used in colder climates with salted roads. It is highly recommended to seek vans from southwestern/desert areas.
 +
 +The modern gas engines (4.6L V-8, 5.3L V-8, and 6.8L V-10) had very weak spark plug threads and were extremely easy to strip out. And because they couldn't be torqued into the cylinder head very tightly, it wasn't uncommon for the spark plugs to work their way loose and eventually be fired out of the engine with enough force to leave dents in the bottom of the hood. This was mitigated in the last generation (2008), however replacing spark plugs on these engines is still a delicate process and should ALWAYS be done using a very accurate torque wrench. Spark plugs should be torqued to the Ford specification AND NOT A SINGLE INCH-POUND FURTHER. 
 ===== Ford Transit ===== ===== Ford Transit =====
  
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   * [[rv:ford_transit#known_issues|windshield gutter runoff can flood airbox]] -- [[https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/my-turd-ecu-plug-cover.78812/post-1035547|workaround]].   * [[rv:ford_transit#known_issues|windshield gutter runoff can flood airbox]] -- [[https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/my-turd-ecu-plug-cover.78812/post-1035547|workaround]].
   * speed sensor failure causes limp mode   * speed sensor failure causes limp mode
-  * water can drain on ECU plug; diverter installed at some point per Customer Satisfaction Program 15B39. [[https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/my-turd-ecu-plug-cover.78812/#post-1035483"Workaround]] using iced tea jug.+  * water can drain on ECU plug; diverter installed at some point per Customer Satisfaction Program 15B39. [[https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/my-turd-ecu-plug-cover.78812/#post-1035483|Workaround]] using iced tea jug.
   * cabin leak near passenger footwell   * cabin leak near passenger footwell
   * transmission solenoid failure (SSM 45065) requires removal of transmission.    * transmission solenoid failure (SSM 45065) requires removal of transmission. 
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   * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]]   * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]]
   * 2014 model known for squeaking brakes, sticking parking brake   * 2014 model known for squeaking brakes, sticking parking brake
-  * short headlight life (low beam).  TSB 08-106-17 says to replace with [[https://amzn.to/2Rp4pys|L0000H7SLL Super Long Life headlamp bulbs]]+  * short headlight life (low beam).  TSB 08-106-17 says to replace with [[https://amzn.to/2Rp4pys|L0000H7SLL Super Long Life headlamp bulbs]]  Also see [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/headlamp-adjustment.55922/post-663353|this comment]] about proper alignment in the sockets.
   * marker lights leaking   * marker lights leaking
   * P0750 transmission code may be from the solenoid pack, which [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/transmission-failure-kinda.65425/#post-450321|can be replaced without removing the transmission]].   * P0750 transmission code may be from the solenoid pack, which [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/transmission-failure-kinda.65425/#post-450321|can be replaced without removing the transmission]].
   * the small bolts on the intake plenum can rust and seize.((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/rusted-intake-plenum-manifold-bolts.87023/post-674445))  Solutions include waterproofing the bolts or cutting and installing an engine cover((Part number 04861773AA)).    * the small bolts on the intake plenum can rust and seize.((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/rusted-intake-plenum-manifold-bolts.87023/post-674445))  Solutions include waterproofing the bolts or cutting and installing an engine cover((Part number 04861773AA)). 
 +  * a plywood or other load-spreading subfloor should be installed to prevent fatigue to metal floor.  At least two cases of floor damage have been reported when the floor was repeatedly flexed in the same area.
  
   * the odometer cannot record more than 1 million kilometers (~620,000 miles)((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/replaced-ecm-on-2014-pm-3500-3-6-with-620k.92394/))   * the odometer cannot record more than 1 million kilometers (~620,000 miles)((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/replaced-ecm-on-2014-pm-3500-3-6-with-620k.92394/))
rv/van_issues.txt · Last modified: 2024/03/31 15:03 by princess_fluffypants