Differences

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--- rv:van_issues [2020/12/06 19:33]
frater_secessus [Ford E-Series]
+++ rv:van_issues [2021/12/16 19:25]
princess_fluffypants [Ford E-Series]
@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
   * ball joint failure
   * leaking cylinder head gasket
-  * 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))
+  * HVAC Blower motor problems
-  * 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/))
+    * 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]].
-  * 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.
+  * 1997-2008 2-valve Triton engines may experience the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues|spark plug ejection issue]]((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/))
-  * 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.
+    * This applies to the 4.6L V-8, 5.4L V-8, and 6.8L V-10.
+  * 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.
+    * While these 3-valve engines were never installed in the vans, similar problems are reported on the 2-valve and the recommended change procedure still applies
+  * 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.
+  * 4R70E 4-spd transmission (found behind the 4.6L V-8 gas engine from 2002-2005)
+    * While it's reliable enough in light duty usage, the transmission is generally "weak" and under-sized for the load application.  It's advised to never tow more than 4,000lbs with this transmission, and to keep build-outs as lightweight as possible.
   * 2005 – 2006 E-150 w/4R75E((4spd auto that came with 4.2L, 4.6L, & 5.4L)) Transmission can experience slipping. Replace forward clutch drum and update ECU with program 06B06.
   * sticking solenoid regulator on 4R100((4spd auto in heavy duty 1997–2004 models)) Transmission (P0715, P0716 & P0717)
@@ Line 110: / Line 117: @@
   * 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 =====
@@ Line 217: / Line 237: @@
   * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]]
   * 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
   * 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)).
+  * 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/))

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