There were reports of guys blowing the spark plugs out but I think that is all hype. Probably a few idiots cranked down on the wrench and stripped the threads then popped the plugs. The diesel would be my first choice in any truck but the Ford V-10 has good power and torque and has proven itself a reliable bullet proof power plant. And with the prices of diesels going up and up along with the fuel I will consider a V-10 on my next F-350 purchase.
Chris
Chris, give it a break, it's more than just a rumor. Take the blue oval sunglasses off, read this article and tell us "it's just a rumor"
Everyone knows Ford didn't machine enough threads in the head for the spark plugs.
A Reputation Wrecked
The mighty F-series once enjoyed a reputation as solid work trucks that were dependable and capable of almost any task.
Ford truck owners, however, continue to tell ConsumerAffairs.com that the V-10 and 5.4 liter Triton V-8 are so poorly designed that the spark plug in the number three cylinder of both engines can -- and often does -- blow right out of its socket.
Some Ford truck owners have experienced the problem more than once. Some have replaced the expensive all-aluminum cylinder head only to have the plug blow out again down the road. Others have had the same problem in more than one vehicle.
"I have a 1999 F-150 and just blew a second spark plug on December 31, 2005 while traveling to Nevada," Paul wrote. "I was shocked to learn that my truck will cost $2,800 per head."
Ford refuses to stand behind the product, even when the owner has purchased the expensive extended warranty. Ford insists the problem is with the spark plug and says that spark plugs are not covered by the extended warranty.
Todd heard that explanation from his Ford
dealer in Ohio.
"The local Ford dealer told me that there is no problem with the design and my extended warranty does not cover spark plugs so it would cost me $3,850 to put a new head in," Todd wrote. "What I do not understand is the fact that the spark plug did not break, it blew out of my engine! How is that not covered?"
Groovy? Not Quite
Mechanics who have worked on Ford engines damaged by blown spark plugs say there are too few threads machined into the number three cylinder spark plug hole inside the aluminum cylinder head.
The mechanics report that there are sometimes as few as three revolutions of grooves and that is probably not enough to hold the plugs when they are under stress.
"I have a 2000 Ford F-150 5.4 Triton with approx 85,000 miles on it," John wrote us from California. "It has launched a spark plug from the right rear cylinder and there are no threads left."
Ford dealerships are charging between $2,000 and $5,000 to repair the damage caused by the blown spark plug, according to consumer information and complaints.
Despite a
petition detailing the issue, federal regulators at the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration have declined to address the problem.
Other than to deny the warranty claims, Ford has no comment on the issue either.
A federally mandated recall would have devastating financial implications for Ford because 17 million SUVs, pickups,
Crown Victorias and Mustangs are potentially involved.
Recalling the vehicles to fix the cylinder heads would generate the largest, most labor intensive and perhaps most expensive recall in automotive history.
Source: Consumer Affairs. com
