Class C Ford Question

[timswi]

Ok guys, these questions are going to be vague because I don't know much about this RV that me and SHMBO are going to look at.

Her parents neighbor has what I believe is an early 2000's Class C Ford motorhome. From what I've seen, they tend to be V10's or Diesels.

Is there any particular issues with this vintage Ford that I should be concerned about (motor, tranny, ball joints etc).. Can't say much more until I actually look at it up close. From a slight distance it appears mint and the owner is an elderly, retired owner/operator, so I'm assuming it is well cared for based on his other vehicles.

Would just be nice to have a little info of years to avoid if possible. Will post more once I see what he wants for it and just exacly what it is, and if I'm still interested after all of that..

 

[Diamondpilot]

Most around here are NOT Diesel. They tend to be Ford 460 7.5L and 6.8L V-10. The V-10 is a much more powerful motor but the 460 is a good lugger. The 460 will drink gas like a sailor does booze and the V-10 will be slightly better but most don't drive a rig like this enough in a year to offset the initial cost of the diesel.

Like any Ford the motor and tranny are pretty solid pieces. I would look a the problem areas like the front end ball joints, tie rods, ect.

Chris

 

[timswi]

Most around here are NOT Diesel. They tend to be Ford 460 7.5L and 6.8L V-10. The V-10 is a much more powerful motor but the 460 is a good lugger. The 460 will drink gas like a sailor does booze and the V-10 will be slightly better but most don't drive a rig like this enough in a year to offset the initial cost of the diesel.

Like any Ford the motor and tranny are pretty solid pieces. I would look a the problem areas like the front end ball joints, tie rods, ect.

Chris

Thanks, I figure it's not a diesel but there are some of them around here, so I'm not 100% sure.

No bad years for the V10 or the 460?

Will look into the service records, the guy is very honest....That's a good thing.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Could be a diesel, like this one: 2004 Bigfoot 30mh29g, Monument CO - 99230263 - RVTraderonline.com
or this: http://www.rvtraderonline.com/listing/2004-FOREST-RIVER-Forester-2901-Dsl-99400409

 

[PHILIP8N]

The early Ford modular engine family (4.6, 5.4, 6.8) liked to spit out spark plugs due to not enough threads in head. They fixed the problem by adding more meat in head and threads in head in the early 2000's. Look this up for more detail and to get the exact year. These engines are known for their long life, good torque, but not exactly high horsepower/high rpm numbers. Philip.

 

[timswi]

The early Ford modular engine family (4.6, 5.4, 6.8) liked to spit out spark plugs due to not enough threads in head. They fixed the problem by adding more meat in head and threads in head in the early 2000's. Look this up for more detail and to get the exact year. These engines are known for their long life, good torque, but not exactly high horsepower/high rpm numbers. Philip.

I know about the plug thing in the 5.4, but didn't know it was in the 6.8..

 

[Chef Pa]

I know about the plug thing in the 5.4, but didn't know it was in the 6.8..

If I remember correctly I think it was resolved mid '03 but better check. I think it was all modular 6,8,10 cyl and theres a tool/kit out there somewhere too. From what i recall a mechanic telling me, the kit worked about 50% if changing plugs within recommended intervals. If kit didn't work I think the head has to come off. There's full detail in the Ford truck forums, I think in the superduty section.

Greg

 

[Ford tractor]

Motor homes are low use items. They also tend to get less than regular maintenance. I would make the sale contingent upon a mechanical inspection that 100% included changing (or at least removing and replacing) ALL of the spark plugs. Nothing worse than a plug that snaps off while trying to remove it!

 

[PHILIP8N]

If I remember correctly I think it was resolved mid '03 but better check. I think it was all modular 6,8,10 cyl and theres a tool/kit out there somewhere too. From what i recall a mechanic telling me, the kit worked about 50% if changing plugs within recommended intervals. If kit didn't work I think the head has to come off. There's full detail in the Ford truck forums, I think in the superduty section.

Greg

What is a 6 cylinder modular? Philip.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Read all about the modular engines here.

Ford Modular engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I still think the 2V spark plug issue was solved in the very late 1990's or very early 2000's. You should search some Ford truck sites for more information.

Philip.