Ford is one of the most popular car brands in the world which means that they know a thing or two about how to construct an engine. However, all brands have better and worse engines and Ford is no different. In this article, we will discuss the famous Triton V10, an engine praised for durability and longevity, but also an engine that suffers from a few common problems.
The most common Ford V10 engine issues are related to the spark plugs which can sometimes even destroy the engine entirely. Other Ford V10 engine problems are related to the PVC valve hose cracking. When the PVC hose fails, chances are that more serious issues will follow. As such, you ought to react immediately, otherwise, you are risking a much more expensive fix.
The V10 also suffers from exhaust manifold issues in which the exhaust gas could find its way into the cabin. This can be disastrous as exhaust gasses should never be inhaled. We also need to mention engine overheating issues mostly associated with lack of coolant or due to the engine enduring lots of stress over time.
Lastly, we also need to mention issues with engine knocking sounds which are typically caused by contaminated oil and lack of maintenance. All in all, the V10 is a reliable engine and one that can last a really long time if all of these issues are dealt with immediately.
Ford V10 spark plug issues
Pre-2002 Ford V10 truck engines suffer from a well-known spark plug fault in which the spark plugs can shoot through the engine cylinder head. Yes, you read that right, a spark plug can shoot through the cylinder head. This issue is typically associated with a loud bang and an immediate lack of power. These can cause additional damage if you don’t stop and turn off the engine immediately.
However, spark plug-related issues don’t stop there as many sources state that the V10 also suffers from spark plugs actually welding themselves to the head. This issue can potentially be even more serious than the one we mentioned above because it can cost a whole lot of money to fix. As such, be sure to always keep your spark plugs maintained and replaced whenever necessary.
Ford V10 PVC valve hose issues
The PVC (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) hose runs from the right part of the engine compartment all the way to the engine’s intake system. The hose itself is not exactly made out of the most durable materials of all time which means that it can crack or sometimes even completely brake loose. Given the fact that this hose carries toxic exhaust fumes, if it cracks, it’s bad news.
An issue such as this can cause a bunch of issues, both for your engine, and potentially even yourself. Therefore, always keep a sentient eye on the PVC hose and replace it whenever you come across any cracks or damages.
Ford V10 exhaust manifold bolt issues
The Ford V10 exhaust manifold is not necessarily faulty, but the support system that holds the manifold in place is a completely different story. The manifold is held in place by a series of small bolts which tend to deteriorate over time. This can cause exhaust leaks which certainly are problematic.
Not only that these issues can cause your manifold to break loose, but they can also result in toxic fumes entering the passenger compartment. This can cause a bunch of health issues and if you don’t notice it in time, it can also end up tragically.
Ford V10 engine overheating issues
According to a bunch of sources online, the Ford V10 engine is also known to overheat. There are a few potential causes of this issue which means that you should start with checking the coolant levels. Sometimes this engine can leak coolant, and because it is a large engine, it needs lots of coolant, otherwise, it will overheat.
Some owners have complained about the engine overheating due to increased stress. This means that hauling and towing heavy cargo can overheat the engine even if the coolant levels are not in question.
Ford V10 engine knocking sounds issue
Engine oil is a vital component to keeping your engine cool, clean, and properly lubricated. However, the Ford V10 engine is known to suffer from knocking sounds caused by oil-related issues. The reason why this happens is usually associated with the oil becoming contaminated and losing its ability to lubricate properly.
As such, always be sure to change your oil in due time, otherwise an engine as large as this one could fail catastrophically.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford V10 a good engine?
The Ford V10 was first introduced in 1999 and production was stopped 20 years later. With around 360hp and 460lb-ft of torque, the engine was more than plenty for most owners. The engine is typically hailed as one of the coolest Ford truck engines due to its size and power. Moreover, a diesel V10 is not exactly a common sight.
This engine even managed to find its way into a Mustang which was one of the most ambitious Ford projects ever. All in all, the V10 is a good engine, but only if maintained well enough. As such, you need to take care of all of these issues soon enough.
How long can the Ford V10 engine last?
According to multiple online sources, the Ford diesel V10 can last at least 200,000 miles while some examples have gone past 200,000 miles with relative ease. If you take care of the engine properly, there is no reason for the engine not to be able to last more than 200,000 miles.
Why did Ford discontinue the V10 diesel?
The reason why Ford discontinued the V10 diesel is that it wasn’t really feasible compared to newer V6 and V8 engines. It wasn’t the cheapest and easiest engine to maintain while also being not as powerful as many Ford V6 and V8 engines.
Also, the V10 can’t comply with modern-day emissions and fuel efficiency regulations. It is simply an engine from an older era, an era that was far surpassed by many modern-day engines with half the size of the V10.
