Ford’s E Series vans, RVs, and Super Duty vehicles have been powered by the V10 engine for almost 20 years. It features the most cylinders and the most displacement of the Ford Modular Engine family, at 6.8 liters.
There are a plethora of pre-owned Super Duty vehicles for sale now that the model has been phased out. We’ve put together a guide to assist you determine whether or not to go with the V10 or an alternative powerplant, based on the engine’s lifespan.
With the V10 modular engine, you can expect it to last for decades and go more than 250, 000 300, 000 miles. The basic design, low power output, and use in work vehicles are the keys to its long-term viability.
How Many Miles Can the Ford V10 Last?
Ford’s V10 has its flaws, but it’s one of the most dependable gasoline engines ever produced.
To begin, consider the V10’s use in heavy-duty trucks, vans, and buses of the Super Duty and E Series series. Because of the large number of miles they must cover, many of which will be carrying passengers or cargo, these vehicles must be incredibly dependable.
However, I disagree that the V10’s mileage limit is set at 200, 000 miles. Vehicles equipped with a V10 engine are more often purchased as a business asset than a personal one, and as a result, they are expected to last for many years.
The minimal maintenance expenses allow owners to keep these vehicles for a longer period of time and easily cross 250, 000 to 300, 000 kilometers. Many owners claim to have driven over 300,000 miles without any major issues, a distance only well-built diesel engines are capable of, not a V10 fuelled by gasoline.
Despite its high torque and moderate power output for a 6.8-liter engine, the V10’s architecture ensures its long life. It features a two- or three-valve SOHC arrangement with no supercharger or turbocharger.
In order to achieve the 288 362 horsepower, the V10 is only subjected to a compression rate of 9.2. Heavy trucks, vans, and even buses may be easily moved thanks to the massive displacement.
Because the engine will rarely be running cold in this scenario, it’s a significant consideration.
If properly cared for and maintained, I’d venture to say that this V10 may live indefinitely. A rebuild may be necessary after 300, 000 miles, but the engine may be able to withstand another 100, 000 miles without trouble.
The Common V10 Problems
Everything considered, the V10 is practically indestructible. Even while it’s true that it depends on maintenance, it’s imperative that you keep up with it if you want any engine to last more than a few of years.
With only two downsides to the V10, I rounded up all the negative features by including two additional issues.
Fuel Consumption
V10 truck owners agree that if you care about fuel efficiency, avoid the Ford V10. The engine is incredibly thirsty and can only get 15 MPG on the interstate and 10-13 MPG in the city, respectively. When towing, a vehicle’s fuel economy drops even further, to 8 to 10 MPG.
High fuel consumption is to be expected given the use, however keep the numbers in mind and look into smaller trucks if they can handle the job.
Not OBD-II Compliant
OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, which relies on the vehicle’s computer to provide information on component faults and failure.. A lack of OBD II diagnostics makes it more difficult to diagnose faults in older Super Duty vehicles with a V10 engine.
Detailed diagnostics aren’t necessary for the V10 because of its simplicity, but they would make troubleshooting difficulties with the auxiliary systems much easier.
Spark Plug Issues
Spark plugs are the only thing that can go wrong with a V10. Spark plug threads on aluminum heads from engines built before 2008 were frequently damaged, missing, or otherwise faulty. Given that the affected engines were at least 14 years old, it’s safe to assume that the issue has been rectified since then.
The above-mentioned factors, as well as poorly torqued spark plugs, may have contributed to the blast. Installing the new plugs correctly is all that is needed to fix this problem. Fouling is the final issue with spark plugs.
It is quite difficult to remove the spark plugs without damaging them because of the fouling.
Rusting Exhaust Bolts
Several bolts hold the exhaust manifold in place on the engine block. Bolts used in the V10 engine have rusted through and caused an exhaust leak since they are not up to the task. With a new set of bolts and a torque wrench, you should be able to fix the problem in no time.
Benefits Of The V10 Engine
The simplicity of the V10 engine’s design is its primary strength. Even though it consumes a lot of fuel, its sturdy design saves money that would otherwise be spent on replacement parts and regular maintenance.
Consider the type of owner who would purchase an expensive truck or van, as getting stuck on the road isn’t an option for these consumers who need a vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Having a professional car that can travel 300,000 miles on regular maintenance is an important consideration.
Ford V10 Application
As expected from a modular chassis, the 6.8-liter V10 has the same bore and stroke dimensions as the 5. 4-liter V8, displacing 412.5 cubic inches.
The venerable 7. 5 V8 (460) engine, which was built from 1972 to 1997, was long overdue for a refresh.
During its successful production run from 1997 to 2005, Ford’s 2 valve V10 engine was used in the E250 450 van and F53 motorhome series, as well as the Ford Excursion and F250 F550 pickup truck lines.
The new 3 valve non VCT V10 engine was more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous model. Ford Super Duty trucks, F53 and F59 stripped chassis, and New Flyer and Blue Bird Vision buses all used it once it replaced the 2 valve in 2005. It was made until 2019 and is still available.
It was available in a variety of horsepower levels, ranging from 288 to 362 in the most powerful model.
Ford V10 Specification
Ford’s V10 engine has remained unchanged for 23 years, with just valve tweaks and varied power combinations distinguishing it. Its most powerful, 3-valve configuration is shown in the accompanying table.
FAQs
Is the Ford V10 a good engine?
The V10 is a fantastic engine for the job it was built to do. Yes, it consumes a lot of fuel, but it’s nearly perfect in terms of long-term performance.
How many miles per gallon does the V10 get?
In many ways, the economy of an engine is determined by the vehicle’s weight. A Super Duty truck’s greatest highway fuel efficiency is 16 MPG, although anything above 10 MPG is fine. Gas mileage plummets to less than 10 miles per gallon while towing a trailer or a loaded load.
Why are V10 engines bad?
The only significant difficulties with the V10 are the spark plug and exhaust manifold bolt issues, but the reason many dislike it is because of the poor fuel economy. It’s still not a problem for individuals who know what this engine is for.
Are V10 engines still made?
Even though Blue Bird Vision school buses employ the V10, I don’t know whether the company has a supply of the engines, or whether they’re still being manufactured. In 2019, both the F Series trucks and the E Series vans will no longer be powered by the V10 engine.
What kind of mileage does a Ford V10 RV get?
When powered by a V10, Ford’s Motorhome gets between 6 and 10 mpg on the highway. A huge displacement gasoline engine is likely to have a poor gas mileage. In this situation, diesel engines perform better, averaging up to 14 miles per gallon.
How much torque does the 6.8L V10 engine generate?
The V10’s average torque is 425 lb-ft, which is a lot of power. The Ford Super Duty trucks have the maximum torque output of 460 lb ft.
Are V10 engines fast?
362 horsepower is the maximum output of Ford’s modular V10 engine, which is low compared to its displacement. The engine isn’t fast enough when you factor in the weight of the vehicle it’s designed to propel. It’s not intended to establish speed or acceleration records, so don’t hold your breath waiting for it to deliver.
Summary
The Ford V10 is a dependable engine for heavy-duty trucks and vans, but it consumes a lot of fuel. You can expect this V10 to last for years, if not decades, if you take care of it.
