Class A motorhomes with a Ford V10 Chassis

[blazenpm]

I am curious if there is a prevalence of Ford V10 engines with issues. For instance: throwing a cylinder rod and puncturing the engine casing. Starter motor failing and needing to be replaced.

[ernie1]

Newps: thanks for clarifying this.

[Newps]

ernie1 wrote:
that stated that if the engine happened to have a coolant leak and it ran out of coolant, you can still drive it about another 50 miles without damaging the engine. The engine, when out of coolant, will continue running on only a few cylinders and not all ten.

50 miles may be theoretically possible but practically speaking you aren't going any distance. I have had 3 V10's in my F250's. My current one is my plow truck, a 2007. On a trip to town the engine light came on at the same time it slowed to a crawl. I was on the highway doing 70-75 when a heater hose coupling let go. As the coolant got to that spot it leaked out. Engine temp climbs right to the red and you are in limp home mode. You can get maybe 10-15 MPH. You won't be climbing any hill. At this point find a safe place to pull over.

[ernie1]

I had a 2005 class b mh with the v10 engine and drove it for 13 years and 89,000 miles and never had any problem with it. It hardly ever used any oil even though I ran it hard and I am still amazed at what I read in the owner's manual that stated that if the engine happened to have a coolant leak and it ran out of coolant, you can still drive it about another 50 miles without damaging the engine. The engine, when out of coolant, will continue running on only a few cylinders and not all ten. I never tried it but always felt assured that I wouldn't be stranded because of this. Also never lost any spark plugs, cracked any exhaust manifolds nor had starter nor relay problems.

[howdy35]

Back in 2002 we were traveling in a 1999 Bounder and for three years drove it from Texas to Florida to Alaska and all over the western Rockies while pulling toad. She huffed and puffed and screamed up every mountain but I never had any problem with the engine. I did change the oil to Amsoil right after I bought it and was quite happy with the V10.

If someone is feeding you a line about the suspected reliability of the engine, I wouldn't buy it.

Happy travels, Arnold

[Waiter21]

V10 has been a good motor, but like any mechanical device, some have their peculiarities. These are rare events, but seem to be peculiar to certain vintage V10s:

1999-2003ish - blowing spark plugs. seems to be torque related, as in not enough. plug loosens up, then vibrates around and destroys the threads and the plugs blows out.

2003ish 2006ish - two park spark plus break when attempting to remove.

2016 lifters / rockers destroyed.. May be an issue with oil pressure. When engine was assembled inadequate sealant around tension-er allows oil to leak, reduced oil to lifters/rockers.

Starters - Ford has always had issues with starters. Heat from the exhaust system seems to contribute to the failures. I install a heat shield on my starter to reduce the heat from the exhaust system.

Exhaust manifold studs have always been an issue with all Ford modular engines. Thankfully, motorhome V10s are a lot easier to repair than the pickups and vans.

https://www.1999southwind.com/f53-replacing-broken-exhaust-manifold-studs/

[DrewE]

I agree with the others--it's pretty much a bulletproof engine if given basic maintenance. That isn't to say that accessories (including the starter) won't eventually wear out, but that's true of any engine; but the V10 is overall quite reliable and robust.

[crawford]

More fake news going on LOL

[carringb]

JoeH wrote:
I had a 1999 V-10

---
the starter relay died at about 15k miles. Both covered under warranty and easy fixes. Great trouble free engine

OP, it you're still there... This is a good point.... The starters on the V10 rarely fail, but the starter relays DO fail. I usually need a new one every 100k or so, so I carry spare now.

[dodge_guy]

Never an issue. Only problem on early ines were plugs spitting and exhaust manifold bolts breaking. Other than that it is one of he few engines that won't leave you stranded.

[JoeH]

I had a 1999 V-10 in 36' Pace Arrow Vision. So it was pretty heavy and I pulled either a toad or a 20ft enclosed trailer. 150,000 miles with only 2 minor issues--- idler pulley bearing for serpentine belt went bad at about 10k miles and the starter relay died at about 15k miles. Both covered under warranty and easy fixes. Great trouble free engine

[Bruce_Brown]

wolfe10 wrote:
In a word, NO. One of the more reliable gasoline engines ever used in an RV.

This.

[camper19709]

No.

[Lwiddis]

Unanimous!

[carringb]

Just to be clear, you need a new starter... But you aren't sure if you want to replace it because you fear a rod going through the block? I've never seen that. In fact, it was rare I ever had a V10 get towed in to the shop.

I know one up-fitter that hit a deer a Wyoming, and drove it (a F250 V10) 1,000 miles back to headquarters in Oregon without coolant. I've driven 300+ miles without an intact radiator myself, and another time without a working alternator. The only I've been stranded and required a tow home, was when I sheared my differential pinion gear in half (don't turn off torque management for the 1-2 shift!)