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Topic: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads (Read 1464 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads
Reply #25 –
Thanks for all for input given as well as dates for the 8 thread head. And, thanks Terry for crawling under and snapping the picture confirming your 8 thread head has the IC2E marking.

It wasn't till a couple years ago when I first started looking for my LD that I came  across the blown spark plugs issue. In the end I concluded that with proper maintenance and inspection it's an issue that can be managed regardless of which version  head you have.

Concerning the rusty exhaust manifold studs... I've seen this on  many different engines. I have just assumed thermal cycling contributes to the rust.
Steve
2003TK
Re: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads
Reply #26 –
Quote from: 73gitane  - 
It wasn't till a couple years ago when I first started looking for my LD that I came across the blown spark plugs issue. In the end I concluded that with proper maintenance and inspection it's an issue that can be managed regardless of which version head you have.

I thought the same until our engine commited suicide. I had replaced the plugs at around 80,000 miles, after hearing a ticking at startup. I found two plugs that were finger tight. The other were not much tighter, their original torque set at 12-ft/lbs of torque, the updated torque setting is 28-ft/lbs.
The spark plugs threads in our old engine must have been damaged by the loose spark plugs, 15,000 miles later, a plug blew out, taking the aluminum threads with it. On examination, several other spark plug threads looked damaged.
This is a real issue, there are several aftermaket repair kits for this problem as well as a small company that does nothing but replaced blown plugs, assuming the rest of the engine is still intact.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads
Reply #27 –
Contact Information    
Blown out spark plug repairs
I spoke with Dave who does this service....he said you can create a.problem by retorquing the original plugs...make it blow out....my understanding.
If you look at the web site it explains the issue, bad temp repairs and why their repair works....never had one come back....best to do the repair before you have one blow out....do them all..cheaper than a new cylinder head or engine for sure. I was asking about doing all 10 and the price was 2200 to 2400(web site.explains.cost..less for.doing one or 2)
They will fly to you and do the repair at your home...all they need is an air line and a vaccum cleaner connection....
They also have a temp plug to install so you can disconnect the injector and drive on 9 cylinders to get to them.
Dave and his brother do the work...one is a master tech at a.Ford dealer there in California.
This is a.real problem and should not be ignored. Just replacing the spark plugs and torguing to new specs will not keep the spark plugs from blowing out in the future. This is one repair you dont want to cheap out on....
And for those folks wanting to sell a pre 04 with the 4/5 threads.....have all of them done before selling....should increase the price you get to cover the cost. Buyers just want to get home safe without a breakdown.
Remember Karma is a real thing....just a matter of time.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
Re: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads
Reply #28 –
Contact Information
I spoke with Dave who does this service....he said you can create a.problem by retorquing the original plugs...make it blow out....my understanding.
If you look at the web site it explains the issue, bad temp repairs and why there repair works....never had one come back....best to do the repair before you have one blow out....do them all..cheaper than a new cylinder head or engine for sure. I was asking about doing all 10 and the price was 2200 to 2400(web site.explains.cost..less for.doing one or 2)
They will fly to you and do the repair at your home...all they need is an air line and a vaccum cleaner connection....
They also have a temp plug to install so you can disconnect the injector and drive on 9 cylinders to get to them.
Dave and his brother do the work...one is a master tech at a.Ford dealer there in California.
This is a.real probl3m and should not be ignored. Just replacing the spark plugs and torguing to new specs will not keep the spark plugs from blowing out in the future. This is one repair you dont want to cheap out on....
And for those folks wanting to sell a pre 04 with the 4/5 threads.....have all of them done before selling....should increase the price you get to cover the cost. Buyers just want to get home safe without a breakdown.
Remember Karma is a real thing....just a matter of time.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
 
Re: V10's with "Performance Improved" heads
Reply #29 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Thanks, Richard. I was wondering if the LD resided in a wet climate before you took possession and that's what caused the rusted mounting studs.

Several LD owners have had the exhaust manifold studs replaced due to rusting and breaking, evidently common with Ford Modular engines of the period. If the studs break and are not quickly replaced, the exhaust manifolds can warp, a very expensive repair. If you hear any ticking from the exhaust, especially at startup, have them checked. oose spark plugs can also make a startup tick.

Older, 4-thread heads are a catastrophe waiting to happen, no matter if the plugs have been replaced or not. Our 2003's plugs were replaced and torque to the new, higher level at 80,000 miles. It lasted 20,000 before the first plug blew out.

For those planning on keeping these old engines for the long-term or travel long distances from home, having ten spark plug inserts installed is highly suggested. I know of three LDs having this done in the past few months, all three are now on long, cross-country trips.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze