Is Ford triton v-10 a good engine??

[pjslawncare/landscap]

Im looking at a Ford F-250 Super Duty 02 with a v-10 and 128k miles. Is this a good motor?? Has anyone had any issues with this?
Thanks

[TXNSLighting]

i would find an 05+. they revamped the engine and made it alot better. the first few had spark plug issues. altho that may have been fixed by 2002. but yes the v-10 is an excellent engine if your not concerned with fuel milegae.

[dbear]

I think you'll find the problem V10's were 2000 and older. My '01 F350 4x4 is great. From what I've read on various forums, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the V10 and a diesel in terms of mpg. I get a consistent 12-13 mpg average in a mix of driving, with my highest highway being 16. The pre-PS 7.3 I had before got 15 regardless of where and how you drove it. Both had 3.73s and AT, but the 7.3 was only 2wd.

With the price of diesel in my area being about a quarter more per gallon, it takes a long time to break even on spending the extra $6+k.

Somewhere online, I read an engine comparison of the "Big 3" current offerings compiled by a leading towing/rv magazine(?). The V10 was darn near as good as the 6.4 PS in performance.

[pjslawncare/landscap]

Thanks for your input Tex. When was the first year for the v-10? Im a little leary because it was a fairly new motor design. How bad is the mpg pullin a load (3, 4000#)

[pjslawncare/landscap]

Thanks dbear, you answered my? before I sent it:laugh:

[LawnBoy89]

I have an 02 Ford F-350 with the V-10..it's a good motor but personally I would get a diesel. When I drive my friends 07 6.0L diesel its like a whole new world compared to my truck. I love my truck its great but if I could do it all over I would buy a diesel. Personally they tow better, last longer, and get better mileage...and they are faster I love diesels and I don't even have one.

Actually I'm going to be chipping the V-10 along with intake and exhaust I'll let you know how it reacts to that right now it's stock.

Btw I only have 40k miles on my truck sometimes I hear a knock when the engine is cold does anyone else notice this with their V-10's?

[SiteSolutions]

Depends on how much weight you have to tow. I know a guy who pulls around skid steers with a V-10 but I wouldn't try it.

Diesel Power magazine had a matchup between the diesel and v-10 a month or two ago; maybe the article is on their website?

I would get the v-10 for sportiness, and to pull up to maybe 5000 pounds. Beyond that, get a diesel.

Just my opinion.

Oh, and I seriously doubt it will get anywhere near the mileage of the diesel, loaded, empty, or otherwise.

[mason dude]

I have a 350 97 v-10 that has 172000 on it and besides sucking gas I havent had any major problems, alternator and belt, btw it knocks when cold too but I pull our travel trailer all the time and it's 9000 lbs, the spark plug issue was the fact that the heads are aluminum and folks were stripping the threads when replacing plugs, just get out the torque wrench and torque it to 7lbs and it'll be fine, also on this vehicle I have replaced the entire front end and the diff and the trans but the engine still doesnt use oil, just my experience...

[TXNSLighting]

a 97 v-10? they didnt quite make that engine then...the first year for the v-10 was 99. and the guy who gets 16 highway with his??? not sure your checkin it right... any v-10 ive seen has never got an better than 13-14 mpg highway, and thats 2 wheel drives. diesels are going to get atleast 4 mpg better than the v-10.

[dbear]

and the guy who gets 16 highway with his??? not sure your checkin it right... any v-10 ive seen has never got an better than 13-14 mpg highway, and thats 2 wheel drives. diesels are going to get atleast 4 mpg better than the v-10.

Not sure how you're calculating it but here's how I do it: You divide the number of miles on the trip odometer by the number of gallons at fill-up. Hence MILES PER GALLON units.

It was only one time and it was all expressway driving, empty at 60-65 mph, about 250 miles total trip but it did happen. If you re-read my post, you'll notice I only claim a consistent 12-13 mpg.

[FearThisDeere]

I have an '01 V10. I love it. There is plenty of power. Very reliable. The only problem I have had with it is the manifold bolts like to rot away, but that is a common Ford problem. I can get 14.5 MPG on the highway if I baby it. I tow 10K lbs. around town without an issue. That being said, I would not want to tow a lot on the highway just because of the 3.73 gears I have. I have towed the same load with my buddy's '07 PSD (lucky mommas boy). That engine is so far ahead of the V10. There is so much more power and torque. If you plan on towing a lot of weight everyday go for the diesel. If not, get the V10. The diesel is like a $5600 option versus $600 for the V10.

[fiveoboy01]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't tow a skid steer with the V-10. Heck, I've towed one on numerous occasions with my 5.4. Sure you can tell it's back there, but it wasn't exactly a turtle.

[greenscapes,inc.]

I have a 99 V10 and a 01 Powerstroke. They V10 is a good running reliable motor but I would never again buy one. Just because of what I use it for. My powerstroke shows 12 mpg on the overhead console and the V10 shows 7 mpg's. 7 MPG is terrible in my opinion. Best I have ever got was almost 13 MPG unloaded on the freeway. I could handle 7 MPG if it pulled good but compared to a diesel is not even close. Like I say its been really reliable but I wouldn't buy another. On the other hand I would rather plow snow with the V10 because of the low end instant torque. You have to get the turbo spooling on the powerstroke.

[LawnBoy89]

I have a 99 V10 and a 01 Powerstroke. They V10 is a good running reliable motor but I would never again buy one. Just because of what I use it for. My powerstroke shows 12 mpg on the overhead console and the V10 shows 7 mpg's. 7 MPG is terrible in my opinion. Best I have ever got was almost 13 MPG unloaded on the freeway. I could handle 7 MPG if it pulled good but compared to a diesel is not even close. Like I say its been really reliable but I wouldn't buy another. On the other hand I would rather plow snow with the V10 because of the low end instant torque. You have to get the turbo spooling on the powerstroke.


That's exactly what I was going to say. I haven't seen over 10mpg on the overhead console yet and I don't think it's ever going to happen I love my truck don't get me wrong its beautiful but I would choose the deisel over it any day ...

anyone have exhaust on this truck?

[TXNSLighting]

Not sure how you're calculating it but here's how I do it: You divide the number of miles on the trip odometer by the number of gallons at fill-up. Hence MILES PER GALLON units.

It was only one time and it was all expressway driving, empty at 60-65 mph, about 250 miles total trip but it did happen. If you re-read my post, you'll notice I only claim a consistent 12-13 mpg.

well if your goin that slow, then yeh i can see it. but the diesels going to get better fuel mileage than a v10 or v8.

[TXNSLighting]

That's exactly what I was going to say. I haven't seen over 10mpg on the overhead console yet and I don't think it's ever going to happen I love my truck don't get me wrong its beautiful but I would choose the deisel over it any day ...

anyone have exhaust on this truck?

v10's with exhaust sound pretty cool! very different than most people would expect.

[Laner]

Lawnboy89- I also have an '02 F350 4x4 V10. I have three manifold bolts on the passenger side that have broke off. I have it scheduled for repair this winter....when it is not needed daily. If I let the truck warm up good before driving there is no noise....only during the warm up period. If I take off before temp is up, it ticks (manifold leak) until it gets warmed up.

[mason dude]

a 97 v-10? they didnt quite make that engine then...the first year for the v-10 was 99. and the guy who gets 16 highway with his??? not sure your checkin it right... any v-10 ive seen has never got an better than 13-14 mpg highway, and thats 2 wheel drives. diesels are going to get atleast 4 mpg better than the v-10.

ummm then why does my title say 1997 and why is there a v10 emblem on the front fenders and why are there 5 spark plugs on each side of the engine?? odd

[FearThisDeere]

v10's with exhaust sound pretty cool! very different than most people would expect.

It does sound different, kind of ricey kind of not. I do like the sound. I'd go with a Cherrybomb Extreme. I heard one on another web site and it sounds amazing.

[PLM-1]

ummm then why does my title say 1997 and why is there a v10 emblem on the front fenders and why are there 5 spark plugs on each side of the engine?? odd

That's odd. 97 is the old body style with either the 351, 460 or the 7.3 diesel.

[mason dude]

its the E350 van, I am unsure about when the body changes on the van were, I have seen lots of motorhomes with the v10,but I think it was the first year of the v10's but I have really had good good luck with this one,

[PLM-1]

its the E350 van, I am unsure about when the body changes on the van were, I have seen lots of motorhomes with the v10,but I think it was the first year of the v10's but I have really had good good luck with this one,

Well now you tell us it's a VAN!! *trucewhiteflag*

[TXNSLighting]

ummm then why does my title say 1997 and why is there a v10 emblem on the front fenders and why are there 5 spark plugs on each side of the engine?? odd

show me a picture

[TXNSLighting]

its the E350 van, I am unsure about when the body changes on the van were, I have seen lots of motorhomes with the v10,but I think it was the first year of the v10's but I have really had good good luck with this one,

thanks for tellin us its a van....were talkin about TRUCKS here!!

[FearThisDeere]

Hahaha... I was wondering what was going on. Oh well, a V10 in a van still is a V10.

[RedWingsDet]

I have this motor in my f350. its a great motor, the only problem ive had (nock on wood) was the exhaust manifolds rusting off, but this is common with this year of motors, the only other thing is the so called "spark plugs blowing through the hood" problem. Other than that, I love my truck, btw: it gets better gas mileage than my chevy 3/4ton.

[jameson]

I have a 2000 F250 4x4 V-10 w/65,000 miles. As far as engine issues, none to speak of. Gas mileage while towing is dismal.

[montana jack]

The Ford V10 is said to be one of the best gas engines Ford makes. On a new truck, it's a $600 option compared to $7,000 for the diesel. I've read reports of some with up to 400,000 on the clock. They put these engines in some of those airport shuttles. The newer engines "05 & up, have 3 valves per cylinder which pushes the HP up to about 60 over the old. Therefore, take any reports of poor towing from older models with a grain of salt, especially with a 3.73 rear. The new ones come in only 4.10 & 4.30 rears and are tow monsters. I get about 12 MPG around town with my '06 & pay about 50 cents less for reg unleaded than diesel.

[JSMLAWNCARE]

I have a 03 F350 V10. I have run out of power a few times. However, I avg 7.5 -8.5 mpg. I never drive on interstates. I tow a 3000 pound trailer daily. I usually stop at the gas station every other day. I drop anywhere from $75 -$100 every fill up, 38 gallon tank. I call it my donation to OPEC. My next truck will be a Diesel!!

[mason dude]

thanks for tellin us its a van....were talkin about TRUCKS here!!

The original question...is this a good engine??? just sharing my experience,,, am I supposed to apologize for not giving all the specs of my vehicle?,,, the fact remains that I have a 1997 ford triton v10, not trying to trick anybody,,I like hearing about the 400k on some, I have no rust so looks like I have lots of good years left

[LawnBoy89]

Lawnboy89- I also have an '02 F350 4x4 V10. I have three manifold bolts on the passenger side that have broke off. I have it scheduled for repair this winter....when it is not needed daily. If I let the truck warm up good before driving there is no noise....only during the warm up period. If I take off before temp is up, it ticks (manifold leak) until it gets warmed up.


That is the exact noise...I guess I should just let it warm up more often...is there anything I can do about it...I don't mind the noise for 3 minutes but is it bad for the truck?

[TXNSLighting]

I drove an 08 v-10 saurday just for the fun of it and good gosh. That thing is quite fast! I was really impressed with their improvements.

[DuraCutter]

its the E350 van, I am unsure about when the body changes on the van were, I have seen lots of motorhomes with the v10,but I think it was the first year of the v10's but I have really had good good luck with this one,

hahaha.... :laugh: :laugh: :dizzy:

It's a van. :hammerhead:

[DK lawn care]

I have the same noise to. 2 studs missing on the left band of the engine. Its not bad for the truck.

[LawnBoy89]

I have the same noise to. 2 studs missing on the left band of the engine. Its not bad for the truck.

Lets see your truck...I have a lift on my other 96 F-250 I was considering doing it to the 350 too.

[DK lawn care]

Ok remember though its 2wd. 2wd trucks are about 2 inchs shorter from the factory then a stock 4x4. Its about almost 2 inchs taller them a stock 250 4x4 Ill post a pic but ur gonna have to walk me through it, i dont know how to post a pic

[DK lawn care]

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=162464&width=0

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=162462&width=0

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=162457&width=0

Those are some pics. This is the link to my gallery at Ford Truck Enthuasiasts:http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=292017&albumid=26228 Scroll down and u can see ALOT more pics, even pics of my Exmark

[LawnBoy89]

Yea your picture posting was unsuccusful I'll just go on that link you posted...I have a 350 4 x 4 and for some reason it sits really high, even high then most other 4 x 4's...well atleast it looks that way.

[LawnBoy89]

Sweet ride...How do those subs sound? I have an 12'' Alpine Type-X that I took out of my old truck I never got around to putting it in this one yet probably because I'm still thinking about it I don't know if I want to take out the stock head unit yet. How does the exhaust sound? Did you just replace the muffler or did you get cat backs? I want to eventually get intake and exhaust for my truck I just haven't had the time to do anything lately.

[DK lawn care]

Thats cause the stock blocks on a 350 are bigger then a 250's stock blocks. What do u think of the link i attached? Also i dont know why the pics didnt show up

[DK lawn care]

Sweet ride...How do those subs sound? I have an 12'' Alpine Type-X that I took out of my old truck I never got around to putting it in this one yet probably because I'm still thinking about it I don't know if I want to take out the stock head unit yet. How does the exhaust sound? Did you just replace the muffler or did you get cat backs? I want to eventually get intake and exhaust for my truck I just haven't had the time to do anything lately.


I got rid of those 12' 5500 mtx's. I replaced them with one 10 inch 8500 from mtx. U can easy tell a difference in sound compared to the 2 12's verus the 8500 10. The one 10 ins hits alot harder. The exhaust sounds really good. Awesome tone, but not load enough. Just at tiny bit louder then stock. I have plans to do alot more to it this summer.