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They aren't "notorious" for it. It's just the only problem they've really ever had. But it was very limited.
The initial '97-99 V10s only had 4 threads, so the plugs weren't hanging on tight to start with, but the bigger problem was over-torquing them during services.
2000-2003 had more threads, but it turned out the real root cause from some (again, only a small number) having plugs blown out was the threads weren't concentric with the pilot bore. This is why a handful of engines would have multiple blow-outs, and why Ford recommended repairing all threads in a cylinder bank. By the end of 2003, Ford had replaced all the machines doing that step, and the problem went away for good.
After 2003, it's a total non-issue. I suppose it's possible for somebody to still over-torque a plug using air tools, but that can happen with any aluminum head.
Starting with 2005 3-valve V10, which the E-series never got, they gained a new problem with the new extended plugs getting stuck and breaking. This was mitigated with an updated single-piece extended spark plug, and an improved method for removing them from carbon-fouled engines. But again, this only affects F-series and F53 Class A chassis.
The initial '97-99 V10s only had 4 threads, so the plugs weren't hanging on tight to start with, but the bigger problem was over-torquing them during services.
2000-2003 had more threads, but it turned out the real root cause from some (again, only a small number) having plugs blown out was the threads weren't concentric with the pilot bore. This is why a handful of engines would have multiple blow-outs, and why Ford recommended repairing all threads in a cylinder bank. By the end of 2003, Ford had replaced all the machines doing that step, and the problem went away for good.
After 2003, it's a total non-issue. I suppose it's possible for somebody to still over-torque a plug using air tools, but that can happen with any aluminum head.
Starting with 2005 3-valve V10, which the E-series never got, they gained a new problem with the new extended plugs getting stuck and breaking. This was mitigated with an updated single-piece extended spark plug, and an improved method for removing them from carbon-fouled engines. But again, this only affects F-series and F53 Class A chassis.
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