Forum Discussion

getgoin's avatar
getgoin
Explorer
Apr 30, 2016

Popping spark plugs V10

Hello All,
We just retired....traded the tt?, sold the truck and got a 2016 Winnebago Vista 26HE. It's nice for us and the fuzzy kids.

Now, upon reading everything I can get my hands on I can't help but wonder did we make a BIG mistake?....if I believed all that I read these F53 V10 are ripping out aluminum spark holes like crazy. Trying to pinpoint the problem years has proven to be nothing short of a waste of time! When and how do I find real info on this, years 3 valve, etc. Ours is the 3 valve so from what I can tell the plugs are of a strange, different configuration that traps carbon in the area beyond the threads thus leaving 1/2 the plug behind if not removed carefully....I use Kroil.

I am a retired machinist and after 40 years in the trade have a thorough understanding of PROPER power plant machining practices.....Is this the awful problem posters have depicted? Can 'standard' plugs be adapted to the 3 valve engines....what's the fix?

Too bad they don't put a Cummins in a 27 footer

Any and all info on this would be greatly appreciated

Thanks much,
Mike

33 Replies

  • Ejecting plugs was primarily a problem with the earliest Ford modular heads, through roughly the early 2000's, before they introduced the three valve variant. Current V10 designs (whether 2 or 3 valve) don't have this weakness.

    Even with the early engines, plug ejection is far from universal, and ensuring that the plugs are properly torqued but not overtightened (with a torque wrench, not just by feel) goes a long ways to preventing difficulties.

    Relax and enjoy your RV. You won't have to even think about the plugs for many thousands of miles.
  • If your rv was from 2001 you might have an issue with plugs blowing out.

    If your rv was from before 2005 you might have an issue with plug alignment.

    Since it is not--I believe there is no issue.