✅ Questions about Ford E450 w/ 6.8 Triton Gas V10…

[86scotty]

A quart every 1000 miles is not normal. Thats definitely something you should get checked out.

A full quart every 1k is a bit excessive, yes. I'd move on. FWIW, my 2001 V10 w/ original 230k does not burn or leak any oil I can measure between changes.

They changed to a newer Power Improved head/intake in 2003, then introduced the 3V in 2005+ years. However, all Econoline's received the 2V version, which arguably is a more reliable setup than the 3V for various reasons. 2003+ motors shouldn't have the plug spitting issue. Also, the old heads prone to spitting can be mitigated by using a torque wrench when installing the spark plugs. There are thread kits as well (Cal-Van is a nice kit) that will fix a spark plug hole for good.

After owning Toyotas my entire life, working on the Ford is a dream. Lots of room and built for maintenance. The MPG of 9-10 ain't much worse than my 80 series land cruisers or even my 3.4L 4Runners.

You can add a 2011+ genuine Ford E-Locker into your 10.5 sterling axle very easily. Just run a switched wire back to it and it operates as any E-locker.

You ask about compression testing - I am uncertain what spark plug access is like on the econoline's but the F-series, you need a spark plug socket with u-joint extension to make it bareable. Pulling all the plugs and checking compression on 10 cylinders obviously takes a while.

Check out Forscan, free software with a lot of great features for Fords. You can run a powerbalance test and see if any cylinders are out of whack before diving in.

Do some research fellas. It's not unusual at all. They don't all use oil but plenty do. I've had 3(?) that didn't burn a drop, my current one has less miles than any of them, doesn't smoke or leak and uses 1 qt. per 1500 miles. Tons of info on this and even a Ford TSB stating that it is normal for the V10 to use a quart from 1000-1500 miles. Why some do and some don't is a mystery no one has an answer to.

I know you are skeptical. I was too. Look it up.

And no, I don't like it at all!!!

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Easy search, average auto manufacturers oil consumption,
Very eye opening.

 

[BajaRunner]

Doesn't surprise me. I don't think a lot of people advertise their engine is burning oil, so probably more common than I think.

That being said, my 80 series land cruiser drinks oil like there's no tomorrow but runs great and passes smog...

 

[ExpoMike]

I had a buddy who has a Mazda Tribute, that was going through a quart in less than 1000 miles. The issue was a bad PCV valve, which once we swapped in a new one, it doesn't burn a drop of oil. Sadly it managed to take out 2 of the 3 catalytic converters before we figured that out.

I would check and likely replace the PCV valve for anything burning that much oil.

 

[86scotty]

I had a buddy who has a Mazda Tribute, that was going through a quart in less than 1000 miles. The issue was a bad PCV valve, which once we swapped in a new one, it doesn't burn a drop of oil. Sadly it managed to take out 2 of the 3 catalytic converters before we figured that out.

I would check and likely replace the PCV valve for anything burning that much oil.

That was the first thing I swapped on mine. The old one was fine and the new one made no difference.


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[magentawave]

Thanks for the information, everyone!

I ending up buying a 2008 Ford E450 with 177,000 miles on it but it has a rebuilt engine with only 22,000 miles on it and a new exhaust manifold, etc.

I drove it home with the "Tow Haul" light on on the dashboard. Didn't know what the heck that was and didn't realize until I got home 2 HOURS LATER that there is an ON and OFF button on the tip of the shifter.

Does "Tow Haul" keep it in a lower gear? And if so, I should assume that I probably won't get nearly as high of MPG with it on. Right?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Not a big deal, remember, 6.8 love to rev .
Sweet spot on mine with 3:73 @ 2500 rpms in the rockies with 2300 lb camper
in the bed.
Mpgs? Hope you didn't buy it for economy.

 

[86scotty]

Not a big deal, remember, 6.8 love to rev .
Sweet spot on mine with 3:73 @ 2500 rpms in the rockies with 2300 lb camper
in the bed.
Mpgs? Hope you didn't buy it for economy.

If you plan for 10mpg with any V10 in about any scenario you'll be satisfied. Sometimes I beat it and am happy. Very rarely do I see single digits unless it's all day offroad.