Learn me Triton V-8s (E-250 content)

I'm stalking a '02 E-250 with a triton V-8.

What possible concerns could there be with that engine...IIRC spark plugs can be an issue (?)

they could pop out and take the threads with them. not much else for chronic problems by 2002. intake manifold could get leaky. they're cheap to replace.

I haven't investigated yet; (e.g., haven't accosted the owner and driven it or heard it run, etc.,) but I recall hearing rumblings about the blown-out plugs. One board I looked on had like 50% says "they all do it" and 50% say they're fine. Is there a pre-emptive fix or operation; one wonders if it's still being driven 11-12 years later has it been fixed permanently?

In reply to shadetree30:

It's a manufacturing/design defect (not enough threads in the hole). Some engines spit out all 8 in under 10K miles, others went 300K without an issue. Most are somewhere in-between (mine spit out 2 in succession around 145K and none in the 3 years since). When they do go, they take out the coil ($$$). No per-emptive fix beyond threading the heads...

Javelin wrote: In reply to shadetree30: It's a manufacturing/design defect (not enough threads in the hole). Some engines spit out all 8 in under 10K miles, others went 300K without an issue. Most are somewhere in-between (mine spit out 2 in succession around 145K and none in the 3 years since). When they do go, they take out the coil ($$$). No per-emptive fix beyond threading the heads...

The coil doesn't have to be $$$. Yes, if you buy them individually at a parts store they are ~$50 each, but I got a set of 8 Accels from Summit for $200 for my old 2000 F-150.

i've got a pile of those coils laying around. they're cheap.

Sludge issues also; doesn't seem to be in all engines but quite a few develop a nasty knock that signals the end.

I suppose then that once the plug hole is fixed CORRECTLY it's no longer a problem...Then I guess my strategery would be to ASK if it's been done then if I get the deer-in-the-headlights look to then walk away.

Also listen for knocking...

Thanks, all...