New Econoline vans...wait for 2012's?
 

My brother is thinking of ordering a new E250 or E350 for himself.
(We're both master electricians) How are the 2011's?
How is the 2011 5.4L? Is there any advantage to wait till the 2012's are out?
Will their be any drastic changes then, eco-boost, or anything?

Thanks
MB

I'd wait. I actually had this conversation with a friend today at lunch. Assuming that the new engines will be available in the vans next year, I'd avoid the 5.4. They never really fixed the cam phaser issue and it still plagues the engines. I'd suggest the 5.0 engine if it's available. It's been a good engine so far once they got the metallurgy fixed on the early ones in the Mustangs. I'd avoid the EcoBoost like the plague especially for a commercial vehicle. Direct injection engines, any make or brand, come with a host of problems. Ford supposedly had a fix for the intake system getting carboned up from the valve overlap but if the Taurus is proving anything, they didn't even get close. It will be far, far worse in a heavier vehicle. But if cleaning the intake system every 30,000 miles doesn't bother you, have at it. Frankly, I'd wait and see on the EcoBoost.
Almost all auto makers have a direct injection engine- GM, Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Mazda, etc. All, without fail, are having the same issue with the intake system getting carboned up. The design makes the injector spray directly at the center of the piston, not at the valves like the current Tritons and previous sequential injection engines. That creates 2 major issues. Heat. Piston temps can get as high as 1400F. That's why almost all of them use a spray of oil at the bottom of the piston for cooling. The oil takes a major beating from it. Varnish and coking are going to be issues with these engines. Because the injection inside the combustion chamber, the injector is exposed to even more carbon deposits. The intake runners gets absolutely no cleaning from the fuel because the fuel never sees the intake. Carbon deposits are an issue. While they are supposed to be the future, no one has made it work yet without the usual design deficiencies.

Thanks Lab,
The tried and true 4.6L is the base motor for the current vans.
The 5.4 is a $985 option.
I've got 90K+ on my F150's 4.6 and I've only done plugs once, and two cops.
Runs like new...
Do you think the 4.6 would be the engine of choice?
I don't know if he canwait....his 1993 E250's tranny is going and rot has taken over. He drives real hard, got 160K on it.

I wouldnt think you can get a 4.6 in a 3/4 ton + van. Probably only the half ton and it will probably be a gutless turd with any kind of load/weight in it.

you can get it with the v10 still. that motor is good with awesome power from what others have said on this site.

I Checked on it and you can get the 4.6 in the e250

Only options i saw was the 4.6 and 5.4 on the 2011's

To the OP i would look at one maybe 3 or 4years old. They are alot cheaper than a 30,000 dollar van when new. Ive seen 2006's in my area for about 7,000 dollars with less than 100k. Ive still got my old 94 e150 with the inline 6 and it has been awesome. 254k and runs great.

I drive a 2010 4.6 for work. Not too bad, the power sucks compared to my truck, but it has the 5.4.


I will say that these vans have some serious throttle issues. We have had quite a few go in to have the Throttle Body replaced.

Mine hasnt yet, but I did have an issue. On surface streets after letting on the gas, the engine would stutter a little bit. On the freeway, I went to change lanes and accelerate, and my pedal went strait the the floor. Got her pulled over, shut it off, waited a few minutes, turned it on, and it seemed to be fine, and hasnt done it since. Still, something to keep an eye out for.

The 5.4 in the van doesn't have phasers, it's still the old 2v. That would be my recommendation unless you need the power of a V-10 or 6.0 diesel.

I find it funny that people are knocking the 3 valve 5.4's yet failing to realize the 3 valve 4.6's use the same cam phasers :lol:

That's correct, for the E-250. However, I believe you can still get the V-10 and the 6.0 diesel in the E-350 and E-450 in addition to the standard 5.4.

Thanks Guys for all the replies.
He will ONLY buy a van with a sliding side door, (that's what he's used to, his bin set-up is designed for it.)
I know used is one option, but usually work vans are driven by employees who take out their aggressions on it. It's hard to find one that hasn't been beaten into submission by some unappreciated, under-paid, overworked, kid.
And even harder to find one with a sliding door.
Which is why he's just going to look at new.

Ford.com sight shows for 2011:
The E250 is available with 4.6L standard and opt 5.4L.
The E350 is available with 5.4L standard and opt 6.8L V10
I find it odd that they don't list a diesel for the E350, as that's what ambulances are usually equipped with. I haven't checked but maybe the diesel is an option in the cut-aways, (cab-on chassis) for retro-fitters.

When did the 4.6L change to 3 valve with cam-phasers?
I hadn't heard of this.

KingRanch....WOW 254K :eek: That's unreal.....Ford should profile you in an ad!!

i know tough to find with sliding door, but def keep looking for used...these vans are tough as hell, I have a 97 E250 with the 5.4L with 180xxx miles on it, and fully loaded with all my tools and stuff is a hair over 8k lbs..Runs perfectly and with 373s in the rear, power is not a problem...I would love new also, they are just waaaay to much $...On a side note, just turned 280k in my 2000 F150 5.4L, original motor, tranny, actually entire drivetrain...It even has the original starter..lol..although about a year ago had to do the relay...big deal..lol...Goin for 300k...should be there by end of summer...:thumbsup: Gotta love Ford trucks....Best in the world!!

These Econolines are tough. My dad has a 97 E250 with a 5.4. He never changes oil in it. He says when it starts knocking every 6-8 months he just puts a quart of oil in it and keeps goin. He puts it to the floor at least once a day, tows un godly amounts of weight with it but it's stillin going with 16x,xxx miles.

Remind me to never buy a used vehicle from your old man........:lol:

In the F-150, 2009. The 2v was still available as the base engine as the 4.2 V6 was discontinued.