1983 Ford E150 problems

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The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

1983 Ford E150

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Common 1983 Ford E150 problems

The Ford E150 1983 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, fuel system, and transmission. Here are the details of these issues:

  • Air Injection Manifold Cracks: The air injection manifold can crack at each cylinder, leading to the failure of the air pump. This issue was reported in a high-mileage 1994 4x4 with a 4.9 engine, and the owner resolved it by deleting the entire system.
  • Timing Set Issues: Some Ford E150 1983 owners have experienced difficulties setting the timing correctly, even with the "plug" pulled. This issue can cause the engine to always try to advance, leading to frustration and the need for constant adjustments.
  • EGR Position Sensor Codes: Endless EGR position sensor codes have been reported, which are often due to new parts being out of ohm range from the factory. This issue can cause the engine to run poorly or stall, and it may require the replacement of the EGR position sensor.
  • Rocker Arm Wear: Rocker arms can wear through, leading to engine performance issues and the need for replacement. This issue is more common in high-mileage engines and can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Intake Leaks: Intake leaks are a common problem in the Ford E150 1983, particularly in high-mileage engines. These leaks can cause a variety of issues, including poor engine performance, rough idling, and difficulty starting. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged gaskets, loose connections, or damage to the intake manifold or throttle body.
  • Fuel System Problems: The Ford E150 1983 has been reported to have several fuel system problems, including issues with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator. These issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and stalling. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Transmission Problems: The Ford E150 1983 has been reported to have several transmission problems, including issues with the transmission fluid, transmission filter, and transmission solenoids. These issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty shifting, slipping, and surging. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Rear Main Leaks: The rear main seal is a common source of leaks in the Ford E150 1983. These leaks can cause a variety of issues, including difficulty starting, poor engine performance, and the need for frequent oil changes. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Computer Controlled Carburetor Issues: The pre-EFi computer-controlled carburetor can be a problem in the Ford E150 1983, particularly in high-mileage engines. These issues can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and stalling. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Exhaust and Intake Loosening: The exhaust and intakes can loosen, particularly in mid-1980s engines with long manifolds. This issue can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and the need for frequent repairs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Cam Gear Nylon Shedding: High-mileage engines can shed the nylon on the cam gear, which can plug up the oil pickup and cause engine failure. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.
  • Plastic Vacuum Lines: The plastic vacuum lines used in the Ford E150 1983 are prone to breaking, particularly in high-mileage engines. This issue can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and the need for frequent repairs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or the use of substandard parts.

These are some of the most common problems reported by Ford E150 1983 owners. While some of these issues can be resolved with simple repairs or maintenance, others may require more extensive work or the replacement of major components. If you own a Ford E150 1983, it is important to stay on top of regular maintenance and to address any issues as soon as they arise to avoid more serious problems down the road.

1983 Ford E150 engine

What is the mpg on a 1983 Ford Econoline van?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 31 fuel-ups and 4,115 miles of driving, the 1983 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.53 with a 0.90 MPG margin of error.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

When did Ford stop making e150?

Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.

Are Ford Econolines good on gas?

I average 13 in city, sometimes towing. I get a solid 15-16 hwy as long as I keep my foot out of it. If you do plan to go 4wd in the future, I would recommend stepping up to the diesel or V10.

What is the gas mileage on a 1983 Ford Econoline?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 31 fuel-ups and 4,115 miles of driving, the 1983 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.53 with a 0.90 MPG margin of error.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

When did Ford stop making e150?

Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.

Why is my Ford e150 not turning over?

The most common reasons a Ford E-150 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

1983 Ford E150 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Ford E150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Ford E150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Ford E150.

2003-12-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-08-14
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO A SERVICE PLAZA WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. *PH *NM

1983 Ford E150 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Ford E150.

1990-07-18
  • Manufacturer: MARK III INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Consequence: OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
  • Remedy: INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Ford E150 problems:

1983 Ford Econoline Review - Carsurvey.org
1983 Ford Econoline Review - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/ford/econoline/1983/

Nov 3, 2009 ... 1983 Ford Econoline Club Wagon/E-150 302 straight 6 from North America · Summary: · Faults: · General Comments:.

The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1072748-the-worse-problem-s-on-a-300-inline-6-a.html

Jun 6, 2011 ... Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300 - The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - In your opinion, what is the worse problems 300 inline 6s ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1990 Ford Econoline Camper Van
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1990 Ford Econoline Camper Van
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/9u2hh-i-m-having-problem-1990-ford-econoline-camper-van.html

Jul 30, 2016 ... I'm having a problem with my 1990 ford econoline camper van with ignition switch problems - not the key cylinder I feel - Answered by a ...

83 5.0 not getting fuel - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck ...
83 5.0 not getting fuel - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck ...
https://www.f150forum.com/f13/83-5-0-not-getting-fuel-230720/

Oct 17, 2013 ... I just had to replace the accelerator pump diaphragm on my 73. it had dried out, a common occurrence here in the desert with vehicles that ...

Q&A: Carbon Neutral and Code 334 - 1993 Ford E150 4.9
Q&A: Carbon Neutral and Code 334 - 1993 Ford E150 4.9
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/avqw3-1993-ford-e150-4-9-code-334.html

Dec 19, 2017 ... Then the problem is the EGR control solenoid holding valve open. Try to disconnect vacuum line and then see if engine starts to shake still?

Other years of Ford E150

ford e150 1984 photo
E150 1984
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E150 1985
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ford e150 1986 photo
E150 1986
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ford e150 1987 photo
E150 1987
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ford e150 1988 photo
E150 1988
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ford e150 1989 photo
E150 1989
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1983 Ford E150 photo