1978 Ford E250 problems
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.
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Common 1978 Ford E250 problems
The Ford E250 1978 has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These issues range from the fuel system, equipment, engine, transmission, steering, brakes, wheels, frame, and seats.
One of the most common problems is related to the fuel system, which has had 21 recalls.
Another common problem is related to the engine, which has had 11 recalls.
The transmission has also been a problematic area, with 7 recalls.
Steering issues have been reported, with 4 recalls.
Brakes have also been a problematic area, with 3 recalls.
In addition to the recalls, there are other common problems reported by owners of the Ford E250 1978. One of the most common problems is related to the 300 inline 6 engine, which can experience loosening of the exhaust and intakes, mostly on mid '80s engines.
Another common problem is related to the rear main leaks, which are common in the Ford E250 1978.
Rear main leaks and pre-efi computer-controlled carb issues are not the only problems reported by owners of the Ford E250 1978. The distributor gear roll pin can also back out and drop the gear, destroying the camshaft.
The timing can also be a problem, with the truck trying to advance even when the "plug" is pulled.
Rocker arms can wear through, and intake leaks can be a problem, especially after high mileage. These issues can affect the performance and reliability of the Ford E250 1978, making it important for owners to be aware of them and take appropriate action to address them.
What engine is in a Ford E-250?
The Ford E-250 cargo vans are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-250 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
How much weight can an E-250 carry?
However, the E-150 and E-250 both can tow, but the difference is that the E-150 can tow between 5,100 pounds and 7,500 pounds, while the E-250 can tow between 6000 and 7,600 pounds, depending on the model year.
How big is the gas tank on a Ford E-250?
Standard Powertrain
| Available Powertrain | Standard Wheels | Available Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6L - 8,900 lbs. GVWR / 3,470 maximum payload 5.4L - 9,000 lbs. GVWR / 3,480 maximum payload | Twin I-beam IFS - 5,000 lbs. capacity | Semi-floating, Dana 9.75" - 5,520 lbs. capacity |
| Front Disc Brakes | Rear Disc Brakes | 33-gallon Midship Fuel tank |
How much is a Ford E-250?
Prices for a used Ford Econoline Cargo Van E-250 currently range from $2,995 to $36,999, with vehicle mileage ranging from 16,166 to 334,345.
What engine is in a Ford e250?
4.6-liter Triton V8
The Ford E-250 cargo vans are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-250 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
How much weight can an E-250 carry?
However, the E-150 and E-250 both can tow, but the difference is that the E-150 can tow between 5,100 pounds and 7,500 pounds, while the E-250 can tow between 6000 and 7,600 pounds, depending on the model year.
How big is the tank on a Ford e250?
35.0 gal
Fuel & MPG
0/0 mi. 35.0 gal.
How much is a Ford e250?
Prices for a used Ford Econoline Cargo Van E-250 currently range from $2,995 to $36,999, with vehicle mileage ranging from 16,166 to 334,345.
1978 Ford E250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Ford E250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Ford E250 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Ford E250.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WE HAVE HAD THIS VAN FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IT IS NOT USED MUCH NOW. THE PROBLEM IS THE WHEELS DO NOT TRACK. THE FRONT WHEELS ARE OFFSET TO THE LEFT, WHEN LOOKING FORWARD. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD E TYPE VANS AND F TYPE PICKUP TRUCKS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BODY OF THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES SEEMS TO BE CANTED, NOT GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS WOULD PUT LATERAL FORCES ON THE TIRES, ETC. CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND OTHER PROBLEMS. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MFGR. SUPPORT AND ONLY SENDING THIS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES BASED ON CURRENT TIRE PROBLEMS WITH FORD VEHICLES. *AK
1978 Ford E250 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1978 Ford E250.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: THE SHIFT SELECTOR REACTION SPRINGS MAY BE DEFORMED AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF SELECTOR LEVERS DURING COLUMN BUILDUP. THUS THE LEVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE MOVED INTO THE INSERT DETENTS LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD PREVENT THE "PARK" GEAR FROM BEING ENGAGED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SHIFT SELECTOR REACTION SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AT THE THREADED CARBURETOR-TO-FUEL FILTER CONNECTION ON THE SUSPECT CARBURETORS. THIS IS DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED CARBURETOR FUEL INLET CONNECTION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE CARBURETOR WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE ROD AND LINK ASSEMBLIES WITH ADJUSTING SLEEVE CLAMPS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THE CLAMPS CONTAIN A SHARP DIE MARK WHICH COULD CAUSE THE CLAMP TO FRACTURE WHEN THE CLAMP BOLT IS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE CLAMP COULD BREAK AND CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD ADJUSTING SLEEVES.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE STEERING TIE ROD ADJUSTING SLEEVE AND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE PARK ACTUATION SUPPORT PLATES ARE DEFECTIVE DUE TO THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRACKING DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. AS A RESULT, FRAGMENTS FROM A BROKEN PLATE CAN BECOME LODGED IN THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL MECHANISM. THIS COULD PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, OR PREVENT THE PAWL FROM BEING DISENGAGED FROM THE PARK GEAR.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PARK ACTUATION CAM SUPPORT PLATES, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE CARBURETORS IN WHICH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SECONDARY THROTTLE PLATES MAY STICK OPEN.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CARBURETOR AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Ford E250 problems:
Thoughts on this 1978 Ford with 4x4??? : r/vandwellers
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Other years of Ford E250
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