1981 Ford F super duty problems

General information about Ford-F super duty
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.

Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.

Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.

The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.

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Common 1981 Ford F super duty problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Ford F-350 Super Duty 1981, several common problems have been reported:

Carburetor Clogging: The carburetor was prone to clogging, which could cause a decrease in power and fuel efficiency.

Front Brake Calipers Sticking: The front brake calipers were known to stick, leading to uneven brake pad wear and reduced braking performance.

Automatic Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission had a tendency to slip out of gear or shift erratically.

Diesel Engine Injection Pump Issues: The diesel engine was known to have issues with the injection pump, which could cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all.

Premature Rear Axle Bearings Wear: The rear axle bearings were prone to premature wear, resulting in a whining noise and reduced performance.

Electronic Fuel Injection System Failure: The electronic fuel injection system had a tendency to fail, leading to rough running or a complete inability to start.

Leaking Steering Gear Box: The steering gear box was prone to leaking power steering fluid, which could cause a loss of power steering assist.

Glow Plug Issues in Diesel Engine: The diesel engine was known to have issues with the glow plugs, causing starting difficulties in cold weather.

Front Suspension Wear: The front suspension was prone to premature wear, resulting in a rough ride and reduced handling performance.

These problems highlight various mechanical and performance issues that owners of the Ford F-350 Super Duty 1981 have faced. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.

What are the worst years for F-250 Super Duty?

The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:

2002 Ford F-250.
2006 Ford F-250.
2008 Ford F-250.
2011 Ford F-250.
2017 Ford F-250.

What is the most reliable Ford Super Duty year?

Reliability refers to how well the vehicle can handle heavy loads and rough terrains. The model years 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2020 were some of the stand-out models from the four generations of Ford F-250.

How many miles per gallon does a 1981 F-250 get?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 6 fuel-ups and 445 miles of driving, the 1981 Ford F-250 gets a combined Avg MPG of 6.47 with a 1.12 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 0 outliers (0.00%) removed.

How many miles can a Ford Super Duty last?

I use it like a truck should be used, haul & tow the heck out of it. Everything still works like it should. Ford brands its largest pickup trucks, F-250 and up, as Super Duty trucks. According to Motor and Wheels, the average Ford Super Duty lasts 200,000 miles.

Is Ford Super Duty a reliable Car?

Ford Super Duty Honored as America's Most Dependable Large Heavy-Duty Pickup by J.D. Power. DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2024 – The 2021 Ford Super Duty is the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, based on feedback from drivers after three years of ownership.

What are the worst years for F-250 Super Duty?

The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:

2002 Ford F-250.
2006 Ford F-250.
2008 Ford F-250.
2011 Ford F-250.
2017 Ford F-250.

How long do Ford Super Duty trucks last?

That keeps your average down to around 15 years. Ford brands its largest pickup trucks, F-250 and up, as Super Duty trucks. According to Motor and Wheels, the average Ford Super Duty lasts 200,000 miles.

What is the most reliable Ford Super Duty year?

1981 Ford F super duty car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford F super duty vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Ford F super duty complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford F super duty.

2018-08-20

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-08-01
Fire: 1
VIN: 1FTHF25EOBR
Components: ENGINE
Summary: THE SMALL EXHAUST MANIFOLD THERMALLY CONTROLLED VALVE USED TO PREHEAT INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN COLD FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION CAUSING SEVERAL ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES PLUS EXHAUST GASSES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS SIX(6) CYLINDER ENGINE RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF FIREWALL AND PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ALTERNATOR. EXHAUST NOISE IS EXCESSIVE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN BILLINGS, MT AT THE MOST RECENT FIRES.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1981 Ford F super duty problems:

Problems with 300CI straight sixes | Ford Forums

https://www.fordforums.com/threads/problems-with-300ci-straight-sixes.307426/

Jun 16, 2019 ... Ford F-Series, Ford Super Duty, Ford Diesel ... They have a great local reputation and the engine came with a no questions asked 90 day warranty.

Ford F-150 Questions - if your truck cranks but will not start, what ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t20915_ds570279

Dec 18, 2013 ... also the post above yours about the FPDM,(fuel pump driver module IS A COMMON PROBLEM on these trucks also.it is mounted on the frame rail above ...

1981 F100 Clutch issues | Ford Forums

https://www.fordforums.com/threads/1981-f100-clutch-issues.293754/

Sep 17, 2017 ... 1981 F100 Clutch issues. Jump to ... engine problems , seized brakes , tyres cracking , trans faults . ... Ford F-Series, Ford Super Duty, Ford ...

2020+ Super Duty Known Issues | Page 6 | Ford Tremor Forum ...

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/2020-super-duty-known-issues.218/page-6

Feb 14, 2020 ... Has anyone had issues with the 6.7 fuel pump ? Lots of noise and thumping peculating sound from drivers side rear this is my 6th 6.7 none of ...