More of the same, just different, and perplexing.

I bought a 1998 Expedition 4X4, 3rd row seats, power everything in great shape for $800. It has the 5.4 and Auto Trans (not sure which one). I got such a great price because #3 sparkplug had blown out. I checked the internet, called NAPA and called Ford and found out this really isn't that big of a deal and it is an easy fix.

I pulled the harness for the injector, fired her up and drove her home. Sounded like an old Johnny Popper John Deer. I went to NAPA and got the insert kit I needed and the hole was bigger then the tool. My brother has one of those cameras that reach into places like spark plug holes and we could insert the head (11/16 inch diameter) all the way to the piston.

So, I called the previous owner and he told me that he had repaired that spark plug hole once before, but he could not remember what kit he used.

Common sense says I am going to have to replace this head. I'm hoping that one of y'all has used a kit that needs a hole almost 3/4 of an inch in diameter......

The head is cheap ($60) at a local junk yard, the labor is not ($1200 plus a gasket set) at the local Ford dealership.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

I'm pretty sure it was a kit called "timesert". I have all of mine done with this asd it enlarges the plug hole and threads it to allow use of a larger, shouldered insert.

 

++ TIME-SERT FORD SPARK PLUG REPAIR, blown out spark plugs problems blowout Frequently Asked Questions ++

Call this place, they will hook you up.
This is the most popular and best kit out there!

 

I looked at Time-Sert based on recommendations on this site, before I purchased the Expedition.

From Time-Sert:

"This kit not recommened for holes larger than .650 inches or 16.5mm". My Spark plug hole is easily .750 inch.

 

Timesert may have oversized inserts available. Give them a call.

Heres another brand thats similar to the timeserts.
http://fulltorque.com/sparkplug.htm

If neither of them have anything you could always contact these guys. http://www.blownoutsparkplug.com/

 

Try this kit It is by far the best insert kit I have used and the tap is 3/4" so it may work in your head. I have installed prob 20 inserts and none have came out.

 

None of these can help. Thanks for the info.

 

According to the manufacturer, my hole is 2/10ths too big. Nice setup though and allot cheaper then Timesert.

I'm going to have to change the head.