I was nearly done installing new plugs in my Triton when I discovered 1 plug hole had been previously repaired with a heli-coil. I strive to fix things right, so my 1st question is: Is a heli-coil a viable repair? Personally I see the compression being an issue as far as a long term thing. And if there is a link to heli-coil install, I'd appreciated. 2nd question: I am not opposed to spending some money on a thread insert kit. But the options are pretty wide in terms of brands and prices. So if anyone can recommend a particular one, I'd love to know.

 

This one by far is better than heli-coils. insert kit I have done prob 15-20 and none have failed.

 

No, Heli-coil is NOT the proper repair....heli-coil has its place and can do well for the most part....just not for spark plug repair in a alum cylinder head.

the Best repair that has the best durable repair is Time Sert.
++ TIME-SERT Threaded inserts for stripped threads, threaded inserts, thread repair stripped sparkplug's, Ford sparkplug blowouts, threaded inserts threaded, repair stripped threads, stripped threads, inserts threaded inserts, Ford spark plug repair,

 

Its hard to fathom 450.00 to fix 1 bad thread. But beats the alternative. I just wonder if any of the other kits I see from 150-250 can get the job done.

 

The kit I linked to has thicker inserts and since you already have a helicoil installed there may not be enough metal to hole a timesert in place. The cal-van kit uses a 3/4" tap for the insert and it is JB welded in the head. Like I said before I have done prob 15-20 and have had none fail. MAC and Cornwell sell the same kits on the tool trucks for $400.

 

Just out of curiosity: Has anyone seen-used-heard about the kit NAPA sells? It has a tapered, pipe style thread insert and a funky long spark plug. A Ford service tech actually recommended it to me. Just wondered before I drop 250.00

 

I had a heli coil in the back one on the passenger side but got it out and they are all timeserts now.

 

from Wikipedia so may not be totally accurate

Spark plug issues

2-valve 4.6 L, 5.4 L, and 6.8 L engines found in many 1997–2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles have an issue with stripped or missing spark plug threads in the cylinder heads. Ford acknowledges this issue in TSB 07-21-2 as well as earlier TSB's. Ford's TSB does not state that this issue is caused by owner neglect. Ford's only authorized repair procedure for out-of-warranty vehicles is to use the LOCK-N-STITCH aluminum insert and tool kit. For vehicles under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Ford will only cover the replacement of the entire cylinder head; however, the Ford recommended spark plug service interval extends beyond the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.[50]

3-valve 5.4 L and 6.8 L engines built before 10/9/07 and 3-valve 4.6 Ls built before 11/30/07 found in many 2004–2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles have an issue with difficult to remove spark plugs which can cause part of the spark plug to become seized in the cylinder head. The source of the problem is a unique plug design that is made with a 2-piece shell, which often separates, leaving the lower portion of the spark plug stuck deep in the engine. Ford acknowledges this issue in TSB 08-7-6 as well as earlier TSB's. Ford's TSB does not state that this issue is caused by owner neglect. The TSB provides a special procedure for spark plug removal on these engines. For situations where the spark plug has broken in the head, Ford distributes multiple special tools for removing the seized portion of the plug. The multiple procedures required for the different cases/situations of plugs seized in these engines are explained in the TSB. This repair is covered for vehicles under warranty; however, the Ford recommended spark plug service interval extends beyond the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.[51]

Federal-Mogul, parent company of Champion Spark Plug, and Brisk Silver Racing have introduced a 1-piece machined shell 3-valve spark plugs that addresses the OEM 2-piece spark plug's separation issues.[52][53]

 

I got the Plug thing solved. And Yes, I do recommend the Napa quick kit if you only have 1 plug to do. Its holding fine. NOW if someone can tell me how to remove a dang fuel injector, that would be swell.

 

I also have used dorman help repair kit
working fine, also still running on original cops
and to the smart a that said he has a spare plug that blew out
send it i will use it to.
may i suggest 10 inch length spark plug socket you can get them from amazon,
magnetic, exact height ,no wobbly extension. you will be glad you did.

 

DONT EVER USE A HELI-COIL!!

Time-sert all the way.

If you cant find the time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?

These came out of one side on a 03 Superduty 5.4.

Had a huge hole in one piston from a plug walking the insert into the cylinder.

 

i agree, you dont even have a chance of that with dorman
also leave your cops unbolted you will see if any leaks are there,
or for that matter in the future.

 

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner. I got all the plugs changed out. Got the van fired up and it ran really well. 1st thing that arose was when it rained, there was a lightning bolt of spark going across my Drivers side valve cover which as you may guess, drained power, next dry day ran fine. So I'd like some insight on what could cause the zap to occur.
Shortly after, I began to hear what sounded like a compression leak and it went back to shuttering and just not having enough power to climb an on ramp. So in reference to Rbbc's post, what shoud happen if I unbolt the COP's? Will a compression leak pop them out?