My friendly neighborhood Ford Dealer called this morning to inform me that someone previously tried to repair the # 7 cylinder with a heli-coil and now the plug won't reach deep enough into the head. They ran a compression test and it was down 40%.

Replacing the plug brought it up to 12% down. They also said the #2 plug won't go in past 2 1/2 turns. I was quoted 20 hours labor to replace both heads. Or 15-17 hours to just drop a fresh one in. My question is what version of the 10 can I use in my double-aught X? I talked a bit today with Wyatt (the parts guy) and he can get a very nice deal for me. What year(s) did Ford finally get their crap together with these bad boys?

I don't have much into it, so dropping 4-6K into it.. I'll still be money ahead as these beasts still get 10-18K used around my neck of the woods .

Thanks in advance,
Miguel..

 

I'd go with a new rebuild but I would sure ask if the rebuild has the new deeper heads. I assume you have the R4100 tranny so you will have to stick with the 2 V engine, but you'll be good to go. That's what I'd do instead of just pulling the heads. This way you get a basically new engine with a warranty.

 

The deep full threaded heads started mid-late 2003 for the 2v v-10. If you buy the Time sert kit. It actually has you drill out the old threads all together and ream and tap a completely new threaded hole for the insert. Just buy the kit and fix the holes yourself. Very easy. I would NEVER take my truck to a Ford Dealer for anything.

 

Install the Dorman thread repair and it will fit it. The kit includes a new insert, plug and boot. This is not an insert like the small coils, but a big piece that is threaded into the head with a newer designed spark plug. I can almost guarantee this will fix it.