I traded my 2002 F250 7.3 for an 02 Excursion with a V10. After less than a week of owning it, I found the #4 plug stripped out. So now Im stuck with a broke truck. My truck had a few issues as well just for the record. So my question is do I just go ahead and re-sleeve all of the plug holes for piece of mind or do I just fix the one? The Ex I traded for has an 8 inch lift, Iron cross bumpers, 12k lb winch sitting on 37s. Just wondering if I should do them all while I am in there?

 

I wouldn't. A blown spark plug is noisy and annoying, but won't stop you from driving somewhere to fix it. I would fix the broken one and be certain not to over torque the rest. There are some good instructions for plugs here with recommended torque values and anti seize in the tech stickies at the top of the forums.

 

Install a Timesert or equivalent in the blown hole. Whether you do the other 9 is up to you.

Do NOT use anti-seize.

DO "over"-torque the plugs to 25-28 ft-lbs.

If you must drive the vehicle with a blown plug, disconnect the fuel injector plug first.

 

Don't think I would do all, I would however replace all plugs with new motorcraft and torque down tight. My previous EX was a v10, sold it with 228k miles never had any issues. Plugs replaced 3 times under my ownership by Ford dealer.

 

Thanks for the replies. I assume when you say dont use anti seize you are referring to the sleeves going into the head or are you referring to the plugs themselves? I always read that you are supposed to use anti seize when screwing plugs into a aluminum head. Is this not true for the tritons? Just pisses me off that I have only had the truck a week. I think the dealer who traded it to my buddy who is a wholesaler probably knew what the deal was and was glad to unload it. The plug was basically hand tight when I pulled it.

 

The last two on the passenger side can be a bit intimidating, but it is doable and a great feeling of accomplishment when you complete the job.

 

Thanks guys. I will probably do #4 and keep the kit in the Ex in case I'm on a road trip.

 

Classic source of disagreement when it comes to anti seize. I use the nickel based stuff personally, but of course not on the thread insert when repairing, only on the spark plugs into the holes.

 

I went to napa and they have a tool that taps the hole and adds a sleeve but there is no guide. Oreileys kit makes you use a different longer plug but has a guide. I'm afraid to use the kit with no guide in case I don't get the angle right. The Time set kit is 400 bucks! I'd like to get it done sooner than later but I don't know if I have the cash for the repair kit.

 

The 02 X`s didn`t have the issue with 3 threads per cylinder in the spark plug holes. sounds like someone did plugs and damaged it that way!


I would just fix the one and move on.

 

That's the plan. Just need to figure out of I'm willing to risk using the tool without the guide or by the 400.00 one.