Well after dealing will coils going bad I finally joined the plug blow out club. My 99 F-150 w/5.4 blew the #3 plug last week. The mechanic I took it to had just replaced my #4 coil and was able to get the #3 plug in but assumes it is only holding by a couple (of the 4) threads.
I had been out to FTE a couple of times in the past but only in passing. I spent this weekend reading alot about the time-serts and the success people have had with them and decided to give them a try versus trading in.
So my questions are, I am in the Portland, Oregon area and wondering, if anyone in the area knows of any shops that work with time-serts? I am thinking about doing it myself (somewhat handy and have worked on cars) does anyone know any place locally to get the kits or have a used one for sale? Also to everyone....if not locally where have others gotten them from and what did they pay? I have read some have used the time-sert 4412E kit with 44186 inserts versus the 5551 kit (more specific for the Ford) can anyone tell me if they have had problems going this route? I know...alot of questions for a first post but based on what I have already read on this site, this is the place to ask 'em if you want answers. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Thought I would update this for anyone else in the Portland, Oregon area.
Well after breaking out the yellow pages and calling a few places I found Palmers auto in Milwaukie does the time-serts. $250. I talked with Palmer a bit and they just got their kit about 10 months ago and have already down about 20 vehicles (mostly Fords). Well 1 down 7 to go........

 

Have you gotten the "plug" situation repaired, yet? It sounds like you found the place to get it done. My daughter lives in Portland and I'm headed that way after the first of the month, so it is good to know of a mechanic in the area (in case I need one).

 

use the bigsert kit the one just specifaclly for fords. i used the kit when i had a plug go and it was so easy and no problems afterwards. the kit from timesert cost a bit over 300 bucks and came with 5 inserts don't know why such a stupid number but i used one and will currenty sell and ship my kit to you for 200 bucks it has 4 inserts left. it is listed in the classifieds. I would easily say any one can do the kit if they can read..... the only plugs that might be tough is 3 and 4 you can get to the others easy.