Finished! $953.35 at my local garage. The final solution was to have inserts installed in all eight. I found a kit plus enough inserts to complete the task for about $450, and I think that a little over $500 is cheap enough for the labor. The mechanic grumbled about doing all of 'em. He said it was his experience that it was an emergency fix. I explained that I understood, and that I felt it was preventative maintenance. The plug holes had been screwed by a professional - (me). Unfortunately, not a professional mechanic - just me. (The garage owner didn't complain at all - just helped convince me that I didn't really want to replace the engine or pull the heads, unless there was a better reason.) Now I have a better level of comfort, just not what it was before. I no longer expect to get stranded somewhere due to a freshly blown plug, and I no longer feel the need to park the truck far away from everything, so that if the cruise control does catch fire, it won't burn down the county. I'll keep wondering what our friends at ford will reveal in the future. I guess it's true, that ignorance is bliss. There is a huge reason why I'm keeping it - it's paid for!

 

I've got over 200k miles on my 97 and have never had a problem. She runs great and harldy burns any oil.

 

My 5.4 has 280K on it and runs great....Just Sayin

 

Any update on the plugs? Still holding fine TelRock?

 

i dont see what the big deal is? ive owned 2 of these trucks a 99 f150 5.4 with 400 000 kms on it never blew a plug nw i have a 2001 screw with a 4.6 with 205 000 kms on it and hasnt spit a plug. as for the people who have blown plugs go buy the calvan or time sert kit and quit whining all manufacturers have issues gm is well known for their 4.8 and 5.3s stripping plugs out and having manifolds bolts breaking off flush. Only issues ive had with both trucks is exhaust manifold leaks and rear window leaks