Reasons to sell my 2001 F250...& buy GM
#16
08-12-2008, 04:06 PM
FTE Legend
I have to ask, why would someone ask a question such as this on a Ford forum. If it were not for the number of posts, I would swear this was a loaded question. (troll) Now if he's concerned about the spittin' plugs, well thats one thing. If he really wants a Chevy, thats another. Help me understand. 
Dont take it to heart, the thread starter obviously wants some advice, and he used a catchy way to get peoples attention!
#18
08-12-2008, 04:39 PM
#20
08-12-2008, 05:44 PM
Well, my uncle was a rocket scientist with Rockwell and Rocketdyne for over 30 years and he owns a 2001 Dodge 3500 dualie with a Cummins. He's been happy! 
BTW, the 'threat' to buy a Chevy rarely gets a positive response.
BTW, the 'threat' to buy a Chevy rarely gets a positive response.
#21
08-12-2008, 06:02 PM
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Hi All,
No, this is not a loaded question, and I'm not a troll and I'm not here to ruffle feathers. However, I'm not totally 1 brand loyal --> I like Fords, I like GMs. My wife drives a 1996 Caprice w/LT1 and I have a 1967 Impala SS covertible. I even like (I'm ducking) [some] Toyotas. I like cars and trucks in general. I do prefer a ¾ ton truck to tow my travel trailer. I would prefer not to buy a new truck, but I was a little spooked when my local Firestone store said they would NOT touch my spark plugs because of the plug-spitting issue. Searching the internet has not given me the definative answer as to why this is happening and if it can be prevented. And as for me saying I may buy a GM product is a result of the fact I could not find for certain the issue has been fixed on the 3V engines. Sifting through the internet info (and here, thanks!) has lead me to believe the issue happens if plugs are not installed properly. My truck is well maintained and I'll probably have the dealer change the plugs.
Maybe this was more of a "Chicken Little moment" --> The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!
When the time come to buy a new truck, I will consider both Ford & GM.
I've been pretty happy with truck, but I had to put a new tranny in it for $3500 (ouch!)
No, this is not a loaded question, and I'm not a troll and I'm not here to ruffle feathers. However, I'm not totally 1 brand loyal --> I like Fords, I like GMs. My wife drives a 1996 Caprice w/LT1 and I have a 1967 Impala SS covertible. I even like (I'm ducking) [some] Toyotas. I like cars and trucks in general. I do prefer a ¾ ton truck to tow my travel trailer. I would prefer not to buy a new truck, but I was a little spooked when my local Firestone store said they would NOT touch my spark plugs because of the plug-spitting issue. Searching the internet has not given me the definative answer as to why this is happening and if it can be prevented. And as for me saying I may buy a GM product is a result of the fact I could not find for certain the issue has been fixed on the 3V engines. Sifting through the internet info (and here, thanks!) has lead me to believe the issue happens if plugs are not installed properly. My truck is well maintained and I'll probably have the dealer change the plugs.
Maybe this was more of a "Chicken Little moment" --> The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!
When the time come to buy a new truck, I will consider both Ford & GM.
I've been pretty happy with truck, but I had to put a new tranny in it for $3500 (ouch!)
#22
08-12-2008, 06:09 PM
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BTW, the 'threat' to buy a Chevy rarely gets a positive response.
#23
08-12-2008, 06:48 PM
#24
08-12-2008, 08:32 PM
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89 Crewcab
To 89 Crewcab: or anybody else interested.
Just from my own experance, I have found that some old school mechanics and backyard mechanics such as myself don't use a torque wrench. I do now after learning the hard way.
No longer can you just change the plugs and puttum in tight!
Use a torque wrench and make sure your mechanic has a torque wrench and nows how to use it!
Torque wrenches go from inch pounds (POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH) to foot pounds (POUNDS PER SQUARE FOOT).
Just for example the tire shop I use always tightens my wheel lugs with the impact gun and then a Torque wrench.
Then why are my lugs so freaking hard to to take off? I have to use a cheeter pipe on the lug wrench to getem off!
Just from my own experance, I have found that some old school mechanics and backyard mechanics such as myself don't use a torque wrench. I do now after learning the hard way.
No longer can you just change the plugs and puttum in tight!
Use a torque wrench and make sure your mechanic has a torque wrench and nows how to use it!
Torque wrenches go from inch pounds (POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH) to foot pounds (POUNDS PER SQUARE FOOT).
Just for example the tire shop I use always tightens my wheel lugs with the impact gun and then a Torque wrench.
Then why are my lugs so freaking hard to to take off? I have to use a cheeter pipe on the lug wrench to getem off!
#25
08-12-2008, 08:43 PM
Like biz4two said most of the issues with the older heads that have a lower thread count can be addressed with proper procedure he outlines and the newer plugs. Not that many people have the issues compared to the number of modular engines out there. Yes, it can happen and yes it's a pain but you can fix it on your own with a Timesert kit. Also I think Ford addressed this in 2000 and 2001 with some alignment features and then fixed it for good by 2002 (even before the 3V) by adding more threads to the head. Of course the problem with those heads is getting the plug out but that's a different subject.
++ 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 repai
++ 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 repai
That is great info. I have 120,000 miles on my V10 without a problem. If I ever do have a plug blow, now I know how to fix it.
#26
08-12-2008, 10:52 PM
Hi All,
No, this is not a loaded question, and I'm not a troll and I'm not here to ruffle feathers. However, I'm not totally 1 brand loyal --> I like Fords, I like GMs. My wife drives a 1996 Caprice w/LT1 and I have a 1967 Impala SS covertible. I even like (I'm ducking) [some] Toyotas. I like cars and trucks in general. I do prefer a ¾ ton truck to tow my travel trailer. I would prefer not to buy a new truck, but I was a little spooked when my local Firestone store said they would NOT touch my spark plugs because of the plug-spitting issue. Searching the internet has not given me the definative answer as to why this is happening and if it can be prevented. And as for me saying I may buy a GM product is a result of the fact I could not find for certain the issue has been fixed on the 3V engines. Sifting through the internet info (and here, thanks!) has lead me to believe the issue happens if plugs are not installed properly. My truck is well maintained and I'll probably have the dealer change the plugs.
Maybe this was more of a "Chicken Little moment" --> The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!
When the time come to buy a new truck, I will consider both Ford & GM.
I've been pretty happy with truck, but I had to put a new tranny in it for $3500 (ouch!)
No, this is not a loaded question, and I'm not a troll and I'm not here to ruffle feathers. However, I'm not totally 1 brand loyal --> I like Fords, I like GMs. My wife drives a 1996 Caprice w/LT1 and I have a 1967 Impala SS covertible. I even like (I'm ducking) [some] Toyotas. I like cars and trucks in general. I do prefer a ¾ ton truck to tow my travel trailer. I would prefer not to buy a new truck, but I was a little spooked when my local Firestone store said they would NOT touch my spark plugs because of the plug-spitting issue. Searching the internet has not given me the definative answer as to why this is happening and if it can be prevented. And as for me saying I may buy a GM product is a result of the fact I could not find for certain the issue has been fixed on the 3V engines. Sifting through the internet info (and here, thanks!) has lead me to believe the issue happens if plugs are not installed properly. My truck is well maintained and I'll probably have the dealer change the plugs.
Maybe this was more of a "Chicken Little moment" --> The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!
When the time come to buy a new truck, I will consider both Ford & GM.
I've been pretty happy with truck, but I had to put a new tranny in it for $3500 (ouch!)
Well said, 89CrewCab!
I know exactly what you mean...I had my 4R100 tranny explode...and of all days it was TAX day of this year '08. Not only do I get screwed by the Govt, but my SuperDuty blows the torque converter to pieces. The $2400 to have my 4R100 rebuilt by a "Master" FORD tech that went into business for himself and knows our trucks inside and out was still a hard decision to make.
I lean towards FORD, but realize that if a better product comes along...I might switch. Even though FORD is not perfect...it is the best truck on the road today...IMO.
Good luck either way...and once again...the '05+ modular engines (5.4L and V10 3v) do NOT have any issues with plug blowouts. Buy with confidence...
biz
#27
08-12-2008, 11:39 PM
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The trannys a costly thing it was 4k installed with the warranty and it didnt matter with the tires i got on it. and this is why i wouldn't buy an IFS <a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk58/i50mx08/?action=view¤t=Pismotrip035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk58/i50mx08/Pismotrip035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
#28
08-13-2008, 05:20 AM
Well said, 89CrewCab!
I know exactly what you mean...I had my 4R100 tranny explode...and of all days it was TAX day of this year '08. Not only do I get screwed by the Govt, but my SuperDuty blows the torque converter to pieces. The $2400 to have my 4R100 rebuilt by a "Master" FORD tech that went into business for himself and knows our trucks inside and out was still a hard decision to make.
I lean towards FORD, but realize that if a better product comes along...I might switch. Even though FORD is not perfect...it is the best truck on the road today...IMO.
Good luck either way...and once again...the '05+ modular engines (5.4L and V10 3v) do NOT have any issues with plug blowouts. Buy with confidence...
biz
I know exactly what you mean...I had my 4R100 tranny explode...and of all days it was TAX day of this year '08. Not only do I get screwed by the Govt, but my SuperDuty blows the torque converter to pieces. The $2400 to have my 4R100 rebuilt by a "Master" FORD tech that went into business for himself and knows our trucks inside and out was still a hard decision to make.
I lean towards FORD, but realize that if a better product comes along...I might switch. Even though FORD is not perfect...it is the best truck on the road today...IMO.
Good luck either way...and once again...the '05+ modular engines (5.4L and V10 3v) do NOT have any issues with plug blowouts. Buy with confidence...
biz
I wouldn't worry about spark plug blowout as others have said before me if you follow proper torque specifications and use nickle anti-seize compond.
If you really want to purchse a new truck now is the time since they're giving A-Plan pricing and 0% purchse financing till labour day weekend (at least here in Canada).
As far as spark plug issues on the new trucks go there have been issues with the new high thread (HT) plugs breaking the shields off if they are left in the engine for long periods of time. The solution to this is simple. Remove the plugs more frequently and use a nickel Anti-Seize compound on the shield.
I also own a 2005 Mustang GT with the 4.6L 3V which uses the same cylinder heads and if I thought that this would be a problem I wouldn't have gone out and bought another vehicle using the same spark plug design.
As for the HT plug design there is word that it has been done away with in the latter part of the 2007 model year in the Mustang. Once I take posession of the new truck I will pull one of the plugs out to see which design it is.
Just to let you know I'm coming from the Chevy camp after 20 years and I've never been more excited about getting a new work truck.
36 hours ago I was shopping for a Chevy Savanah and here I am with a Ford F-250 XLT.
This is a truck similar to what I'm getting. I will post actual pics once I take posession.
#29
08-13-2008, 05:44 AM
#30
08-13-2008, 08:41 AM
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I wonder how many plugs were spit? I wonder what the actual numbers are? Will never know.
It is such a crazy malfunction, and such a potentially expensive repair .... stuff legends are made of.
For the record, my 2002 5.4 (truck build date 08/2001) spit an original plug at about 70000 miles. Because of some unfortunate circumstances, I had to let the dealer put a head on it. I try not to think about it.
It was shortly after my mishap, that Ford approved a repair for the problem instead of head replacement at the dealerships.
It is such a crazy malfunction, and such a potentially expensive repair .... stuff legends are made of.
For the record, my 2002 5.4 (truck build date 08/2001) spit an original plug at about 70000 miles. Because of some unfortunate circumstances, I had to let the dealer put a head on it. I try not to think about it.
It was shortly after my mishap, that Ford approved a repair for the problem instead of head replacement at the dealerships.