Great thread! I haven't seen some bickering in quite some time around here (since the psd vs V10 thread), I like it!

As for the plugs and low compression did you get a new timesert and install with the one plug? Looks like the old plug with the old timesert on it was around for awhile and wasn't changed with the other plugs. Its also looks like it was misfiring or not firing at all because of the black oily looking stuff on the electrode. Like mentioned that can either mean dead coil on that cylinder or like you mechanic said a dead hole. It is possible with the work done to that cylinder that metal got down into the cylinder and took out a valve or piston ring causing loss in compression. Have your mechanic do a leak down test on that hole and see where the air is going to know more of what kind of work would have to be done.

 

The latest...

I had the engine checked out by another reputable mechanic and he isn't getting compression in cylinder 4 either (the original diagnosis).

I'm looking at an engine replacement cost of $5-6K, which isn't going to happen.

So my plan is to sell it. Anyone interested? I'm asking $3K. It - a 2002 Excursion Limited 6.8L V10, hunter green with tan leather interior - is in excellent condition: body is in great shape, no rust. Undercarriage is clean. New tires. New front end (tie rods, rotors, calipers, brakes). Interior is beautiful and clean. No rips.

What a bummer for me but for someone who wants to put in an engine in their spare time, I figure it's a way to get a $10K vehicle for $6K and by putting in a new engine you'll get a warranty.

Shoot me a PM if interested and I can post pictures.

 

No compression isn't the end of the world. Pop that head off and see what's going on in there. If I suggested a new engine every time someone had low compression I would have been out of business when I had my repair business.

 

I'd take it if you were close to me!

 

I just changed the plugs today. What a pain, took me about 5 hours and 3 trips to the local Checkers. I used the copper tread anti lock and torqued to about 150 inch torque with the torque wrench I bought at Checker. I have been reading though out the day about blown plugs, do you guys think I will be alright?