Truck was running great after I figured out I had a COP issue – thread located here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-v-10-a.html

So Saturday I was on way home and heard the pop then crappy running after that. Pulled over and had a hunch – to bad I was correct. I know there are a couple options for ‘inserts’ and all but what I’m wanting to find out is who has had this issue in the Vancouver Washington area and who they had do the work for them? I’d rather just go and have them all fixed in one shot so I hopefully don’t have to worry about this rolling time-bomb again.

This would have sucked if I’d have been on the coast with the family and the trailer in tow.

Thanks for any recommendations.
Ed
2002 F-250 SD V-10 with about 180,000+ miles give or take

 

I would fix the damaged threads in the cylinder that launched the plug with a Timesert and not touch the other cylinders. If the plugs are fresh just make sure the other plugs are tight.

 

Plugs have been in just shy of 2 years. Truck doesn't get used as much since it is mainly for hauling and towing the trailer these days. I'm planning on holding onto it as long as possible.

Part of me likes the idea of jumping in and just fixing the one plug and getting it back on the road - don't like keeping a vehicle in an undrivable state.

But other part of me is worried about 'the next' one letting go and my luck is it'll be when we are out of area and towing the trailer.......

The plug that let go is #5 - tight spot but not as bad as #10 would have been.

 

If you put the plugs in correctly and the threads are not torn up from being put in wrong in the past then there won't be a next one.

I would repair the one and put new plugs in the others. Make sure you do it right.
Motorcraft plug, 14-15 ft lbs and use antiseize.

 

Yep - did the Motorcraft plug, correct torqe, and antiseize when i put these in.

I'll check the rest and see how they look and go from there. When i did them last i was real careful and took my time because of what i'd read about blown plugs.

 

Keep in mind that you can simply disconnect the connectors to the COP and fuel injector on a plug-less cylinder and drive with minimal risk. One of the benefits of an MPFI engine! You will be down on power and the POP POP POP is rather annoying, but just whistle the theme song from "The African Queen" and carry on.

Better yet, just carry one of these:
Emergency Plug Kit

You will likely get a CEL, but you can get home.

 

Are you the trucks original owner? If you put them in right then the previous owner might have torn them up before you.
There is no reason for them to come out unless the threads where torn up before.

 

Let's all stop laying blame and get the guy his recommended fix, and a recommendation for someone to do the work.

Start calling around your area, and see if any of the mechanics even KNOW what a Timesert is. If they don't, don't bother

Problem with doing all 10 is that it's a LOT of work, and you will pay dearly for it. I'm not saying ripping off the heads is going to be any cheaper, though.

 

I've had the truck for about 3.5 years - so yeah - who know's how the previous owner did the plugs.

I've got a line on a guy that has done a bunch so waiting to hear back what'll it'll run me to get the one repaired. Not sure what kit he's used though....

I've got till mid-August for our next camping trip so it's not crunch time just yet.

Ed

 

Let us know the outcome.

 

The service blownsparkplugs.com might be an option too---I believe they're franchised but seem to be highly reputable overall. Maybe visit their website and check for someone close to you?

 

Art, I'm not trying to blame anyone. I feel like if we can figure out what made it spit the plug we are all better off becuase it might keep it from happeing to him or someone else again.

If the PO tore the threads up on one than there is some risk with the other 9 too. I would at the least hit them all with the torque wrench to 14-15 ft lbs to make sure non of them are working there way out.

 

Well have a few calls out and so far:

1 want's to pull the head to do a 'correct' repair - not got quote on that yet.

Next shop is going to call back when the tech that does them is back from a 'sick day'.

A shop here in town where i live will do it for about $200-250 'in truck' fix using a NAPA #770-3407 helicoil - though they'll give a 2 year 20,000 mile warranty on it.

I'll shoot out a couple more calls and see what else i find out in my area.

Ed

 

I do NOT like Heli-Coils for repairing spark plugs. For most anything else, they do fine and I use many of them.
BUT they have a less than stellar track record for spark plugs. Not sure what the failure rate is and it may be less 10%, but they do have a tendency to back out over repeated heat cycles. One of my heads was ruined by one.

That is exactly why the Time-Sert was developed - to prevent backing out.

I would buy your own Time-Sert kit and let the mechanic use it before letting them install a Heli-Coil.

Pulling the head is far and away the best way as it guarantees they do not leave chips behind in the cylinder.... but it takes time and $$$ to do so.