CalVan VS Time-sert

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Nov 28, 2011 | 03:28 PM

ondarvr

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 34

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From: WA

CalVan VS Time-sert. UPDATE!

I know this has been discussed here before, but not much info has been given here on CalVan, I was able to find info elsewhere though.
I have read about plug blow out for years and now on my third F150 it has bit me. I picked up this 01 F150 about a year ago with 74,000 miles on it, I thought the plugs would be original and purchased new ones from the dealer. Before I could change them my daughters car needed some repairs so she started driving my truck…well yesterday she calls and says it’s making a funny popping noise and has less power. I knew what the issue was right away. It turns out someone had already changed the plugs and used Bosch, so I knew they weren’t stock.

I need to order a repair kit today and would like to know if there is any updated info on the comparison between the two kits.

I know the Time-sert is aluminum and the CalVan in steel, some say the steel insert may expand and contract at a different rate than the aluminum head and come loose, but spark plugs are steel and for the most part they don’t come loose (OK it might happen with these heads, but that may be from the stock torque spec and number of threads). I tend to trust steel threads more than aluminum and think the CalVan may be a little more durable.

Any input on this would be great.

Thanks for your opinions.

Last edited by ondarvr; Jun 11, 2019 at 10:58 PM. Reason: Update

Nov 28, 2011 | 09:34 PM

holler1

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Joined: Nov 2011

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I realize the Time-sert website is not very clear on this, but if you dig into it you'll find the "standard" #51459 Time-sert Triton inserts are steel and the aluminum inserts are #51459A. I tested the #51459 inserts when I installed mine and they are attracted strongly by a magnet, so clearly have at least some steel. They are aluminum or silver colored but I think that is just a surface coat. The so-called "bigserts" are actually the same size as the Triton inserts, and just have full internal threads, whereas the Triton inserts only have ~5 internal threads so the original plugs can be used. I installed two Time-serts in my truck and they went in well and so far are doing fine, only a few hundred miles.

I have no info on the CalVan inserts.

Dec 9, 2011 | 07:36 PM

ondarvr

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 34

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From: WA

CalVan VS Time-sert update

I ordered the Calvan kit and it arrived a few days later. This was a very simple and easy fix, the video shows it taking about 10 minutes, I did plug #3 and the working time didn't really take much longer than that. It took longer to assemble the tools and hang the shop light than the actual repair.

<O

</O

You could almost do this repair on the side of the road, well....actually you could if you had an air compressor.<O

</O

Oct 15, 2012 | 07:02 PM

bb1982

5th Wheeling

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 34

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Any updates on the quality of either of these repairs over time? My '99 E-350 blew a spark plug, and I'm trying to decide my next step. Thanks!

Oct 16, 2012 | 12:58 AM

fmerkl

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Joined: Oct 2006

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bought the Calvan kit , worked perfect!!
Frank

Oct 26, 2012 | 09:07 PM

vista461

Cross-Country

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 74

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I have 85,000 miles on my Timesert repair with no issues.

Jun 11, 2019 | 10:56 PM

ondarvr

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 34

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From: WA

Update

I figured I should update this.

I blew another plug out, so now two have blown.

Both have held up well, no problems going on 7 years for the first blown out plug.

I carry the Cal Van kit with me, repaired the second one on a trip. I also carry a complete set of coils.