Well i was trying remove a sparkplug with one of those solid thread inserts and it dropped into the cylinder. I have a timesert kit coming and my hopes are to ream out the spark plug hole and attempt to remove the insert by bringing it up through the plug hole. Of course this is going to be tough and require the insert to be lined up almost perfectly to get it out.
The tools i attempt to use are a magnet that is just small enough to fit into the plug hole, but ffairly powerful. Also plan to use heavy wire with a section of duct tape around the end of it.
I am tryig to negate the need to remove the head to get it out and am looking for any other ideas people may have. Will also have a shop vac on hand, but dont know how much help it will be.
Thanks

 

The insert is in cyl#3 on a 2001 5.4l expedition

 

Would it be possible to remove the intake, unbolt the head and raise the head enough to get the insert out without removing the timing chain or anything else?

 

I've not yet had to do this but I'd suggest first seeing what you can do without removing the intake etc----its entirely possible your magnet trick will work. I'm thinking if it dropped into the cylinder it should be removable once you ream the hole for the bigger insert.

I certainly hope that's the case! If you loosen the head and lift it the head gasket should be changed at that point--I don't believe they're "reusable".

Best of luck on this!

 

In one word, NO.

 

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Well I was able to get it out, much to my own surprise. I used a strong flexible magnet just smaller than the plug hole, and a small inspection mirror to see. Took about two and half hours...it went like this.

Recieved my Timesert kit and used the reamer to enlarge the hole and clean it up. After trying all three types of magnets I had purchased ($40!!!!) the only one I felt comfortable using was the heavy flexible one. Laying on an old creeper cushion positioned across the front of the truck and using a small round inspection mirror to see I tried for about an hour to get it out with little progress. I was able to get the insert to start up the hole, but it kept getting hung up. Began discussing the options with the wife of whether to take it to someone or just pull the head and do it myself. Well I decided to give it another go. Rereamed the hole to see if I could get it cleaned up better. Was able to get the insert alighned with the hole, but once again it would hang up. So I started to turn the magnet attempting to see if the insert would thread out. Kept doing this and thought it looked like it was coming out, I pushed down on the magent and it didnt move!!! The insert was actually coming out...kept turning and turning....heart was pounding harder and harder with each thread that I saw come out of the hole. When it came completly out I almost rolled of the front of the truck I was so excited and shocked that I was actualy able to get it out .

I then proceeded to finish the timersert fix and the next morning finished putting everything back together and fired it up. Ran great.

So thanks to all of the suggestions and help guys.

 

Glad it worked out so well---I know its a huge relief!