5.4l RUNNING BAD

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Aug 10, 2012 | 01:04 PM

#16

a12play12

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From: Nevada,

Yep looks like a Keen-cert that wasn't locktighted properly. Lucky for you the hard part is done! (rheaming and taping). Should be able to get a new insert and the install tool from the local auto parts. use plenty of red locktight on the outer threads and let it dry per the locktight instructions so this dosn't happen again!

Aug 10, 2012 | 01:16 PM

#17

greenego

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From: Brunswick, Maryland

I'm not sure but with that cylinder obviously having a previous repair I would think that you could get a new insert like the one that backed out with the plug and reinstall it and then put in a new plug. I've never dealt with this so I'm just guessing here. Maybe someone with experience with these inserts will see your post some time soon. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Aug 10, 2012 | 05:50 PM

#18

stoney06

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thanks for all the help!!
Ill take it to napa tomorrow and see if they have the same insert and tool!!

Well I changed all the plugs, the passenger side back weren't as bad as i thought they would be to get at.

I did get the cylinders mixed up though.
#2 had the thread insert.
#7 which was misfiring, was full of dirt and grime and moisture, none of the others were near as bad as this one.

So I believe the moisture in #7 to be the issue!!!

but I have to wait till I get the new insert and I will post an update on what will hopefully be a successful fix!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

Aug 11, 2012 | 12:21 PM

#19

stoney06

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So I put the #2 plug that had the insert stuck on it back in the way it come out just to see if it would go back in and so I could start it and make sure #7 was the issue...

So it started and ran good again... So this morning when I went to pull it out to take it to napa and get a new insert,, this time the insert didn't come out with the plug.....

So I went ahead and put the new plug in and tightened it down but it just kept spinning... It will get to about 15ftlbs before it starts to spin again...

I'm assuming this is not ok....although I drove it around the block knowing that I prob shouldn't and it ran great!!

How big of a issue is this? and now that the thread is in there and not coming out with the plug how would I go about fixing it??

You all have helped alot!!! Thanks for any input!!

Aug 12, 2012 | 04:19 PM

#20

stoney06

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will I be ok driving it with the plug tightened to 15ftlbs or do I need to redo that helicoil?

Aug 12, 2012 | 07:26 PM

#21

wbird2

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Joined: Aug 2012

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truck misfires, shakes, looses power and dies too.

My brother's 87 ford ranger 2.3L truck began to have problems. It would be running great, then start to misfire, sputter, shake and loose accelleration then dies. Then it wouldn't start back up for a long time, sometimes til the next day. Little by little, the truck would drive a shorter and shorter distance between breakdowns. He first tried some minor work himself, (basic tune up) - replaced his rotor, cap, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, but that didn't fix it. He went to one garage (big mistake), who said the fuel pump pressure was fine but said he found a broken wire on the harness grounding out and it needed new ignition module and replaced it. (Cost was $350.00+), Garage promised to honor any additional work nec if it continued to have the same problem, and would be free of charge. Five more breakdowns later and two more "better quality ignition modules", new battery terminals, and 1 new computer later, this joker did more unauthorized work and demanded another $200+ besides the fact of breaking his orig agreement "free of charge" if any further problems! Needless to say, second garage fixed the truck by replacing the magnetic pickup, part # DU 30-C (an electrical part that goes in the distributor and pulsates a current to operate the timing) (it does something like that) and this bill was $358.66, total, and the truck has been driven approximately 40-60 miles as of today, (3 days later), without breaking down. All the other times when picked up from incompetent garage, it wouldn't go more than 1 - 7 miles before breaking down and each time they didn't fix it. Also, I saw this same part on ebay for $58.00 – $75.00 and this second garage charged $104.93 just for the part! Hope this helps!
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Aug 12, 2012 | 09:20 PM

#22

redford

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Stephensville WI

Most defiantly. you need to repair the threads on the #2 spark plug.

Aug 13, 2012 | 01:33 PM

#23

a12play12

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Nevada,

redford is correct, the plug is not going to hold. you will have to do some research to see if someone makes a double oversize incert?!?!?!?! otherwise you may have to have the head repaired. i would talk to a tech at your local dealer for some advise.
Good Luck! Roger