Spark plug inserts?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Spark plug inserts?
Can somebody share some wisdom on installing the plug inserts? I have an 07, and can get them all done by a good truck shop for about $450. It seems it would save some headache down the road. Is it a good idea? At about what mileage do they start to eject themselves?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Well given your year plugs being blown out is NOT that big an issue---despite the urban myth machine that even to this day tries making it a bigger issue than it really is. Typically this can be proven to be faulty plug installation; cross threading plugs, seized-in-place from being not changed too long past a 50K mileage interval and a resulting damaging of the threads during removal.
IF your engine has not yet blown a plug there's no real need to preemptively do it. While $450 seems a decent price consider most shops would charge approximately between $275-$400 per hole for Time Sert repair inserts, the most recommended parts and procedure for this repair.
Proper installation is the key to avoiding this problem.
IF your engine has not yet blown a plug there's no real need to preemptively do it. While $450 seems a decent price consider most shops would charge approximately between $275-$400 per hole for Time Sert repair inserts, the most recommended parts and procedure for this repair.
Proper installation is the key to avoiding this problem.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
Well given your year plugs being blown out is NOT that big an issue---despite the urban myth machine that even to this day tries making it a bigger issue than it really is. Typically this can be proven to be faulty plug installation; cross threading plugs, seized-in-place from being not changed too long past a 50K mileage interval and a resulting damaging of the threads during removal.
IF your engine has not yet blown a plug there's no real need to preemptively do it. While $450 seems a decent price consider most shops would charge approximately between $275-$400 per hole for Time Sert repair inserts, the most recommended parts and procedure for this repair.
Proper installation is the key to avoiding this problem.
IF your engine has not yet blown a plug there's no real need to preemptively do it. While $450 seems a decent price consider most shops would charge approximately between $275-$400 per hole for Time Sert repair inserts, the most recommended parts and procedure for this repair.
Proper installation is the key to avoiding this problem.
The truck shop I go to does mostly big trucks. They have some kind of tool that does the inserts without removing the heads and supposedly does not lose anything into the cylinder while doing it. They have 2 service trucks they use, both with 5.4, both over 300k. They did the plugs from the beginning. Plus they are using synthetic oil as well. Maybe I will hold off a bit and see how things go.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Those of us who DIY tend to agree 50K miles is the optimal time for a plug change. There are those who swear 100K is good but c'mon---really? 
If its a DIY you'll have $50 or so max tied up and for the value that small step brings its kinda no brainer---to me anyway.
The procedure you describe is pretty much the standard way its done---which is a good thing. Notice I mentioned the brand name TimeSert---that's important. While there are more than a few Ford plug hole repair kits and procedures that is accepted as best for its purpose.
I'm not disagreeing with your shop choice's methods so if you trust them and have good experience over a longer time that's enough to go on.
Repeating the biggest single way to prevent spark plug issues is installing them correctly. There is a torque spec from Ford but most of us who do this know a few "tricks" somewhat counter to published Ford recommendations work a lot better in real life.
If its a DIY you'll have $50 or so max tied up and for the value that small step brings its kinda no brainer---to me anyway.The procedure you describe is pretty much the standard way its done---which is a good thing. Notice I mentioned the brand name TimeSert---that's important. While there are more than a few Ford plug hole repair kits and procedures that is accepted as best for its purpose.
I'm not disagreeing with your shop choice's methods so if you trust them and have good experience over a longer time that's enough to go on.
Repeating the biggest single way to prevent spark plug issues is installing them correctly. There is a torque spec from Ford but most of us who do this know a few "tricks" somewhat counter to published Ford recommendations work a lot better in real life.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 3
So my first statement after reading your post is: WTF? Did you verify that you had stripped plug holes? I operate a fleet and we run 3-400k on a set of plugs and just change them out, 06-11 model year. They come out, no problem, no stripped threads. That was a problem prior to 2006 as far as I know. I've never had a stripped plug, lots of experience with plugs left in for 3-400k miles on 5.4 and 4.6 06-11 years, no problem just change'm out.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 3
Yes, I never pull them before 300,000 miles. They're worn but I typically don't notice any improvement in the way the engine runs after changing them. I have one right now with 380,000 that I should probably change out soon. I'll post a picture if I can remember to.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Come spring or early summer my '00 5.4 will get new plugs, should be just over 50K miles on the current set by then. If you do remember to post photos we could compare them, add the images to the tech folder here. It might be very useful and enlightening to us and in the V8 Modular Motors forums as well.
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