Spark Plugs
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 2
From: Colville
What is the date on the design change? Are you sure Ford didn't start tapping the spark plug hole all the way to the top? It seems to me that the earlier design would help prevent starting the plug crooked, that may have been Fords intentions. So much for rumors. Do any of you know personally any one who actully had their spark plug blow out? And under what conditions did it happpen?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Oregon
Originally posted by 68 351 bronc
Do any of you know personally any one who actually had their spark plug blow out? And under what conditions did it happen?
Do any of you know personally any one who actually had their spark plug blow out? And under what conditions did it happen?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Springs,Ct
What year did they change the plugs? My 01 had the new style. It cost me around $450.00 with a coil wire. It started to miss when crusing and when you started to step on it slowly then progessively got worse. The van does'nt fit in the garage and to darn cold out to do it outside. -5 again this morning!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Originally posted by Faithful Old Road Dog
How many hours does it take to change these plugs? I had a chrysler w/440 that would take me 45 min. My Ford 390 takes a fraction of that time. I'm dreading that day. I don't want to take it to the dealership. I can just imagine the cost and I don't like anyone else messing with my vehicles if I can help it. The last time I brought the truck into the dealer, the knucklehead that drove it out for me was riding the clutch.
How many hours does it take to change these plugs? I had a chrysler w/440 that would take me 45 min. My Ford 390 takes a fraction of that time. I'm dreading that day. I don't want to take it to the dealership. I can just imagine the cost and I don't like anyone else messing with my vehicles if I can help it. The last time I brought the truck into the dealer, the knucklehead that drove it out for me was riding the clutch.
Of course I’m 6’2” and 250 LB – anything I lean on could be crushed – and there’s a lot to lean on under that hood!
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: SO-CAL
I was not looking forward to doing my plugs but when i actually got into it i was surpirsed at how well designed and routed everything was after removing hoses and wires that were in the way the plugs were a breeze.. sugestion when you pull the boot off before removing the plug blow out the hole all mine were filled with dirt. anyone have oppinions one the irridium plugs? thats what i put inh mine seem to work fine....
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: conifer, co
my '01 f350, v-10 blew out a plug this last week, 60k miles (80% highway). commuting home on the intersate, doing about 60mph, cruising along and POW! dealer wanted $2700 to replace head, or helicoil it for $500 with no guarantee off the lot. it seems that the problem is not common enough for ford to offer to fix it. everyone i talk to says to complain at ford, sqeaky wheels get the most grease. my good friend has the same motor, 112k, abused, plugs never serviced, and never a problem. i pratically baby mine, and this is my reward. i ordered a kit from Time-sert, as others on this site have recommended it as a fix. when i complete the job, look for a post next week with all the details of my experience in using this product.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: SO-CAL
The timecert kit is great. make sure you have a nice powerful vaccume to suck up any excess chips that might and probably will get in the cylinder. When i used it i found that using the reamer they supplyed is a "BEAR" to use with the T-handle they provide. I twisted for a good 30 mins and got a 1/4" down. i ended up using an air ratchet attached to it and powerd it in carefully. Also i used the right size piece of rope and twisted it in the threads to remove any grease that was on the new threads. I went ahead and spent the extra money for irridium plugs so i wouldnt have to deal with it for a while. Whats everyones oppinion on using some BLUE LOCTITE on the spark plug threads? crazy,,,smart,,,stupid? i went ahead and used it. if i have problems with it ill post it.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: SO-CAL
Oh also dont know if Time cert mentions this but grease the flukes of the reamer and tap when using it catches most all of the threads.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
In looking at the two types of plugs, wouldn't there be a clearance problem in using the longer threaded plug to replace the shorter threaded plug? All this talk about plugs blowing out is getting me nervous, there are over 50k on the engine now. Are the plugs actually backing out to the point where the threads can't hold? I'm wondering if either changing them now or just re-torquing would prevent this from happening.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
Likes: 3
From: Mount Airy, MD
I have been running Denso Iridium plugs (IT16's) and haven't had any problems with them at all. Actually, they have been doing very well. The only draw back with these plugs are that they will cost you almost $15.00 apiece. I just switched to IT20's for a cooler heat range because I am getting ready to install a Kenne Bell SC. The IT20 is what KB recommended with the SC install. I have them gapped at .044. The Denso's cost more than any other plug, but in my opinion, they are worth it.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: conifer, co
mr f-350, i was too scared to use an air ratchet. i did use just a 3/8drive hand ratchet, and while it did take some time to complete that step, the hand ratchet worked great!
TIME-SERT rocks! they save me some serious $$$
faithful ol dog, dont worry about it!! if it happens, (God forbid!) get the timesert kit, and you'll be back, better than new inside of 4 hours with this kit!!
if you are bored, you can read about my experience in the v10 forum, under: "fix your blown plug! i did!"
TIME-SERT rocks! they save me some serious $$$
faithful ol dog, dont worry about it!! if it happens, (God forbid!) get the timesert kit, and you'll be back, better than new inside of 4 hours with this kit!!
if you are bored, you can read about my experience in the v10 forum, under: "fix your blown plug! i did!"
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