Need Help 99 Expedition
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
UPDATE:
The kit arrived this evening, well packaged and included a nice laminated set of instuctions.
I took a quick look at it and was very impressed. The kit comes with everything needed to do the job and 5 inserts. I already have the new coil and sparkplugs so now i just need the time to do the job.
I won't have time to install the insert until this weekend. While i'm doing the insert i decided to replace all the sparkplugs, i figured since i'm in there i might as well check everything. The last thing i need or want is another one failing. I'm just hoping i don't find more the 4 other failed sparkplugs (that would require ordering more inserts!) hehe
I'll post some comments on the job once it's all done.
The kit arrived this evening, well packaged and included a nice laminated set of instuctions.
I took a quick look at it and was very impressed. The kit comes with everything needed to do the job and 5 inserts. I already have the new coil and sparkplugs so now i just need the time to do the job.
I won't have time to install the insert until this weekend. While i'm doing the insert i decided to replace all the sparkplugs, i figured since i'm in there i might as well check everything. The last thing i need or want is another one failing. I'm just hoping i don't find more the 4 other failed sparkplugs (that would require ordering more inserts!) hehe
I'll post some comments on the job once it's all done.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 974
Likes: 0
It must be the season, yesterday, my wife's '97 Expy blew plug #2. We have about 128k on it, and I have been worrying that this would happen someday. I changed the plugs about a year ago, and the plugs I used have the full set of threads, so it's definitely the head, not the plug. Anyway, I guess it's time to order the set and get to work.
My big question here, is it preferable to use the standard Time-Sert kit, or the Big-Sert kit. It seems that the time-sert kit would be easier to install, mainly because I don't have to cut away so much metal. I don't care about using full-thread plugs, plus it's cheaper. Is there anyone who has used the standard kit and can testify how well it works? All rhe reviews of the Big-Sert kit are excellent, so I may just do that anyway.
Also, can you just buy a new boot for the coil pack, or do you have to buy the whole thing? Mine got jammed under the fuel rail, and didn't go anywhere, just the boot split down the side.
Aaron
My big question here, is it preferable to use the standard Time-Sert kit, or the Big-Sert kit. It seems that the time-sert kit would be easier to install, mainly because I don't have to cut away so much metal. I don't care about using full-thread plugs, plus it's cheaper. Is there anyone who has used the standard kit and can testify how well it works? All rhe reviews of the Big-Sert kit are excellent, so I may just do that anyway.
Also, can you just buy a new boot for the coil pack, or do you have to buy the whole thing? Mine got jammed under the fuel rail, and didn't go anywhere, just the boot split down the side.
Aaron
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Well 8 hours later and the job is done.
I did the insert first and then replaced all the sparkplugs. The insert job went well the "T" handle for the reamer and the tap are about useless though due to clearance issues. I ended up using a ratchet instead. Intial reaming of the hole took me the longest. I ended up attaching a right angle drill to the reamer bit to finally get it finished. I got to a point reaming that i just wasn't making anymore progress so i decided to give a powertool a shot at it and it worked great.
Clean-up wasn't bad at all. As recommended in the instructions i packed the flutes with grease and when i was done i used a small tube attached to my shop vac to remove any remaining metal slivers (which were minimal).
I'm happy with the kit overall. Great instructions and everything needed to do the job right so IMHO it was well worth the price.
Wife is back on the road so she's happy and i have some new tools to add to my collection.
A BIG thanks to everyone on this forum who helped me with this, your assistance was top notch.
I did the insert first and then replaced all the sparkplugs. The insert job went well the "T" handle for the reamer and the tap are about useless though due to clearance issues. I ended up using a ratchet instead. Intial reaming of the hole took me the longest. I ended up attaching a right angle drill to the reamer bit to finally get it finished. I got to a point reaming that i just wasn't making anymore progress so i decided to give a powertool a shot at it and it worked great.
Clean-up wasn't bad at all. As recommended in the instructions i packed the flutes with grease and when i was done i used a small tube attached to my shop vac to remove any remaining metal slivers (which were minimal).
I'm happy with the kit overall. Great instructions and everything needed to do the job right so IMHO it was well worth the price.
Wife is back on the road so she's happy and i have some new tools to add to my collection.
A BIG thanks to everyone on this forum who helped me with this, your assistance was top notch.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by adelyser
My big question here, is it preferable to use the standard Time-Sert kit, or the Big-Sert kit. It seems that the time-sert kit would be easier to install, mainly because I don't have to cut away so much metal. I don't care about using full-thread plugs, plus it's cheaper. Is there anyone who has used the standard kit and can testify how well it works? All rhe reviews of the Big-Sert kit are excellent, so I may just do that anyway.
Originally Posted by adelyser
Also, can you just buy a new boot for the coil pack, or do you have to buy the whole thing? Mine got jammed under the fuel rail, and didn't go anywhere, just the boot split down the side.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
Only 3 threads seems average based on other posts
The original post in this thread mentioned that there wasn't much in the w ay of threads visible in the head. I've read an awful lot of of posts on the subject and they all say the same thing: only about three threads. So I'd blame Ford for lousy heads, not the person you bought the used truck from. But thanks for all the useful replys...I have a 99 Expedition 4.6L and I am just knocking on wood..waiting for the day I lose a plug. I just passed 80,000 miles and it is nice to have a roadmap already in place for the seemingly inevitable.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by scottspoerry
The original post in this thread mentioned that there wasn't much in the w ay of threads visible in the head. I've read an awful lot of of posts on the subject and they all say the same thing: only about three threads. So I'd blame Ford for lousy heads, not the person you bought the used truck from.
Granted it's a known issue that these heads have problems so sure it's Ford's fault. There are also plenty of Expy's out there that don't have this problem. Without knowing if the sparkplugs were properly installed there is no way to know what actually caused the problem it could have been the origional owners fault, Ford or both.
Improper installation of sparkplugs just increases the chances of failure on a already weak design.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
I'm looking into buying an Expedition to replace my 89 Bronco.
Porbably a 2000 - 2002. I was looking at getting the 5.4 liter engine;
I need to tow a race car every once in a while.
Did Ford redesign the heads on the 5.4 to solve this problem? Or is this
something I'm going to have to worry about when/if I go with the Expy?
thanks
msautry
Porbably a 2000 - 2002. I was looking at getting the 5.4 liter engine;
I need to tow a race car every once in a while.
Did Ford redesign the heads on the 5.4 to solve this problem? Or is this
something I'm going to have to worry about when/if I go with the Expy?
thanks
msautry
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
83frankenstein250
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
10
Jun 7, 2014 06:40 PM
jakefife
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
1
May 29, 2010 12:44 AM
69401
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
16
Jul 30, 2008 06:15 PM
