spake plug "blow-out"
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New User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: San Ramon
spake plug "blow-out"
I have an '01 SCREW, 5.4 engine and I just pulled the spark plug on the # 4 cylinder to find the outer electrode (ground) folded over the center electrode, with the bottom couple threads on the sparkplug damaged. I'm told that this is common with the "modular" engines and quite expensive to repair. Any body had this problem? The engine has over 100 thousand miles and I'm wondering if I might as well go for a new engine. HELP
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Joined: Jun 2005
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They say that the dealers won't do it but you can tap it and put a new insert in to the hole. I don't know if it can be done with the head in the vehicle or out. check the FAQ and you will find it is a common thing to happen. but it is fixable and quite alot ceaper than a new motor.
They sell kits just for it, check ebay.
Lance
They sell kits just for it, check ebay.
Lance
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
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From: Wheatland, Mo
The first step is to see if you can get a local shop or dealer to helicoil the plug hole. This will give you new threads. There is a kit out there so that you can do this on your own but that would depend on your knowledge. If you can handle this, then no biggie. Just yank the heads, place helicoil, replace heads.
I have not ran across this yet, (thank god), but I heard it is mainly for the 5.4L.
Anyone else chime in with more details?
I have not ran across this yet, (thank god), but I heard it is mainly for the 5.4L.
Anyone else chime in with more details?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
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ok i'll ask what is the defference between the helicore and a insert, I thought they were one in the same. Is it the material CanadaGuy?
Lance
Lance
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New User
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From: San Ramon
hey guys, this is the #4 cylinder, way back there. i'm told the only way to heli coil or repair it in any way is to remove the head and to do that, the front of the engine comes off or the engine comes out, requiring the body to come off
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Brett Foote
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
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From: Wheatland, Mo
VTMDSM - This seems to have been specific to the 5.4L engine. You shouldn't have to worry.
Canada Guy - Yes you can do it without removing the head. But for reassurance, unless you are experienced and know what steps to take to ensure no filings in the cylinder, remove them. Otherwise, have at it. Most people here are asking because they haven't done the procedure before and/or are not exactly mechanically inclined. Why not post how you do yours. Could be helpful.
Canada Guy - Yes you can do it without removing the head. But for reassurance, unless you are experienced and know what steps to take to ensure no filings in the cylinder, remove them. Otherwise, have at it. Most people here are asking because they haven't done the procedure before and/or are not exactly mechanically inclined. Why not post how you do yours. Could be helpful.
Elder User
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http://www.timesert.com/html/bigsert.html That's the only threaded insert I can find a link for. The kit I use is from CarQuest, called "Sav-a-thread". For cylinder 4, it's easier to remove the intake. Make sure the piston is below the deck (not at TDC), coat the tap with plenty of grease to catch the filings, and pull the tap out every 2 turns, clean it and regrease it. You can see how far in the tap has gone by looking where the filings are, and compare it to the insert to know when it's gone in far enough, I think it's about 8 threads, but I'm not sure right now. I use a boroscope to make sure. Next vacuum the cylinder out then blow compressed air with a long nozzel into the cylinder. Coat the insert with JB Weld, install it and let it sit overnight. Use the updated Motorcraft spark plugs with longer threads in all the cylinders to prevent any other blow outs.
