Hey all, this was not the way I'd like to have come to the forum. But I seem to be yet another victim of the Triton Aluminum head defect. I have a 2002 Expedition and it blew out the #3 plug last Monday leaving the wife and myself 35 miles from home at 7pm. So we had to flatbed it all the way home.

Before this happen and I found what the issue was. I had never heard of this problem. Yet, this is the first Ford SUV we have owned. So after researching the following day. I see this is a huge problem dating all over the place in years ( 97 to now ) in many Ford models ( F350,250,150,Expedition,Excursion,etc,etc Vans ).

endless stories found here and labor costs

FTE Staff note: please do not link to sites discussing lawsuits against Ford. Per our guidelines. Thanks.

So like many others I had to get the car over to Ford here in Vancouver. I got hit with a $2100 repair estimate on this obviously design flaw. Now this only fixes the one cylinder issue and there are 7 other plugs? So it can happen again 7 more times. What a total headache and very frustrating. I wont come here and bad mouth this company. They get hit enough. But I am wondering what have other's done other than giving in to Ford and their scam to get owners to pay for their mistake?

After reading many of the stories filed on Consumer Affairs. I read more than a few times about this company out of California that will fly out to you and fix the trucks on site. With a lifetime warranty and good responses by everyone that has used them. I thought I'd look into it more. Even after buying a plane ticket and their charge, it's still $900 cheaper than Ford. The company doing the repairs knows a great deal on this issue and have flown all over America fixing these plug blow outs.

http://www.blownoutsparkplug.com/


Thoughts on your fix or on this defect.

 

To whom ever moved my thread from Washingtion chapter to here. I was looking for local information to fix this issue. This section would be general information, yet none local. Thanks anyway.

 

This has been discussed too many times to count. Get a timesert insert for the truck and find a shop to install it. It shouldn't cost much to have it done and it is perfectly fine.

 

I bet, because there junk. Thanks, we are just looking to fix and sell this thing quick as possible.

 

mmmmk

I would be more than willing to explain WHY it happens if you are interested, however if you just want it fixed, get the timesert as it is cheapest and quickest.

 

The main reason behind the blown plug is torque spects. When changing plug in an aluminum head you need a inLB wrench. Over torque strips threads/ Under torque leaves it lose and compression strips threads. Aluminum heads are not a bad design they have been around for years in many make and models. The 5.4/4.6 head has plenty of material for the plug tap. The problem is mech. who over look the importance of torque values on aluminum.I have a2002 SD 5.4 I changed plugs at 60,000 and blew #2 two months later I too was upset but could blame only my self. Quick fix NAPA timesert and shopvac. I have a inLB wrench now and have changed many sets of plugs in my fords and friends no problems!!!!!!!!!

 

Any one can change sparkplugs right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WWWWrong.

 

42ninef100 what is the torque spec on the plugs? I just changed mine 2 months ago and I didn't use a torque wrench

 

And this fly out company must be making a kkkkiling Timesert is a kit ,tap, inserts and a shoulder set punch 35.00. Addtional inserts can be purchased . this can be done at home no shop.Just rig a shopvac with a tube to clean cylinder out after taping.

 

Sorry natdog had to step out side to smoke bad habit!!!! torque to 168inLB and anti-seize allways on aluminum.Also let engine cool all the way down to get a good torque reading.

 

The problem with the plugs blowing out does not soley rely on the torque specs or the threads. The cylinder pressures spike before the blowout due to the computer staying in closed loop for too long with too great of a load. This causes the plug to blow out. The cars have had the same threads as the trucks and yet it is not a problem with them like it is the trucks.

 

I have a 2003 Expedition only 45000 on it and I just blew a plug on Saturday. Had it towed in to Portland and can't wait to see what the estimate will be. I can't believe an engine with this kind of mileage has a blown plug already and I sure sounds like there are a lot of folks with the same problem. Let me know if you decide to use WWW.BLOWNOUTSPARKPLUG.COM.

 

I would just go with the timeserts and focus on torquing the plugs to specs.

http://www.timesert.com/html/triton_repair2.html

 

And get a tune for the truck...