i would think that if you do all 8 you might as well try and find another engine and put in it.
Blown Sparkplug
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Steven,
I would definately consider doing all 8 inserts (TimeSert or BlownoutSparkPlug.com). It's better to be safe than sorry.
There's many threads about someone doing 1 insert and finding out later on, that there's another one thats loose, ready to pop out, or worse, it does pop out. The owners thought that this could never happen again.
Just do a search.
Good luck.
Randy
I would definately consider doing all 8 inserts (TimeSert or BlownoutSparkPlug.com). It's better to be safe than sorry.
There's many threads about someone doing 1 insert and finding out later on, that there's another one thats loose, ready to pop out, or worse, it does pop out. The owners thought that this could never happen again.
Just do a search.
Good luck.
Randy
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa
No problems with inserts...
Originally Posted by Steven in Ct.
Thanks, no one in my immediate area wanted to do the insert repair. However, and this surprised me, the Ford dealer suggested it after I balked at the 3K+ repair bill for a new head. It did wind up costing me about 600 dollars, which is way too much. The plan right now is to get an insert kit myself and go through the rest of the plugs in the spring. Thanks for your thoughts.
Steve
Steve
I had the same thing happen to me (#8 plug). One Heli Coil plug kit and an hour later it was done. Heli Coil plug kits pretty much guarantee you never loose an insert or the threads - if inserted correctly.
BTW - I have over 350,000 miles on my '97.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 3
You might take a look a NAPA part # 600-3248 Plug repair .
It is a do it your self repair that works like a oil pan plug where you put in a repair plug and from then on you leave the outer part in and only remove the center part for service
It is a do it your self repair that works like a oil pan plug where you put in a repair plug and from then on you leave the outer part in and only remove the center part for service
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I have a 98 and it has happen twice! But lucky me they both went right back in without any problems. I have a guy who is selling a 99 for $2000 that won't start. He said he left the local hardware store and it started making a load rattle sound and then die. I look at the motor and could see any expelled plugs without getting to deep in it.
Was wondering if anyone had there truck die completely after it happen? I was able to drive mine to a auto store both times.
Was wondering if anyone had there truck die completely after it happen? I was able to drive mine to a auto store both times.
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Heli-coil is a well known product here in Michigan where corrosion destroys many things!
I personally have had many things with heli-coil inserts installed, and they have held up very well. Mostly it is the aluminum heads that failed to over torquing the plugs, but even cast iron fails for the same reason.
I have installed the inserts myself, and I have had others do them, and it is a straight forward procedure. They do last, and the results are stronger than the original threads in aluminum. I am not a profesional mechanic, but I do have a little experience, so I do not hesitate to recommend them.
Pulling the head and doing the work is a bit of a pain, but it usually is much easier than a motor swap. Funny thing is, I have a head with a broken plug in it right now I am working on removing! I will use the heat and vibration system to remove it, hopefully I don't need to pull a head!
BTW, tighten till stripped and back off a quarter turn, is just a joke!
I personally have had many things with heli-coil inserts installed, and they have held up very well. Mostly it is the aluminum heads that failed to over torquing the plugs, but even cast iron fails for the same reason.
I have installed the inserts myself, and I have had others do them, and it is a straight forward procedure. They do last, and the results are stronger than the original threads in aluminum. I am not a profesional mechanic, but I do have a little experience, so I do not hesitate to recommend them.
Pulling the head and doing the work is a bit of a pain, but it usually is much easier than a motor swap. Funny thing is, I have a head with a broken plug in it right now I am working on removing! I will use the heat and vibration system to remove it, hopefully I don't need to pull a head!
BTW, tighten till stripped and back off a quarter turn, is just a joke!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood Indiana
This is the things that make me scared to do it on my own, I have changed a 1000 plugs in my days, but never on my truck 5.4, and I dont think I want to do it, if I some other shop do it at least they would be responsible for any damages!
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Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
What causes this problem?
What causes this problem?
And why wont Ford do a recall?
~Gage~
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Ford causes this problem and they wont do a recall because they refuse to admit there is a problem. Now Ford has a problem, as their market share is dropping. Maybe if they took better care of their loyal customers, we would buy more Fords...but dont hold your breath.
And why wont Ford do a recall?
~Gage~
<!-- / message --><!-- controls -->
Ford causes this problem and they wont do a recall because they refuse to admit there is a problem. Now Ford has a problem, as their market share is dropping. Maybe if they took better care of their loyal customers, we would buy more Fords...but dont hold your breath.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 37
From: Central NYS
IIRC, the motor needs to be cool if you have Aluminum Heads.
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hey all!
After several bad attempts to extract the shell of the broken plug, I finally got it out!
I broke 2 Craftsman, 3/8 inch 3/8 drive sockets on my easy out!
I then bought a tap socket from snap-on which is heavy duty and 1/2 inch drive.
Using just my 1/2 inch ratchet handle, I was able to extract the shell of the plug after running the engine 20 minutes to warm it up a bit.
All I can say is, I was releaved!
Looks good once again, for my inexpensive truck restoration!
After several bad attempts to extract the shell of the broken plug, I finally got it out!
I broke 2 Craftsman, 3/8 inch 3/8 drive sockets on my easy out!
I then bought a tap socket from snap-on which is heavy duty and 1/2 inch drive.
Using just my 1/2 inch ratchet handle, I was able to extract the shell of the plug after running the engine 20 minutes to warm it up a bit.
All I can say is, I was releaved!
Looks good once again, for my inexpensive truck restoration!
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