PI head spits plug

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 5, 2010 | 06:11 PM

VAXB

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

PI head spits plug

So there I was cruising through the Merrimack tunnel with 30' camper in tow and BOOM! With the echo of the tunnel and and all the noise I thought for sure I'd blown the beast. Lucky for me we were able to pull off at the end of the tunnel at the service building, before the bridge.
I got lucky again and the plug was laying on the intake. Now here's where my luck runs out, no 5/8 deep well to put plug back in. Long story short and many not so warm and loving stares from the better half, I rummage though a VDOT truck and find one!
Plug replaced and redeemed myself and truck with 3 days playing on the beach in Hatteras, even pulled a couple trucks out.
BUT! i thought this wasn't suppose to happen on the PI heads?

Apr 5, 2010 | 09:52 PM

BareBones

Posting Guru

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,060

Likes: 7

From: Burnsville, MN

I thought the problem was blowing the plugs out and taking the block threads with them? Did you lose threads?

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:20 AM

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

It will blow the plug again, the threads are probably toast or the plug backed out that far before it blew only a couple were damaged. Either way the head needs the proper repair.

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:21 AM

VAXB

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

Nope, threads look perfect and went back in with no problem. Must have vibrated loose.
I'm back at home now, plan to check the other nine tonight.

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:23 AM

VAXB

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

What is the proper repair? Do I have to remove the head?

Apr 6, 2010 | 12:52 PM

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

The timesert kit or other similar insert is the correct repair for blown plugs. You do not need to remove the head to do the repair. A Helicoil is not the proper repair method.

Apr 6, 2010 | 01:16 PM

VAXB

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

Thanks, I'll check'em out.

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:53 PM

Antelope V-10

Elder User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 858

Likes: 1

My 2003 has PI heads but still only 4 threads for the plugs.

Apr 7, 2010 | 01:09 PM

#10

VAXB

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

I looked very closely with a flashlight and mirror last night and it appears my truck also only has 4 threads.
I know the right thing to do is to do the timesert anyway, but the plug and treads in the head look fine. The plug goes in smooth and has no indication that there is a problem. the plug had not loosened over the 500 miles after the road side repair, the other 9 were still tight, i will drive it this weekend and check again Sunday night.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions.