I probably should have asked this 24 hours ago...kind of already commintted here now, truck sitting outside plugged in to hep the Loctite set:eek:
I know there is a million different truck and Ford forums out there with numerous posts on this topic, have read many, just curious what the experiences are of other members who have had the fun of dealing with their Ford Triton popping a spark plug or two. Kind of nice to hear from people one knows, even if it's just from on here.
The 5.4 2V in my 02 Expedition blew out number 3, my first experience with this problem. Changed plugs in several of these engines, always gritted my teeth when pulling either way on the wrench and I guess always got lucky. I can't say about the plugs on this unit, I've never had them out or an issue till now and have no idea of the history of before I had it.
Only local shop that will do them anymore is the Ford dealership, all other garages have stopped. I was going to bite the bullet and order that Timesert insert installation kit, supposedly it's supposed to be the end all solution to the problem, but then crossed paths with a mechanic who has done several using the Helicoil Sav-A-Thread kit. So for $45 I figured what the heck, I'd give that a try.
Would have been nicer if had been #1 or 2, but was able to access it not too bad, but my borescope became my best friend on this job. Impossible to see otherwise. Biggest pain was the heater hoses, that's right where the hoses going to the rear heater are teed into the main lines unfortunately, but I was able to push things this way and that to make room to get my big mitts in there and work. Pretty simple, just screw in the reamer/tap and re thread the head to 18mm, then you install a insert that is the full length of the spark plug threads, 13 full threads instead of just having the four threads at the bottom the factory figured was good enough in an aluminum head. Then screw in the insert using a spark plug...well that's where things got interesting lol. Insert wouldn't stay like it should, so after doing my best to make sure it was in right place with a coat of Red Loctite, left the plug inside the insert till it sets up overnite. Once the plug comes back out, there is a tool you use to spread the top of the insert a bit so it's serrated threads bite into the head and help hold it in place. Well that's how it's supposed to work, guess I'll find out tomorrow if I did good today or messed up bad:eek:
Seems to be a lot of opinions on torquing those plugs. I used to always do them about 15-18 ft/lbs anti seize coated. Apparently Ford now recommends 30 and dry. What everyone else pulling them down to? Anyone else goop them up when installing those plugs or you do them dry? Seems to be a lot of opinions on the thread lube too.
Thanks for any replies and advice.
I guess this time tomorrow I'll know if the patient survived the operation or if there will be a malpractice suit being filed against the doctor:)
I know there is a million different truck and Ford forums out there with numerous posts on this topic, have read many, just curious what the experiences are of other members who have had the fun of dealing with their Ford Triton popping a spark plug or two. Kind of nice to hear from people one knows, even if it's just from on here.
The 5.4 2V in my 02 Expedition blew out number 3, my first experience with this problem. Changed plugs in several of these engines, always gritted my teeth when pulling either way on the wrench and I guess always got lucky. I can't say about the plugs on this unit, I've never had them out or an issue till now and have no idea of the history of before I had it.
Only local shop that will do them anymore is the Ford dealership, all other garages have stopped. I was going to bite the bullet and order that Timesert insert installation kit, supposedly it's supposed to be the end all solution to the problem, but then crossed paths with a mechanic who has done several using the Helicoil Sav-A-Thread kit. So for $45 I figured what the heck, I'd give that a try.
Would have been nicer if had been #1 or 2, but was able to access it not too bad, but my borescope became my best friend on this job. Impossible to see otherwise. Biggest pain was the heater hoses, that's right where the hoses going to the rear heater are teed into the main lines unfortunately, but I was able to push things this way and that to make room to get my big mitts in there and work. Pretty simple, just screw in the reamer/tap and re thread the head to 18mm, then you install a insert that is the full length of the spark plug threads, 13 full threads instead of just having the four threads at the bottom the factory figured was good enough in an aluminum head. Then screw in the insert using a spark plug...well that's where things got interesting lol. Insert wouldn't stay like it should, so after doing my best to make sure it was in right place with a coat of Red Loctite, left the plug inside the insert till it sets up overnite. Once the plug comes back out, there is a tool you use to spread the top of the insert a bit so it's serrated threads bite into the head and help hold it in place. Well that's how it's supposed to work, guess I'll find out tomorrow if I did good today or messed up bad:eek:
Seems to be a lot of opinions on torquing those plugs. I used to always do them about 15-18 ft/lbs anti seize coated. Apparently Ford now recommends 30 and dry. What everyone else pulling them down to? Anyone else goop them up when installing those plugs or you do them dry? Seems to be a lot of opinions on the thread lube too.
Thanks for any replies and advice.
I guess this time tomorrow I'll know if the patient survived the operation or if there will be a malpractice suit being filed against the doctor:)
Ford 2V Triton Spark Plug Thread repair
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