It finally happened... This morning my '01L puked the 3rd plug from the front on the passenger side... It happened at low speed - no boost, 10mph tops.

Right now I need to look into what options I have to ger back and running again.

Does anyone have any experience repairing the actual threads (timesert possibly)?

Does anyone know if it would even be remotely possible for the threads not to have been damaged when the plug came out?

If the above options are not possible, would you recommend that I buy a new head from Ford, a used head from the classifieds/ebay, or new heads from a supporting vendor?

Please keep in mind that I am not really looking for more performance - my truck hasn't even been pullied (yet), but I need it to be working again and be reliable. That being said if there is more performance to be had while doing this type of repair, and the additional cost would be marginal from a "stock" repair, then it would be worth it to me...

One last question for now, do you think I would cause further damage if I were to drive the L home with one plug missing? I literally have to go three blocks away to get her home - she is currently sitting in a parking lot near my house.

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone may have...

 

I can probably help you out, I still have my heads from when my truck threw a rod, the passenger side is ok, not sure about the drivers side. shoot me a PM or email

Or you can always pick up a set of ported heads.

 

Repair it with a Time Sert for about 150 and be done with it!

Scott

 

It is $150/hole?

 

It happened to me a few months ago. I used the Timecert kit myself, and haven't had any problems since. I can't remember exactly, but the kit comes with an oddball number for our trucks. Something like 4, 5, or 6 inserts, but definately not 8. For me it's just a band-aid until I return stateside, and get my motor built. In your case though, isn't the warranty still in play?

 

I was lucky enough to have my warranty end 5 months/5,000 miles ago...

Did you remove the head when you did the Timecert?

 

That sucks dude
Good luck getting it fixed

 

Ive heard of quite a few people putting in the timeserts with the motor still in the truck.

 

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

 

Thanks to all...

In case anyone else may need it, the Trition specific Time-Sert kit is located here:

http://www.timesert.com/Triton-repair.html

 

I had this happen back in Feb and went with the Patriot P/P heads. I gained around 40rwhp with them alone. Ford wanted as much for one head and install as for both patriot heads installed from a local shop. So I went with the Partriot heads.

Later
Damon

 

I highly recommend the Time-Sert Kits. My truck spit out the same plug about a year ago and I installed Time-Serts in all the plug holes. The entire kit was less than $175.00 with inserts and it took me a couple of days due to work schedule. Best thing about it is you don't have to take the heads off. Lastly, if you need to drive it with a plug missing, unplug that fuel injector and you will be fine. Just don't go driving it for a long time.