So i finally blew a plug yesterday..I started my truck and i heard the pop pop pop pop... Damnit...
Got it towed to the dealership around 10:30pm, The ford dealership was gated so we had to leave my truck on the front sidewalk 20 yards from US 19 ( the scumbag highway of florida). I filled out the dropoff package put my key in it and droped it in the box...
Walked back out to my truck, Oh ****, i left my window down, i dont have another spare key.. Some Floridiot is going to jack my cdplayer/wet okole seat covers for sure i thought.
Thinking Thinking, Calculated Risks, I came back with bolt cutters, got my key out of the drop off box, rolled up my window, redeposited my dropoff pacakge and key, and slapped a new masterlock on the bin..
I met the service manager there this morning. Apologized for being a lunatic ford enthusaist. He said it was all good.
I told the guys i didnt want to buy a new head, and wanted to fix it with some type of insert or helicoil. Im waiting for their call back.
If anyone has any tips for repair options for me id appreciate it.
It was one of the passanger plugs.
DirtyElbierto

 

That's some funny *****

I had blown a plug on the passenger side as well. ford replaced it with an '03 style, 8 thread head. I didn't even have to request it.

 

I can't understandy why people never check their plugs on these truck.

 

Not everyone knows how........

 

Why would you leave your truck at a dealer where its that easy to get the keys ??
You cased the joint came back with tools, broke into the box and secured your truck then put the keys back with a new lock... No one noticed...

How tough would it be to see your truck in the side of the road outside the dealer. Walkup bust open the box and drive off with your truck and your keys...

Doug

 

Why worry about it? That's what State Farm is for.

 

OK guys. Lets dog pile on Dirty and give him the old welcome aboard.

Dirty, I think your going to find out about the blown plug dilemma and the solutions that work. I hope the dealer will install a helicoil or timesert vice, "We don't do that. You need a new head. $1300 please.". Good luck my friend.

 

I allready got a response from the dealer, They gave me bull**** about how they wouldnt do the timesert or helicoil. The guy on the phone was really sneaky.. He told me a new 03 head costs 1400 dollars, and then told me after labor it would be around 3300 dollars out the door.
Those numbers are crazy.. I told the dealership i had to wait a couple of days.
If any one knows a good shop around the tampa area that can do the timesert for me that would be great...
This really sucks.
Dirty

 

OK, here's the proposed course of action.
1. Do a search on Helicoils and TimeSerts.
2. Buy the kit and do it yourself.
3. Laugh at rediculous dealer prices as you drive down the road.

It will probably cost you about $225-250 to do it yourself. This includes new plug, new coil pack, TimeSert kit. If you think it's beyond your capability, think again.

 

Man I wish you were here in Ga. I'd tell you to go to a place called No Limit racing who did mines not to long ago.. They were able to timesert #8 plug which is way in the back on the driver's side (PITA). It took them about 45 min and charged me 150 bucks and no problems at all.. Please don't feel obligated to get another head, waste of money unless you're getting perfermmance work IMHO.. Call up just about every performance shop in Tampa, i'm sure there are plenty.. Most Racing shop order blocks with timeserts already installed... I'm sure there are some with very good experience with it who see this all the time..

Or other option is, like forementioned, Buy the kit do it yourself.. I was gonna chance it but i'm pretty weary about tampering with the valve/piston chamber as far as metal falling in. If you are mechanically inclined i'm sure its pretty easy but if you are skeptical take it to a good shop..

Good luck!
Lay

 

Thanks for all your help guys.
Im going to go to the dealer and find out which cylinder blew the plug.
As long as its not in the back of the block im going to repair it with timesert my self.
Here are the directions !!
http://www.timesert.com/html/triton_repair.html

 

Cylinder 3 .
Any one have expereince fixing that cylinder ?
Is it ok to drive the truck 3 miles back to my house, rather than calling a tow truck ?

 

It should be OK to drive. Make sure you unplug the coil pack, what's left, and the fuel injector before driving. When installing the insert make sure the piston is not top dead center. I used a straightend coat hanger for checking depth. Also make sure you use grease in the flutes and vacuum out the cylinders with a small diameter hose.

 

That's EXACTLY what I did on the same cylinder you have. I used an air rachet to speed things up with the timecert tools too. I think there are 2 (a machining tool and a tap) that I used the air rachet on - after hand starting them of course. Then the locking tool I just used a standard 1/2" drive rachet. Don't worry if this doesn't make a lot of sense right now. It will once you get started.

My only other advice is to take your time and borrow 1/2" and 3/8" drive entensions, U-joints, and wobble extensions from everyone you know. If you're looking to work on a L's spark plugs - you can never have enough rachet extensions!

Oh... one more thing. When you get done go do a big smokey burn out in the dealership parking lot! You'll have saved yourself about $3K!!!!

 

Oh btw.... incase anyone is wondering.... I have about 35K miles on my timecert with no problems.