As I was driving home yesterday, the 3rd plug back on the passenger side said, "I'm outta here!!" I new exactly what happened when I heard the infamous pop. Sad part is, my truck's motor is basically stock, except for a panel K&N filter and a C&L intake elbow. Truck has 63,000 miles on the clock.

When I got home I looked under the hood and the coil pack was still there and the plug was also still there, but not in the head.

So, what kind of damage to the wallet can I expect? Is there any news on Ford owning up to this BS?????

 

The cheapest and easiest route would be have someone install a helicoil. Shouldnt cost more than $40 or so. You'll have to stick a small vaccum hose in the hole to get all the chips out after the helicoil install. I went the other way and removed my heads and helicoiled all eight holes along with a port and polish. Ive had zero problems with the wire type helicoils I installed.
Hope this helps.

 

I barely have the tools to do a simple spark plug swap, the tools to do a helicoil or a timesert are tools I don't have.

I happened to have an extra TR6 plug and I've been outside all morning trying to get it to go in. The threads in the head must be gone because the new plug won't tighten up. I thought I got away without the old plug ripping the threads out of the head, but since the new plug won't tighten, they must be gone.....

 

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...1686-58614.jpg
Heres a pic of the wire type I installed on my heads,gives you 12-13 threads instaed of 4!!
Do you have a local mechanic shop? They should have the helicoils in stock and be able to do it in about 30 minutes or so. I would call around first so you wont be driving all over town looking for a place with that plug bouncing around.

 

What tools do you need to install it? Can I install it with the head still in the truck? Where can I get one?

 

Yes you can do it with the heads still on the truck,but you will get some metal shavings drop into the cylinder,they really wont hurt anything,but its a good idea to remove them if possible. Auto Zone,Pep Boys,or any auto store should have the kits to do it yourself,but your gonna spend $100 or better. It comes with everything you need,just be sure you get the wire type helicoil and not the solid type. Its gonna be a little frustrating to get to,but its alot better than being the fourth hole back on passanger side!!!

 

Skank dog,

Why? What is the difference? I just bought the solid type to do mine tomorrow. And yes it's the fourth one back .

Cesar

 

The difference is a matter of opinion. Some people swear by helicoils while others prefer solid Time Sert type inserts.
I prefer the Time Serts and did all eight plug holes. A search of this site should turn up lots of data. It's the old wound that never healed.