Blown Sparkplug List
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: CA
Hi all,
Add my name to the list.......
Mine is a stock 1998 F-150 V8 5.4L with 82,000 miles. Driving down the street at 35 mph when a plug blew (don't know which one, yet, and I didn't think to ask the mechanic). Of course, the aluminum threads of the cylinder head were completely stripped; it'll be in the shop until next Friday (Labor Day weekend and all). I had purchased the extended warranty, but of course it expired 7,000 miles ago.
The non-Ford dealer mechanic said he'd only seen maybe (3) blown plugs in the 10 years he's been running his shop (that statement is what led me on a search to this site). I come here, only to find plenty of other F-150 owners who had the same problem....
After reading other's posts, I now realize that the hiss I heard over the past few weeks and thought was an exhaust leak was probably a compression leak around the plug. These are the original factory plugs: I had not replaced them yet, so it can't be blamed on over-tightening, etc. Their torque was the result of FoMoCo torquing during manufacturer.
I called the Ford dealer (who were quite accommodating before I laid down $34,000 to buy it) mechanic, and they denied knowing of any problems or a TSB being issued pertaining to the aluminum cylinder head.
I'm obviously not a mechanic, but is it reasonable for an aluminum cylinder head to have only 4 threads to hold the plug in such a powerful engine? If this problem is as common as it seemingly is, isn't this something that should be subject to complaints to NTSB and a recall, especially if Ford offers no reasonable response?
Griping on a bulletin board is OK, but where do you go to lodge a complaint in writing with either Ford (initially) or elsewhere?
Chris
Add my name to the list.......
Mine is a stock 1998 F-150 V8 5.4L with 82,000 miles. Driving down the street at 35 mph when a plug blew (don't know which one, yet, and I didn't think to ask the mechanic). Of course, the aluminum threads of the cylinder head were completely stripped; it'll be in the shop until next Friday (Labor Day weekend and all). I had purchased the extended warranty, but of course it expired 7,000 miles ago.
The non-Ford dealer mechanic said he'd only seen maybe (3) blown plugs in the 10 years he's been running his shop (that statement is what led me on a search to this site). I come here, only to find plenty of other F-150 owners who had the same problem....
After reading other's posts, I now realize that the hiss I heard over the past few weeks and thought was an exhaust leak was probably a compression leak around the plug. These are the original factory plugs: I had not replaced them yet, so it can't be blamed on over-tightening, etc. Their torque was the result of FoMoCo torquing during manufacturer.
I called the Ford dealer (who were quite accommodating before I laid down $34,000 to buy it) mechanic, and they denied knowing of any problems or a TSB being issued pertaining to the aluminum cylinder head.
I'm obviously not a mechanic, but is it reasonable for an aluminum cylinder head to have only 4 threads to hold the plug in such a powerful engine? If this problem is as common as it seemingly is, isn't this something that should be subject to complaints to NTSB and a recall, especially if Ford offers no reasonable response?
Griping on a bulletin board is OK, but where do you go to lodge a complaint in writing with either Ford (initially) or elsewhere?
Chris
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: MA
i just lost the 3rd back on the passenger side (#7?) a few weeks ago on a 2001 with around 14,000mi. it happened starting off slowly from a stop, with no warning at all. non-svt dealer heli-coiled the head and it seems to be running fine so far, although i really haven't driven it much. i pushed them to replace the head, but they said this is what ford has told them to do in the past, so they have done this to several others.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,592
Likes: 0
From: Nashville
Originally posted by L GT
i just lost the 3rd back on the passenger side (#7?) a few weeks ago on a 2001 with around 14,000mi. it happened starting off slowly from a stop, with no warning at all. non-svt dealer heli-coiled the head and it seems to be running fine so far, although i really haven't driven it much. i pushed them to replace the head, but they said this is what ford has told them to do in the past, so they have done this to several others.
i just lost the 3rd back on the passenger side (#7?) a few weeks ago on a 2001 with around 14,000mi. it happened starting off slowly from a stop, with no warning at all. non-svt dealer heli-coiled the head and it seems to be running fine so far, although i really haven't driven it much. i pushed them to replace the head, but they said this is what ford has told them to do in the past, so they have done this to several others.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: CA
Hi all,
I started a thread on the F-150 engine forum, and the list is growing the more I look into this issue: and it's not just Lightnings, although you guys seem more suseptible to the problem.
Here's the link for filing a complaint on-line with the NHTSA, the folks who have the power to investigate auto defects and order a recall, if needed. Please provide them with all the details of your incident/experience.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/ivoq/default.htm
It only takes about 5 minutes to complete the process online; you can also do it over the telephone @ 1-888-DASH-2-DOT.
The more of us who file a report, the greater the chances for getting a full independent investigation by the NHTSA, and possibly retroactive reimbursement from Ford.
Thanks,
Chris
I started a thread on the F-150 engine forum, and the list is growing the more I look into this issue: and it's not just Lightnings, although you guys seem more suseptible to the problem.
Here's the link for filing a complaint on-line with the NHTSA, the folks who have the power to investigate auto defects and order a recall, if needed. Please provide them with all the details of your incident/experience.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/ivoq/default.htm
It only takes about 5 minutes to complete the process online; you can also do it over the telephone @ 1-888-DASH-2-DOT.
The more of us who file a report, the greater the chances for getting a full independent investigation by the NHTSA, and possibly retroactive reimbursement from Ford.
Thanks,
Chris
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Gardiner, NY
add me to the list
Just had my 98 F150 5.4 in to Ford dealer....
Blown plug on cylinder #2...Estimate for new head install $3400.
I have 55k miles on this...all stock...no mods. Are helicoils a viable option?
Blown plug on cylinder #2...Estimate for new head install $3400.
I have 55k miles on this...all stock...no mods. Are helicoils a viable option?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga.
Re: J Mark:
Originally posted by LIGHTNINROD
I'm not sure , but if a good tight fit is required to close the electrical circuit between the plug and individual coil pack, then a loose spark plug might explain the miss-firing condition.
I never thought of that but you're correct. The shell'threads of the plug complete the circuit to 'ground'. Good observation!
Ixtac: If you're close to WR, I'd be glad to help you check out a couple of plugs if you don't have the tools.................email me if you want to.
Dan
I'm not sure , but if a good tight fit is required to close the electrical circuit between the plug and individual coil pack, then a loose spark plug might explain the miss-firing condition.
I never thought of that but you're correct. The shell'threads of the plug complete the circuit to 'ground'. Good observation!
Ixtac: If you're close to WR, I'd be glad to help you check out a couple of plugs if you don't have the tools.................email me if you want to.
Dan
THANKS !
LAY
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 0
From: Great Lake State
Re: add me to the list
Originally posted by mjcar
Just had my 98 F150 5.4 in to Ford dealer....
Blown plug on cylinder #2...Estimate for new head install $3400.
I have 55k miles on this...all stock...no mods. Are helicoils a viable option?
Just had my 98 F150 5.4 in to Ford dealer....
Blown plug on cylinder #2...Estimate for new head install $3400.
I have 55k miles on this...all stock...no mods. Are helicoils a viable option?
Easter, i don't beleive i ever got back with an answer on the valve springs,but the ticking was the loose plug and the springs seem to be fine and "ticking" free.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: S FLA
owheelies plug #2
1) 32,XXX
2) None (at time)
3) N/A
4) Stock
5) Plug blown under boost (No)
6) Covered under Warranty (yes)
6a. Parts-2 complete heads, block, 1 piston/rod ***., new headbolts, crank bolts (all), rod & main bearings.
Dealer found traces of scratching and did and outstanding job. Not happy the plug blew but can't complain about the level of service I received either!
1) 32,XXX
2) None (at time)
3) N/A
4) Stock
5) Plug blown under boost (No)
6) Covered under Warranty (yes)
6a. Parts-2 complete heads, block, 1 piston/rod ***., new headbolts, crank bolts (all), rod & main bearings.
Dealer found traces of scratching and did and outstanding job. Not happy the plug blew but can't complain about the level of service I received either!
