**Update 2, 27 May 2007** I successfully repaired number #3 plug hole. It took me most of the day, as it was very hot out and I had to take breaks. Plus I replaced all the plugs. Boy those ones on the drivers side under firewall are bitches. Only one screw up. One of the bolts that holds the number 4 COP on sheared off and now I got to drill it out and retap it. Oh well the truck runs very nice, the new platinum plugs give it a nice rumble. Although I am concerned, one of the other old plugs was loose, so I dont know if those threads where damaged or not. No more ticking, but I do hear a deeper knocking intermittently, Is it ok? Or could that be metal chips? Or something else altogether?

**UPDATE: I just purchased a used 5553 Kit from a guy on Ford Enthusiasts. So I will be doing the insert soon and will report my success back here: 22 May 07 **

My 1998 Ford F150 just blew out a plug and its at the dealership now getting checked. I fear the threads will be toast. I am looking to see if anyone in or around VA beach Virginia might have a kit that I could rent to save some dough instead of buying a new one and not needing it after the job is done. Of course I would order the inserts.

If someone is in the area and can help me out please email me at deefishATcoxDOTnet.

Thanks,
Jesse in VA

 

I am in the Ft. Lauderdale area and could not find anyone to do this fix. Well, I ordered the kit (P/N 5553), it came the next day, then attempted the TimeSert fix on my V-10 (#3 passenger hole) and about 2 hours later was successful. I did have one issue where the guy's torque wrench I used was not accurate. I should have checked it first. The sleeve was cranked in way tight! Be sure to double and triple clean the cylinder and threads, and also double check the piston position and valve closures. Also, use a light grease for the tool to catch the chips and cleaning will be easier and faster. Anyone need a kit?

Thanks TimeSert...Screw you FORD

 

Yep.. MY 1999 F-150 4x4, 5.4 ltr, just blew out a plug last week. Luckily I was close to home, and then took it to my nearest Ford dealer. Of course, he first of all told me that they would have to replace the head. (costing about $3,700)!!! They later called and told me there just happened to be a kit from O'Reillys that they could use that would cost me about $433. (tax included) Of course I opted for the insert. but now I find this thread here, and wonder if I have any recourse with them. I doubt it since they even told me that they would not even warrant the insert.
My question, is have any of you had this happen to other plugs after putting the insert in????

 

This thread is starting to make my eventual 'dream F350' with a diesel look even better(tho some of them have problems as well). I have my fingers crossed at 77K miles on my '01 with the original plugs and an 850 mile trip ahead of me this weekend. Oh well

 

with my 2000 ford f-150!blowed the number 4 plug.got the repair kit to fix it,got it fixed and SOLD THE TRUCK!now what to do with the kit that still has 5 inserts with it?any suggestions?

 

put it up for sale on ebay

 

GoodOne00 I may be interested in buying that off ya. I don't have a blown plug, but I like to keep stuff on hand so I can do what I need to when I need to. email me at Trikstyle@gvec.net if you would, I tried to pm you but I'm a noob and don't have enough posts to do that.

Thanks

 

I would be interested in buying a TimeSert kit for a 98 F-150 4.6L.
Thanks.
Tommy Kearns
coptercop@juno.com

 

I have a 2001 F-150 4.6 and have now blown #4 plug (back passanger) twice. The first time I was lucky and was able to re-thread it. The second time, however, I'm not so lucky. The truck as 130,000 miles on it and runs GREAT other then this :-).

I am quite capable mechanically, and have built my NASA race car myself, have lots of tools, patience, etc.

So my question is - Has anyone done this on Cyl #4 (or #8) WITHOUT removing the head? #4 sure is back in there deep and I'm afraid I won't get things stright.

I am not opposed to removing the head but in the interest of time would really rather not.

Thanks in advacne for any opinions or advice.

Peter

 

The TimeSert kit is specifically designed for that. Click the '99 CV link in my signature & look thru the Spark Plug album.

 

Good link and great pics!

Based on your experience, do you think I could accurately do it on #4, which is essentially a blind hole on F-150s?

 

I too had a plug blow out twice in My 2000 ford Excursion. Please follow the link (or cut and paste into your address bar) and sign the petition. It may help us all in the end. We need every person this has happened to to make their voice heard.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/R...ITY/index.html

Just skip the donation page at the end.

Jack

 

Hello, that's alot of reading. Maybe I didn't understand everything, but my questions is, "Is there anything that you should do now to prevent you from blowing a plug later?" 2003 f250 with 122,000 miles.

 

There is - See if yours are loose . #3 & #4 are the ones that like to come loose the majority of the time. You can check and see that they have 16' lbs on the torque wrench.

It's been said not to use anti-sieze compound on the 97-2003 model motors which have these issues.

The head change in 04 requires anti-sieze on the threads or there a pain to get out next go around..

Welcome aboard..

 

I read another post that said 7-14 foot pounds of torque? Can you find the torque rating in your owners manual? Also, I'm picking up a 2003 f250 5.4L this weekend. I have not seen the truck yet, Is there anything to really look for when test driving it?