warning signs for spark plug blow out?
#16
05-08-2004, 05:18 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NY
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MIchScrew,
I just got done installing steel inserts in all my spark plug holes on my E-350 ford van.
Here is the link to pictures, it may take a min or 2 to load . (lots of pictures)
installing steel insert in spark plug holes Big-sert
Overall I would have to say it is pretty easy, the hard part is removing all the stuff so you can get to the plug.
Enjoy !
I just got done installing steel inserts in all my spark plug holes on my E-350 ford van.
Here is the link to pictures, it may take a min or 2 to load . (lots of pictures)
installing steel insert in spark plug holes Big-sert
Overall I would have to say it is pretty easy, the hard part is removing all the stuff so you can get to the plug.
Enjoy !
#17
05-09-2004, 10:52 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Circleville, Ohio
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was also wondering about warning signs of this. I have a 2001 with a 4.6 with 48000 miles that I bought about a year ago. I noticed a ticking sound from the right side of the engine shortly after I got it. I dont notice it much at idle but when you get on the gas it gets louder with the RPMs. My first thought was an exhaust leak so I took it to a reputable exhaust shop and they said my exhaust looks great and that he felt the noise was more in the top of the motor. His idea was maybe just a loud injector but didnt really know because it wasnt his specialty. Like I say this has been going on for about a year now so if it was a plug getting ready to go, wouldnt it have gone by now? Any thoughts guys?
Thanks
Thanks
#18
05-09-2004, 02:00 PM
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Topeka Kansas
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by sean46
I was also wondering about warning signs of this. I have a 2001 with a 4.6 with 48000 miles that I bought about a year ago. I noticed a ticking sound from the right side of the engine shortly after I got it. I dont notice it much at idle but when you get on the gas it gets louder with the RPMs. My first thought was an exhaust leak so I took it to a reputable exhaust shop and they said my exhaust looks great and that he felt the noise was more in the top of the motor. His idea was maybe just a loud injector but didnt really know because it wasnt his specialty. Like I say this has been going on for about a year now so if it was a plug getting ready to go, wouldnt it have gone by now? Any thoughts guys?
Thanks
I was also wondering about warning signs of this. I have a 2001 with a 4.6 with 48000 miles that I bought about a year ago. I noticed a ticking sound from the right side of the engine shortly after I got it. I dont notice it much at idle but when you get on the gas it gets louder with the RPMs. My first thought was an exhaust leak so I took it to a reputable exhaust shop and they said my exhaust looks great and that he felt the noise was more in the top of the motor. His idea was maybe just a loud injector but didnt really know because it wasnt his specialty. Like I say this has been going on for about a year now so if it was a plug getting ready to go, wouldnt it have gone by now? Any thoughts guys?
Thanks
#21
09-17-2020, 06:46 PM
I have a 4.6 and just blew my cylinder 8 plug and cop out and was hanging by the sensor 04 with 190k miles
#22
04-12-2021, 03:39 PM
My 2003 5.4 with 156K on it just blew the second plug out. They replaced the plug and coil ( #4 on the passenger side ) the first time but haven't determined if it's the same one or a different one this time. We'll update later when I know more. Update : This one is the second from front on the driver's side and they had to do a steel thread insert. Kinda nervous about driving it now but I suppose I need to check the others myself as it's getting expensive having someone else do it. I spent 40 years in the auto business ( 20 yrs mechanic 20 as a emissions repair tech. ) The reason I hate to do it my self is due to my cancer treatments I now have peripheral neuropathy in my hands and feet which makes it difficult to use my tools.
Last edited by safari801; 04-16-2021 at 03:24 PM. Reason: update
#23
11-03-2021, 11:48 AM
I had a plug back out about a month ago after having them inspected. 
I drove to Tulsa, OK and back (about 400mi total), and on the way back, I stopped to pay a toll, and I could hear a "tic, tic, tic" sound that sped up with acceleration. This was about 350mi into the trip, and at about 390mi, the plug blew out. It sounded like a popcorm popper, and the truck lost a lot of power. I had to pull over and get towed. It ruined the plug, and it also ruined that coil. The mech said that if the threads had been ruined, they would have to pull the head and put in a helicoil (sp?), which I guess puts in new new threads and is $$$. I have not had it happen since, and I recently had all of the plugs changed (incl. that one). Sorry for the long post. That's my experience.
HTH
James
I drove to Tulsa, OK and back (about 400mi total), and on the way back, I stopped to pay a toll, and I could hear a "tic, tic, tic" sound that sped up with acceleration. This was about 350mi into the trip, and at about 390mi, the plug blew out. It sounded like a popcorm popper, and the truck lost a lot of power. I had to pull over and get towed. It ruined the plug, and it also ruined that coil. The mech said that if the threads had been ruined, they would have to pull the head and put in a helicoil (sp?), which I guess puts in new new threads and is $$$. I have not had it happen since, and I recently had all of the plugs changed (incl. that one). Sorry for the long post. That's my experience.HTH
James
#24
11-03-2021, 02:19 PM
You replied to a 17 year old post. The current insert recommendation is Timesert, and to help prevent blowout torque the plugs to 28 ft/lb.
https://www.timesert.com
https://www.timesert.com