F150 5.4 w/ 140000 miles.
I have recently blown spark plug #7 and was wandering if it would be easier/less expensive to replace the engine or just have #7 fix? If anyone has done either process please provide any feedback- i.e. cost, time, crate engine vs rebuild, & etc.

I have read many threads on the blown spark plug and the cost ranges from 1500-3000 so i would like to compare the differences.

Life sucks with out the ol'ford!!!

Thanks again for your input!!

 

I forgot to mention it is a 1998.

 

I have done both. By far the easiest is to use a timesert "bigsert" to repair the plug threads. Do a search on blown out plugs and you wil find a fortune in information about how to do it.

Here is a link to start you off.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/gobingo/index.htm


rRegards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I have been looking into those but i could not find out whether i had to remove the heads to do it. I will continue looking but this looks good...


thanks again

 

I read a previous post and saw you have done this before.....
Are there any recommendation or pointers you would like to give??

And i was on Time-Sert and BigSerts website and they had this warning...

Stop: Check that the valves are not open!

Why and how?

 

I would have to say "follow the instructions to the letter" When you are installing the sert make sure you seat it properly. If you don't it will back out with the tool. If this happens don't panic. Re-install and make sure you turn the tool enough that it releases the insert then back the tool out.
If both valves are closed using a vacuum you should be able to suck out most of the shavings if any. I used grease on the tap to trap the shavings. Turn the tap ¼ to ½ a turn then back it out and clean the shavings off the tool and grease it up and tap some more.

JMC

 

JMC - thanks for the info.... off to purchase the kit.

 

Its an easy repair if you take your time. The reason they want the valves closed is so the piston is at the bottom of the stroke. If it is at the top then the tap and reamer will hit the piston.
good blown plug thread

 

I haven't done this procedure, but it makes sense to make sure the valves are closed so the tool won't come in contact with the valves and ruin them.

 

The piston could be at the top when both valves are closed.