Hi-

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I was unable to find the answer with a search, since there is so much written on the blowout problem.

My #3 plug ('97 F150 w/ 4.6) appears to be getting ready to blow, based on the forum searches I have done. There appears to be much written on how to fix the problem once the plug has blown (thread inserts, etc...). However, my question is whether there is anything that can be done before the plug blows, short of the thread insert options?

A little background, if you are interested... There was a cylinder #3 misfire problem. I ruled out the coil packs. The #3 spark plug boot and spark plug were covered in a brown, rust-colored "dust", which I believe is a result of combustion gasses leaking past the plug. There was also a ticking noise coming from the general vicinity of the #3 cylinder. Based on this evidence, and what I have read here, I believe this means the #3 plug is on its way to being blown.

Further, I replaced the plug wire and plug, retorquing the plug to 14 ft-lbs. The ticking noise did not go away. The misfire went away, for a week, or so. Is there anything I can coat the plug threads with to prevent the plug from eventually blowing, and to seal the combustion gasses from damaging the plug wire and plug?

I am dreading doing the thread insert job, and am wishfully hoping for other options.

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't have a lot of experience in this but I did have a plug blow out. I had the tale tale sign of the ticking noise that sounded just like an exhaust leak. Bad part was I thought it was an exhaust leak and never checked the plugs. Long story short, mine blew BUT, believe it or not, didn't damage the threads at all. I put the plug back in and checked the rest and called it good. Couldn't believe it. I am surprised that a new plug properly installed didn't fix the ticking??? Sorry I have no suggestions to fix the plug problem but do you think since the ticking is still there it may actually be something else?? Just an idea.

 

If you torqued the plug down properly, then I am inclined to say the plug is not about to blow.
Have you checked the other plugs to make sure they are torqued down correctly?

 

Yikes... I've got a slight tick when the engine is cold, and the same tick for about 20 seconds upon a warm start-up. Then it goes away...Is that a sign of impending doom?

 

Check it out, and find out what's ticking.

But mine does that too, especially on a warm startup. Been doing it for over a year. Maybe 20,000+ miles, give or take.

 

When mine was ticking, it did it all the time. Warm or cold...didn't matter.

 

Mine was ticking for the past 2 weeks, then yesterday bang... plug blew. Number 3 plug on the passenger side. This is crazy!!!

 

Sounded like an exhaust leak, not like the normal ticking my truck has always had when cold or at idle. Then BOOM. Constant banging. If you hear the ticking, can you save the problem or is it over at that point? How do you even get tools on the back plugs on the Lightnings to torque them down? How often should the torque be rechecked (Miles)? BY the way, I think mine was plug #3 too. 2nd back from front on right side.

 

Mine was the third back on the pass .side. If you hear it ticking, you can try and tighten it down and if there isnt much damage to the threads, you may be alright, its hard to say. Mine blew out. Bought the repair kit and fixed it myself.

I would check all of your other plugs if you still have the ticking. My plug boot was like yours afterwards, reddish colored.

 

ticking on start up and goes away when warm would be your exhaust manifolds. The plugs blowing out is normally due to the plug coming loose and taking the threads with it. The head can be heli coiled but not to take a original plug again. If you put your spark plugs in very tight you will not have this problem, i would not recomend torquing them as it is almost imposible to get an accurate reading by the time it gets to the plug

 

I think the blowout problem was more related to the 5.4. It's not to say it hasnt happened to the 4.6 but i think most were 5.4's. I may be wrong though. I would suggest changing the plugs if you still have a misfire though.