Ok I have a 98 E250 5.4 and it all of the sudden had multiples misses and was running extremely rough. I have read all about the spark plug spitting and was vary scared. But it turns out there was just water in 3 of the spark plugs wells and they were shorting out. But when I was changing the plugs a plug insert came out with the plug. It was rusted on due to the water. Apparently this fix was already done to the vehicle. At the time I just put some thread look on it and put it right back in because it didn’t look bad. My van is running perfect now.

My question is how can I identify this insert and get another one and be able to change the plug? Or, should I just count my blessings and not worry about it?

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much. The thread lock should do the trick. I would just check for the water more often and try to find where exactly it is coming from.

I am assuming you are talking about the time-serts. I'm sure you can do a search and find the links to them. There are many posts with the link for them. I would be wrong if I told you so I won't. LOL

Good luck, I hope I helped a little.

 

was it the far plug on the passenger side?