What would you do? About a year and a half and 23000 miles ago, a changed plugs on my 2001 4.6 supercrew. Cylinder #8 came out ok, but the threads didn't seem right.The peaks looked rounded. The new plug, (bosh platinums), was hard to start, so I backed it out and it's threads were rounding, not stripping, just roundind off. Someone in the tool and die biz said it looked like it was tapped with a dull tap. Bought another plug and ran it in,it wasn't hard, but you could tell it didn't like it. Now I'm gonna change plugs (motorcraft) and COP's becouse of a stumbling, hesitation problem. Do I dare pull that plug and try to get lucky twice? Or just leave it alone. My gut say not no touch it, as it only has 23000 miles on it, and see how the engine runs.

 

http://www.timesert.com/

 

id just change it. you can always get it helicoiled if you mess it up that badly. JMO though

 

Look for user "Galaxy" - I think he has the tools , maybe he will rent them or sell them cheaper than it costs for new and share some info as well..

 

I think what bugs me most is the location of #8. If i have to do a thread rapair, I'm pulling a head. It be tough to down the truck that long.

 

I don't think you have to - I would talk to Galaxy first..Or go ahead , I don't care

That's allot of work that might not be necessary.

 

hmm i don't know...number 8 is in a very crappy place.... better go ahead a pull the head so you can change the plugs lol...may be easier

 

Ddn't have the ball's to change #8. got all others with new COP's. With high's in the low teen's and low's in the low single digits here in northern Ohio, didn't want to take the chance. Maybe this spring. Truck runs like new now anyway.