Appraently this is a pretty common problem. I have a 2001 4.6 that blew a spark plug out of the cylider head (passenger side #3, second from the back). The plug went back in but only about half of the turns it normally takes, I think the ones farthest out got stripped. Looks like there are several options to insert a sleve instead of a full blown head replacement. Any recommendations on inserts (Full-Torque vs. Calvan vs. Timesert) what about aluminium vs. steel? Thanks!

 

Do an advanced search on "timesert". There should be lots to read. It is your best option. There is a member here that rents out the kit, Galaxy.

 

The only better option than Timesert is www.blownoutsparkplug.com.

 

I only have experience with the Timesert. I installed it in the #3 Cylinder on my 2001 5.4L Excursion and have put an additional 90K miles on the Ex since the Timesert install with no problems. I am completely satisfied with the Timesert.

 

I've done this twice (within a month or two of each other) to my F150. I didn't use the actual brand TimeSert, but it's the same style steel insert that digs itself in with the same way of installing it. Haven't had any problems so far and it's pretty easy/painless to do. Just make sure you back the tap out, clean off the shavings, and regrease often.

 

Hey Mike, Got your e-mail, but I'll just answer it here since we're here...

If your plug blew but you have threads left, it will hold for a while but it is only a matter of time before it fails completely. I did the same thing. Mine threaded back in after the first pop, and held for another 10-15K miles. Just depends on your personal tolerance level and rishking getting stranded somewhere. I risked it, but only got stranded close to home, so no big deal.

TimeSert is the only way to go when compairing price and quality of repair. I have never heard of, nor had a TimeSert fail...period. The TimeSert sleeve is aluminum so will work just fine with your head.

 

Hey I really apperciate all of the help! This is exaclty what I need to know. No one at the local part stores has a clue, at least not the ones I talked to. They were all pushing helicoil. My buddy is an accomplished mechanic so when this happened on his truck he just replaced the head and didn't consider any other fix. Not a big deal since his time is free. I'm probably going to wait until this goes again but when it does I'll look to do the TimeSert repair. The kit is a little pricey but better than a new head. Thanks again!

Interesting the check engine light never came on?

 

The check engine light didn't come on because the coil is still firing. The computer didn't get a chance to pick up on anything being wrong.

 

It's a misfire monitor cylinder count deal for the MIL. It has to miss a certain amount of times per drive-cycle within time-cycle to produce CEL. Also monitors RPMs. Count has to exceed parameters. Misfires are always recorded. You need to Mode 6 for live data, = vehicle history.

 

The first time I blew a spark plug, I bought the timecert kit. Seemed to work fine. Then that same one blew. I couldn't repair it with the timecert, so I did some research and cam across the Calvan kit. It is much easier to use and a lot cheaper. I would recommend the Calvan over Timecert. I did the repair in about 15 minutes.

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...r_atd5400.html

Randy

 

You had a TimeSert fail?? How did it fail exactly?? You are like the second case EVER that I've heard of, and I have yet to see or examine one in person. What are the particulars on the failure?

 

I'd be interested in hearing about this as well.

 

I've seen Them fail on exhaust studs in aluminum heads on a 7mgte. But I was there for that, I say it wasn't installed correctly. The Tap was taking the "new" threads out with it, so the finished product before the timesert went in was smooth so the timesert didnt grab. My guess, by watching was he was not applying enough force and backing the tap every half turn cutting the new threads. Once he got it started... without enough force instead of it continuing to cut threads, it just spun them out since that was the least resistant. And that was with the motor on a stand and perfect access to each stud. He was satisfied with it and continued to build. On his first start up and dyno run, the exhaust was leaking off and they couldn't tune it right until the shop did their own repair.

Again, if you ask me, it was due to improper installation.

Wait, oops... thought this was about heli coils. I was talking about heli coils..
Need more coffee

 

Maybe you were thinking heli-coil, but I personally don't think you're far off the mark. If you look at how a TimeSert sleeve is installed, the only way that sucker could fail is if there was some improper installation. I just don't get it without seeing it.

 

Timesert has an oversize insert just for that very purpose. You couldn't use that? I also have never heard of one failing that was installed properly. The Calvan insert is steel and the Timesert is aluminum so the TS is going to have expansion and contraction pretty much equal to the aluminum head where the Calvan steel insert is going to have a different E-C rate.