i have a 1998 f-150 4.6 triton it has 61,000 miles on it. i had the spark plug blow out of the head taking the threads with it i had it towed to the dealer and they told me that i would need a new head and also told me that they could not heli coil the old one because ford does not recommend it, should i just spend 2000 dollars and get a new head or try and heli coil the old one

 

I'd go with the heli coil. I've been both an aircraft and auto mechanic, and have always had good luck with helicoils, especially for spark plug holes in aluminum heads.

 

Dixie,


Is the $2000.00 just for the head or is that an installed price? I woild try the heli-coil first. The bummer of it is to do a proper job you should remove the head. The new head probably costs 200.00 or so and the rest is labour. BTW your dealer is full of Sh¦t! Refer to the Shop Manual - Engine System - General Information - Spark Plug Thread Repair. Ford calles it a Tapersert Installation Kit 107-R0921.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

[This message has been edited by JMC (edited 03-13-2001).]

 

I agree Dixie, (I like the name!)

Ford wants to sell you a head. I have used HeliCoils for years without any problems.

Go for the HeliCoil repair !