Is this a 5.4 engine problem only or does it happen on some 4.6's also? Thanks

 

i need everyones opinion.What should i do with my f-150???I called the bank today and i owe$14000 on the truck.Wnt to kelly blue book and found the truck is worth $12000 if it is in good runing condition.Should i pay the $300 and get the hole heil coiled again and then trade the truck in?Do you think the ford guys will ask about the different coil on top of the plug?If i cant do this i have to let the truck sit until its paid off and drive a klunker until i can afford to fix the ford.I pay $450 a month so i have a while until its paid off.I started the truck again today and its still not as loud as the first time i blew the plug.Should i try to tighten the plug???Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

he said that he has never had a heil coil blow out on him.He said he used lock tight on it and i guess that welds it all together.He said maybe the plug just worked its way out.So im going out soon to remove the coil and check.If it isnt loose i may have blown a different plug.I have decided that as soon as the truck is fixed im trading it in for a mustang.I know another ford but i will never buy a dodge or chevy.

 

Often times stripped plug threads can be repaired by an insert. Helicoil makes some as do other companies. They are generally very successful. Only the worst heads can't be repaired.

I am not sure if the Ford head is repairable with an insert, just wanted to suggest it.

Also, they are downright cheap!

Chris

 

I posted on 12/1 about the blown plug in my modified 2002 Lightning w/ 15k miles. Everything went great - Roadside Assistance was prompt, my service adviser was great and the total cost was $0. I also had them fix ( for free) the misaligned passenger door and the clunking noise in the left a-arm (a problem that has been known by Ford for years but not fixed - my 2000 Lightning had it also. I did not get any warranty extension so l will ditch this ride before 3/36 expires. Even though it pains me I guess I'll have to get the new Dodge SRT-10 to avoid being stranded by a known defect for which Ford refuses to issue a recall.

 

David that is dam sick (having to trade off)! Not on your part but on Fords/dealerships part! I have owned a new Ford from 16years old till now…. 5 in total and if this thing keeps going on with out a recall I may be in the same boat as you! Makes me sick, I just got mine in June and don’t know what to do! I bought the truck as an upgrade to hold onto for a long time because we plan on having kids in the next year. If I have to do a $3000 fix with new kids in the house and the wife out of work it will kill me! I should have kept the old straight six!!!!!

Good luck to all and keep the list going for us other guys!

 

Hi all,

A quick look on Yahoo! revealed two more accounts, except in a F-250 5.4.

Plenty of accounts from theNational Lightning Owners Club

That represents about 3 minutes worth of looking, BTW. Try different search terms, and you'll find more results.

Chris

 

hmm, check the torque on the plugs? i was going to change to denso's as soon as i got a feeler guage and a spark plug socket, but i guess i should get the torque wrench too. is the block aluminum or cast iron? it would be very very easy to overtighten on an aluminum block, they just require 16 ft/lbs of torque. just cause i will need to know: how much would a feeler guage, spark plug socket and a small torque wrench run me? i would love it if it was about 20-30 bucks, but that seems unlikely. what are the stock plugs gapped at too? that would be important.

also: it would be a good idea to check plug gap and retorque them like twice a year? maybe every oil change?

 

I have the 4.6L, if it was me I'd torque them properly only once and use antiseize compound on the threads. Turning the threads later with old dried up antiseize in there doesn't sound like a good idea to me. I wouldn't want to be a contortionist either... it's a pain in the neck to get to the plugs.

Let me get this straight.... you want to put in Denso's but can't afford a torque wrench? Huh?

Don't go too cheap. Check out www.princessauto.com for cheaper tools. The "clicking" torque wrenches are the best as you won't be able to see the needle indicator on those crappy torque wrenches, which are too big anyhow.

It's aluminum heads on a cast iron block. I believe the Mustangs have both aluminum heads and aluminum blocks. Yes, aluminum is soft like cheese.

Edit: did you know you can cut aluminum sheet, even 1/4 inch and thicker like butter with a skilsaw and a good carbon toothed blade?

 

Well, like I said in my previous post, I was getting tired of watching for the CE light to come back on after a helicoil on #2...so as much as I loved my truck I traded it in for a 2003 Tundra...no fruit and vegetable throwing please.

Anyway, I wanted to thank you guys for all the advice and assistance you have provided over the last several months, and I will keep my fingers crossed that MAYBE someday soon, Ford will acknowledge the problems with the plugs...I doubt it though. Good luck with your Fords and happy holidays....

Mike

 

My first full size truck will be bought used. I was sure it was going to be an F-150 with the 5.4 V8. I understand mjcar why you did what you did, but this is my exact fear. I buy a new used truck, it comes with either a helicoil plug or head threads that have already been stressed and pop, I have a couple grand repair bill on my new used truck. Yup, Tundra.

 

Well after one coil pack and bosch +4 meltdown I got the missing again. It went away within 30 seconds and the truck ran fine before and after and all day today. I checked the plug and coil today and the both looked fine. MAybe it was a fluke. Maybe it got a pocket of bad gas. It's one of those things that when you start looking for a problem, you will either find one or create one. I think I drive around now with my ears on full alert and aware of the slightest bump or shudder, even though it may just be the road. How I miss the days of being under warranty. Should hit 100k tonight or tomorrow moring...

 

hey guys,
I stillhavent brought my ford in to be fixed for the second time.It looks pretty good in my yard under all the snow!I amstilltrading
itin when it gets fixed.Hopefully the dealership gives me a good trade in value.I really want another truck but it will not be a ford!I know i said in my one post i would never buy a dodge truck but they are looking better everyday.I need something big because im almost 7 foot and i cant fit into too many cars.

 

Hey guys,

I read a post on another site... when you are tightening the plugs, if you don't have a extra long socket, the socket with a extension might bind and you think the plug is tight when it's not.

here is a link to a extra long socket. JC whitney may have a cheaper one, but at least you get the idea.
extra long socket



the torque is 176 lb/in , does anyone know where I can buy a small clicking type torque wrench with lb/in ?

 

I started a new thread under "engines"
it's titled "living with ford spark plug blow out problem"

here is the link;
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=103042

I wanted to start a fresh thread for the best solutions if you have a blown plug. These threads are getting so long you really have to sift through alot of stuff to get info.
check it out .