Ford 5.4

[cffisher]

From what I have heard this is a common problem, spark plug blew out taking the threads with it.......I did find a kit to put in an incert. Why wouldn't they put in incerts at the factory if this is a weak spot?? OR just use a harder alloy of aluminum?? I just know this job is going to be a pain in the arse.

[rspears]

What year 5.4 Charile? Ford had a problem with the head design pre-'98 and I think the problem was made worse by not using anti-sieze on plugs and maybe even over-torque of the first plugs at the factory. Lots were helicoiled, and once fixed seemed to be just fine.

[pat mccarthy]

yep every time some one calls about one i tell them to hang on there is kits for a fix $$ so far i been lucky. why they fail there is many thing one the way they formed the thread ? or to much Tq on the plug ? i do not know but they do fail

[cffisher]

this one is a 2001 250 pick up. Pat that was my thoughts over torque factory or after. I think I read,I'll have to go back but 20# is what they call for which is not very much. the Good kit is around 350 to 400 "Help" makes one for $60 but it requires a special plug that they supply but then where do you get your next plug from???Another 60???

[pat mccarthy]

i know Goodson made a kit and i think there were like two or three type of spark plugs Ford used . i am not sure ?? i did have a more then one guy ask me about fixing them i told them the master kit from goodson was over 700. so i was not rushing out to buy it

[cffisher]

My son works at a Ford dealer in Indiana, and he borrowed there kit it is the $100 one It took about 1/2 hr. to do the job big problem is getting back to the plug bore ( third 1 back on Dr side.). Standing on a plastic bucket to reach up inside compartment. Not realy a bad job but certianly a pain in the butt. The head seamed to be very soft aluminum, I lock tited the incert in. Should be OK

[pat mccarthy]

when i pickup my tobin arp seat and guide machine there were bags of inserts for spark plugs taps and drivers that came with it .i did not know what i had till i started to price the insert out bad thing is every time i do a repair i never seam to have the right size

[cffisher]

yea there are at least 3 different sizes in this kit. size = length. all these are 14 mm inside

[34_40]

Over here, the parts house I use has the tool that they'll loan to you, (rental for most others..) it's pretty cool.. it hooks to a vacuum on one side to pull chips and really work pretty slick.. except for getting all that gear even near the cylinder your trying to repair! LOL.. But the cost is okay! ROFL!