How far have you driven your Ford after the spark plug(s) blew out?

[cmyoung2]

My 1999 V10 blew a plug at about 85k. Just disconnected the electric line to the fuel injector for that cylinder, just to drive it to the shop, about 20 miles. The early Triton motors seem to have a problem with this, plug holes were not threaded deep enough. Dealer solution was to replace head (threads were stripped) $3000+ labor, other options included removing head, inserting a helicoil ( expensive because of labor)$1000 or using an expensive tool to put the helicoil in from the outside.($300) I bought the tool for my mechanic, let him do the work. Truck now has 210K , no problems, and still on the original plugs and coil packs. Blowing the plug is noisy, could damage the coil pack or dent the hood, but not really a big deal. Other than the noise, dropping one cylinder is no big deal, especially if you start with 10 On a 4 banger, you just lost 25%.

 

[94BULLITT]

Ford claimed the plug design was good for 100,000 miles and so people left them in. After 50,000 miles the plugs where prone to coming apart.

The issue wasn't customer related because ford set the expectations. Let's face it: nobody bought a truck because the plugs didn't need to be changed for 100,000 miles.

I did a set in a truck with 150,000 and had 1 break off. If I would have been more careful it may have not broke off.

Let's face it, it's a bad design. But overall the 4.6, 5.4, and 6.8 motors are bullet proof.

Chris

I they were the best gas engines in a truck in their day.

 

[Stimw]

If you read the TimeSert (after market Ford spark plug hole repair kit) instructions it says that the kit covers Ford engines from 1993 to 2004, 4-6-8-10 cylinders.
The people with motor homes really get burned! There is no access for some holes without removing the head!!

 

[My Hoe]

Subscribed.

 

[schmism]

I thought the V10 (6.8) had a head issue. the plugs would blow out takeing the threads of the AL head with it. I helped a good friend use the "special" kit that was developed to helicoil both heads after he found 3 plugs wobbling around being held in by 2 remaining threads.

I also though i remember a 6.8 issue were the plugs would "weld" themselves to the AL heads, then when you tried to replace them at like 100K miles, the 3 part plugs would just shatter. The kit from above came with a special tool to deal with removing the broken left over nuts, which took the treads with it which then required the helicoil from the kit.

 

[cmyoung2]

I thought the V10 (6.8) had a head issue. the plugs would blow out takeing the threads of the AL head with it. I helped a good friend use the "special" kit that was developed to helicoil both heads after he found 3 plugs wobbling around being held in by 2 remaining threads.

I also though i remember a 6.8 issue were the plugs would "weld" themselves to the AL heads, then when you tried to replace them at like 100K miles, the 3 part plugs would just shatter. The kit from above came with a special tool to deal with removing the broken left over nuts, which took the treads with it which then required the helicoil from the kit.

I think you are correct, which is why the dealer wanted to replace the head. From what I read, it was all the Triton motors, not just the V10, around 1999. I have been lucky that it was only one plug that blew. Probably need to change all of them, but so far, fuel mileage is staying fairly consistent in the 12.5 mpg range, Until something changes, don't think I will risk pulling plugs.

 

[ruffdog]

Fourwheeler magazine how-to article about the famed 3 valve engines and the broken plugs.

The Ford Three-Valve Broken Spark Plug Blues - Four Wheeler Magazine

 

[My Hoe]

Fourwheeler magazine how-to article about the famed 3 valve engines and the broken plugs.

The Ford Three-Valve Broken Spark Plug Blues - Four Wheeler Magazine

ruffdog,

Much appreciated! Though I continue to search for a clean, 4.9l/300 cu. in. "Big Six" (in-line) powered pickup, as I just do NOT want to deal with this crap. A good friend of mine has had FOUR blow out, and, IIRC, he paid $400. per hole, to get them fixed.

But if I ever do take the plunge, on a newer truck, I'll need this. I've read about it before, but I did NOT know about the three-piece-plug problem. So again, thanks for posting!

My Hoe

 

[Diamondpilot]

ruffdog,

Much appreciated! Though I continue to search for a clean, 4.9l/300 cu. in. "Big Six" (in-line) powered pickup, as I just do NOT want to deal with this crap. A good friend of mine has had FOUR blow out, and, IIRC, he paid $400. per hole, to get them fixed.

But if I ever do take the plunge, on a newer truck, I'll need this. I've read about it before, but I did NOT know about the three-piece-plug problem. So again, thanks for posting!

My Hoe

$400 per hole is about $300 per hole too much.

Even at that the F series trucks with the few issues are still by far the best overall trucks.

Chris

 

[ruffdog]

The neighbor with his V10 paid $900 to get his plugs changed and they said all 10 broke. (innovation)