00 Expo Spark Plug Issue

[chrisluke50]

Hi,
I was doing a tune up on my expedition today and I got to the right rear plug and removed it okay, but now I can't the new plug to go back in. There was nothing special about the old plug, it was the same as the rest. I didn't twist the plug out at a weird angle or anything. I tried for over an hour to get the new plug to go back in and it won't catch the threads. It just turns and turns. Any ideas?? I'm at a complete loss on why the new plug won't go back into the cylinder.

 

[toms89]

Did you check and make sure an insert did not come out with the old plug?

If someone had installed an insert it is not that uncommon for them to come out with the spark plug.

 

[chrisluke50]

There was nothing on the old plug. I was thinking maybe the threads were messed up and was looking into possibly using a thread chaser.

 

[bedrck46]

Had the same happen on a 4.6 engine what I did was to remove the plug from the socket wrench then took some paper and shoved it into the socket wrench then placed the spark plug in the socket this caused the plug to extend out a little bit and I had no problem in getting the plug to screw into the hole Give it a try

 

[chrisluke50]

So the plug socket might be interferring with the installation of the plug? I will try that a report back. Thanks for your input guys.

 

[FordandPolaris]

So the plug socket might be interferring with the installation of the plug? I will try that a report back. Thanks for your input guys.

All he was saying is it might be just far enough into the socket that it does not reach down to the threads. The paper gives it enough distance to reach the threads.

 

[chrisluke50]

Still nothing. I'm pretty sure I messed the threads up. The plug goes in and it feels like the thread try and catch but spins in an oval.

 

[Am3gross]

What do the threads on the old plug look like... Maybe try another plug in the same hole.... What about putting the old plug back in?

 

[chrisluke50]

Old plug looked fine. Threads looked ok. No noticable difference, same plugs. For some damn reason I can't get the new or old plug to go back in. I'm going to order a snake camerea to take a look inside the cylinder to see whats up. Almost certain there isn't an insert. The socket reached the plug to take it out just fine. Is there a special socket that is supposed to be used? Took a little bit of force to get it out, but it came out. I can get the plug and socket into the cylinder and a u joint on and try and turn it by hand. It turns and doesn't seem to be catching the threads. It acts like it catches but then can't turn it by hand. I put on an extention and the ratchet when turning it never engages. Tried vaccuming the cylinder out thinking some debree possibly fell in the cylinder and is in the way but sounded like nothing was sucked up. I'm praying to baby jesus (kidding) that I won't have to pull the head off, which sounds like it's out of my league. I was going to leave that plug alone, but figured if I was going to change the plugs, might as well change that one too.

 

[chrisluke50]

I hope whoever designed this engine gets kicked in the nuts!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Aluminum is a pretty soft metal. It is easy to mess the threads up.

 

[toms89]

A timesert can be installed without pulling the head if necessary.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f42/time-sert-kit-17770/

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Triton-Spark-Repair-TIME-SERT/dp/B0038B325I

 

[superexpy]

I have put 5 or 6 of these in my neighbors truck. It stopped popping them as soon as he got the auto lights out of it.

Dorman 42025 Spark Plug Thread Repair Kit | eBay

 

[superexpy]

I was going to buy this and keep it in my glove box encase the unthinkable happens sense its only 30$

 

[chrisluke50]

Right on, thanks for the info. I've ordered a usb snake camera which should be here in the next few days. Once I've taken a look within the cylinder I'll report back and let everyone know for sure whats going on.

 

[xJohnnyOx]

Right on, thanks for the info. I've ordered a usb snake camera which should be here in the next few days. Once I've taken a look within the cylinder I'll report back and let everyone know for sure whats going on.

Any update? Also, are you in the Treasure Valley area?

 

[xJohnnyOx]

ChrisLuke50, Are you still with us?

I have been following this post to see if ChrisLuke was able to get his Expedition going again. Sure would like to know how it was resolved.

Chris, if you are out there, let us know.

JohnnyO

 

[bedrck46]

he should have had the snake camera by now would be nice if people up date their post just to help others find answers