Spark plug Helicoil?

[sonyhome]

A friend told me spark plugs like to blow in 5.4L engines around 180K because there's like 3 turns of threads to hold them.
He then recommended to helicoil them before they blow, as it is a solid fix, and when they blow they take some of the metal with them so a helicoil fix becomes more iffy.

Is it a frequent issue, like head gaskets are on subarus? I blew and helicoil'ed my neon way back in the days and it sucked.

 

[Yupster Dog]

A friend told me spark plugs like to blow in 5.4L engines around 180K because there's like 3 turns of threads to hold them.

FALSE
They do not blow at a certain milage. They blow after a tune up because the mechanic didn't do their job right. Usually cylinder # 4 and #3 because they are harder to get to.
As long as they are tightened properly you will have no problems. Look up Ford tech Makuloco on his youtube channel for proper installation of spark plugs. Many other problems solved on that channel as well.

No more mechanical advice from that friend might help too.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Hamfisted]

Yupster is correct. Triton motors with the PI heads ( Performance Improved Heads ) have more threading available for the sparkplugs and don't suffer the sparkplug blow out syndrome that the early motors ( motors prior to the '99 model year...) had. I recommend using a torque wrench when installing sparkplugs and torque them to recommended specs ( 20-25 ft lbs...). You should not have a blowout problem on your '02 Expy as long as they are properly torqued.


Replacing Ford 2V Triton Sparkplugs


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[JamaicaJoe]

Are the 4.6L engines in the 2001 affected by this?

Specifically a "W" 4.6 EFI-SOHC(R) V-8 GASOLINE FORD 190-210 HP

"(R)": Romeo Engine Plant

I have been procrastinating my second spark plug replacement now 96K miles.

And is there a trick in getting them out?

 

[sonyhome]

Yupster is correct. Triton motors with the PI heads ( Performance Improved Heads ) have more threading available for the sparkplugs and don't suffer the sparkplug blow out syndrome that the early motors ( motors prior to the '99 model year...) had. I recommend using a torque wrench when installing sparkplugs and torque them to recommended specs. You should never have a blowout problem on your '02 Expy.





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That's good to hear. He seemed to indicate it was fixed later - around 2005 -.

I find it's super important to know the quirks of an older vehicle you own to not end up in purgatory.

 

[Yupster Dog]

I have been procrastinating my second spark plug replacement now 96K miles.

And is there a trick in getting them out?

Ford Tech Makuloco will tell you everything you need to replace your spark plugs.
Here is the video for you and @sonyhome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc4-z-sT1ms

 

[tack87]

That is still a problem past 99, it was fixed with the 3 valve in 03. My 02 had blown 2 plugs before I came across ford tech makuloco. No problems since.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Ford Tech Makuloco will tell you everything you need to replace your spark plugs.
Here is the video for you and @sonyhome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc4-z-sT1ms

On mine, I tried to replace #7 and could not budge it with hand tools. Is there a proven procedure to loosen them? Also how can I tell if mine has PI heads?

 

[Yupster Dog]

Is there a proven procedure to loosen them?

Soak with pb blaster and let it sit, is the most common way I have heard of here. And try to remove with the engine hot is another.

Also how can I tell if mine has PI heads?

Did you watch the video? doesn't it explain all that?

 

[Hamfisted]

On mine, I tried to replace #7 and could not budge it with hand tools. Is there a proven procedure to loosen them? Also how can I tell if mine has PI heads?

If your motor is an '01 motor it would have PI heads. If you want to confirm it, look with a flashlight and mirror just above the front exhaust bolt and you should see the head's part number and a PI under the part number.






Early heads on the left ....... PI improved heads on the right.....









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[Yupster Dog]

If your motor is an '01 motor it would have PI heads. If you want to confirm it, look with a flashlight and mirror just above the front exhaust bolt and you should see the head's part number and a PI under the part number
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I don't say it enough, Thank You for all you do here.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Soak with pb blaster and let it sit, is the most common way I have heard of here. And try to remove with the engine hot is another.

Did you watch the video? doesn't it explain all that?

No the video did not.

 

[Yupster Dog]

No the video did not.

Thank you @Hamfisted for saving the day!

 

[Pete Costanza]

I've replaced a decent amount of plugs that shot out. There may be some validity to them blowing out after plug replacement due improper torque, but that's not the whole story. A lot of them were blowing out prior to any plug replacement. It was a defect in both cylinder head and spark plug design. It happened on Ford modular engines in the late 90's-early 00's with the 2 valve heads (4.6, 5.4, 6.8), but for some reason it was less likely to occur on 4.6's. I would drill out what was left of the threads. Vacuum into the cylinder. Start the engine with the plug hole open to push out any remaining particles that were in the cylinder. Use a tap to create new threads. Repeat process of vacuuming and starting engine to remove any debris. Insert new steel thread insert with loctite and swedge it into place. Install updated Motorcraft plug with more threads. Voila. Never once had a comeback or any related issues from this process. Something a lot of people never bring up is that they start making noise a little while before they blow out. It starts to sound like an exhaust leak and at that point, you may be able to torque the plug back up and save yourself the hassle.