"Pogo" <No_spam_marc@nospam> wrote in message
news:2JSdnUrlHPaKmqjVnZ2dnUVZ_uudnZ2d@storm.ca...
> Hi All,
> Looking for possible solution,
> 2001 F-150 Smaller V8 "4.8L", "Triton". Driving the vehicle
> underload "Camper" heard what I though was a loud exhaust leak!
> Inspection showed that the coil on passenger side/3rd fromt front
> was dangling on top of the engin block...not a good sign..
>
> Turns out that threads are striped and hot gases melted the
> remaining thread to mount spark plug. I had a local chap come by and
> re-tap the thread and install a Helix-Coil ?. Have not fired the
> engine up yet as two things are not certain. 1).Turned engine
> (without spark) over with new plug in place and a slight leak still
> present between helix and old thread - not good. 2) how long will
> this type of patch maintain itself?
>
> I would like to add some type of putty material that could harden
> would assure a proper seal to this new fix. Can I use a material in
> conjunction with a spark plug that has a compression washers to
> further prolong the inevitable...replacement of the head. As this
> truck has many miles on it ~135k I don't see that value in spending
> $2000.00 in fixing it. Would like to keep it runnin after a fashion
> for use on the farm.
>
> Your thoughts.
>
> Marc
Helicoils are not a good repair for this failure. Ford has authourized
only one type of insert -
----
Engine - Cylinder Head Spark Plug Thread Repair
TSB 07-15-2
08/06/07
5.4L 2V AND 6.8L 2V MODULAR ENGINE SPARK
PLUG THREAD OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR
PROCEDURE FOR ALUMINUM HEADS
FORD:
1997-2000 F-250 Light Duty
1997-2003 F-150
1997-2004 Expedition
1997-2007 E-Series
1998-2004 F-53 Motorhome Chassis,
F-Super Duty
2001-2005 Excursion
LINCOLN:
1998-1999 Navigator
ISSUE
Various 1997-2007 vehicles with a 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine with
stripped or missing spark plug port threads in modular engine aluminum
heads. Ford Motor Company now authorizes LOCK-N-STITCH aluminum
inserts and tool kit.
ACTION
Follow the procedure included in the tool kit for using the tools and
inserts. Tool kits and inserts can be ordered from Rotunda by calling
1-800-Rotunda (768-8632). Choose option two (2), number 302-00001.
NOTE FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS DETERMINED THAT REPAIRS MADE WITH THESE
ALUMINUM INSERTS AND LOCK-N-STITCH TOOLS DO NOT AFFECT THE HEAT
TRANSFER FUNCTION BETWEEN THE SPARK PLUG AND THE CYLINDER HEAD.
NOTE THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS AND IS THE
ONLY FORD AUTHORIZED PROCEDURE FOR SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIRS.
WARRANTY STATUS: Information Only - Not Warrantable
----
Others have recommended the Timesert Kit
http://www.timesert.com/html/ford.html
If it was my engine, I'd install the Timesert Kit.
Ed
>> Stay informed about: Spark plug Threads melted