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Has anyone repaired 5.4 spark plug threads in the vehicle with good results. If not is there a short cut to removing the heads without pulling the engine. Thanks, Tom.

slowtech wrote:Has anyone repaired 5.4 spark plug threads in the vehicle with good results. If not is there a short cut to removing the heads without pulling the engine. Thanks, Tom.

We repair them all the time. We use the Time Sert kit.

http://www.timesert.com/html/sparkplugford.html

same as ric, it's a breeze. the first is the hardest then you get use to it. i've probably done 70 or 80 without a problem.

ricmorin wrote:

slowtech wrote:Has anyone repaired 5.4 spark plug threads in the vehicle with good results. If not is there a short cut to removing the heads without pulling the engine. Thanks, Tom.

We repair them all the time. We use the Time Sert kit.

http://www.timesert.com/html/sparkplugford.html

same here all the time same brand

How do you get the ones back under the firewall of a pickup truck that you can't see the spark plug hole, say #4 or #8?

Not alota fun............

Tim Martin wrote:How do you get the ones back under the firewall of a pickup truck that you can't see the spark plug hole, say #4 or #8?

The tool fits ok. You just have to be extra careful to keep it straight. Not fun, but doable.

I recently had one in that another shop tried to fix with a helli coil and then when the tightened the plug it twisted the insert down(no lip like the inserts we use) and ya well you know what happened next a phone call to jasper

Pretty much what I suspected. But what else can ya expect. So far, I have not used the kit, haven't needed it yet. I have replaced heads because the owner butchered the threads with JB weld and the likes, hoping that JB weld would keep the plug in place.

Thanx for the info! I appreciate it.

Nice save $1 up front and cost himself $1000 later ppl suck no common sense

Ahhhhhh us techs at times thrive on vehicle owner doings. And we thrive well. Oh yes!

it seems that the only plugs that blow out are the rear two on either head. the tool works fine. it may seem overwhelming but we have an over engine creeper that allows us to lay on top of engine comfortably. we also put the truck on a lift and remove the front tires and lower it down. plenty of room now. the only issue is being able to set insert with the tool. you have to strike the tool with a hammer to seat it properly. i was at home depot and saw an air hammer that was desighned for small spaces. it would fit into the palm of you hand. with a little adaptation it workes great in setting the heli coil. just a thought here. when i have to repair a plug thread i always replace the coil. i've been bitten a few times by coil failure on that particular cylinder. remember the most important thing is to get paid. don't give it away. i've found that even though ford sells the repair kit the dealers in my area will only replace the heads.

steven kiser wrote: when i have to repair a plug thread i always replace the coil. i've been bitten a few times by coil failure on that particular cylinder. remember the most important thing is to get paid. don't give it away. i've found that even though ford sells the repair kit the dealers in my area will only replace the heads.

Always hell half the time the coil is cracked. Yes ford only does new heads. I ususally do all the plugs and boots when I do the reair also. If I do I get about $700 - 800 for the job