5.4 Triton blew a plug. Confused on helicoil insert.

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

My friend called me saying he blew a plug, thankfully number 1, out of the head on his Expedition. Being the nice guy I am, and having several helicoil kits in my van, I told him he could use mine since he's in a pinch. Unfortunately the "instructions" on the back are confusing, or, I'm too tired to understand lol. It says it can be used on tapered or gasketed plugs, then says not to use on tapered. Help? Haha

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[Rakoprtr]

Intrested I have one to do Tuesday except I have the pleasure of doing the rear pass side

 

[metaleltr]

http://www.helicoil.com.sg/HeliCoil-Thread-Repair-Kits.shtml

According to this it will work on taper and gasket

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

Then I suppose its worth a try.

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[metaleltr]

Otherwise you may need a timesert

 

[Deafautotech]

I did that few times and still don't like it as prefer time-sert at my work.

Make sure you have both valves closed or you may will cause damage on valve...

 

[wvrailroader]

NAPA sells a kit for about $60 that works very well for this problem. There is an insert that cuts threads in the stripped plug hole and is left in place. The kit includes a spark plug and a shorter plug boot to account for the length of the insert. I have installed several of these and never had a problem. The local Ford dealer also uses the exact same kit and never has any return visits afterwards.

On the number one cylinder it would take all of about 15-20 minutes to install and requires only a ratchet, extension and a socket. Given the depth of the Ford 5.4 spark plug holes, this is a much easier way to go that a helicoil.

 

[BDAZSVT]

I had to do one on my Lightning. I highly recomend using lock n stitch. They will loan you the tools to do it. It is not cheap but it locks the insert in so that it doesn't come out during plug changes. http://fulltorque.com/sparkplug.htm

 

[theoldwizard1]

Timesert is the Ford approved product.

 

[jchetty]

As a Lightning owner, the preferred method is Timesert. Not a fan of helicoil or lock-n-stitch

 

[GTA Matt]

Timesert is the way to go. I've heard stories of the steel in heli coils not disapating heat away from the plug fast enough and melting the plug under heavy loads like towing. I have one scheduled for tomorrow, 2000 f150, cylinder 3. Could be worse, could be 4 or 8 lol.

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

As a desperate attempt, installed the previously shown kit. Started it, obviously installed plugs and such, ran through a few heat cycles and its great. Will be buying timeserts for future uses. This is a common issue on Komat'su forklifts, so I'll want some better options when I'm in the field.

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[BDAZSVT]

As a Lightning owner, the preferred method is Timesert. Not a fan of helicoil or lock-n-stitch

We both know how many Lightnings launch plugs!
"my truck is making a ticking sound"......

 

[allinon72]

The official Ford procedure uses the Lock n' stitch. Timesert is a good alternative. Using a helicoil is not a good idea in this application.

 

[xtremek]

I've had plugs blow out of the heads on three different cylinders in my '03 F-150. I do not recommend the helicoils. Mine didn't last 40k. Timeserts work better, but the #4 plug has gone through a helicoil (I did it the first time @78k), then the dealership did the timesert(115K), and now the timesert is spinning in the head (@170K). I am not impressed with Ford's ability to cast aluminum. That's right, a total of 5 helicoils/timeserts. Ford told me I don't know how to change plugs in an aluminum head. I didn't feel like telling them I grew up on VW's and Suzuki motorcycles where 85% of the engine is aluminum. They lost this customer. Timeserts are the only way to go on this app.

 

[vssjim]

I have used the helicoil solid insert with out any problems, just make sure it is full threaded in before swedging the insert and it is all good.

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

I have used the helicoil solid insert ith out any problems, just make sure it is full thread in before swedging the insert and it is all good.

That's what I used. I highly doubt this vehicle will see another 20k miles at best, so even if its not the best repair it will get him through the life expectancy of the engine.

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[truckaddict]

insurance, rag, lighter, run, and done

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

insurance, rag, lighter, run, and done

Sound advice!

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[basspro]

Ive used the tap/insert kit pictured on three different cylinders in my 5.4. Ive put over 100,000 miles on the first insert I did. I did them all myself including the rear passenger side. Make sure you have both valves closed as mentioned before. Id use grease on that tap too as it will catch most shavings. I make one turn with the tap, pull it out and regrease, to keep the shavings to a minimum. When I get it tapped out and able to install the insert I tape a small hose to a shop vac and **** out any remaining shavings, then blow it out with compressed air. I may do this a few times just for peace of mind. I make sure to clean the threads with contact cleaner, then blow dry with compressed air. I make sure the insert is clean of oil and I use a small amount of primer and loctite 271 on the insert, then I install. I let it sit for 10-15min while I clean up and put tools away, install plug to torque spec and call it a day, Ive never had an issue.

 

[kerryt1]

Timeserts are legit.

https://www.belmetric.com/timesert-...217_548.html?zenid=gk9j1lo5aqrjq124h4pi1klog3