Blown plug - Anything other than Heli-coil worth trying?

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for looking in - I've got an 02 Ex V8 with a blown out plug. Took it to a trusted mechanic and heli-coils didn't work. He said he tried an oversized one also but still wouldn't work. Is there any other kits or fixes worth trying? Thanks

 

[jrford]

sorry to hear, but I've always found spiting plugs interesting . .but a bummer for sure.

this seems well recommended,
http://www.timesert.com/html/ford_sparkplug_faq.html

search on google found a good link or two,
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/214036-fix-your-blown-plug-i-did.html
http://www.contractortalk.com/f41/ford-triton-blown-plug-fix-74930/
had a link but on the wrong side of the states.

just some idea, let us know how it works out. I've got an '04 so cross my fingers in don't need this.

 

[swetrid]

We have a special snap on/blue point tool that works great. Have done about 50 with no issues. It drills out original threads and installs a special insert into the head.

 

[JDraper]

Best ones I've seen so far are the timeserts (same one jrford mentioned)

 

[shucker1]

Our machine shop uses a device called a Keensert.

Same concept as a Helicoil but has 4 locking stakes which are driven home to lock in after installation.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for the info - I'm going to try the time-sert. Reading through their site they mention a "Romeo" 4.6L engine needs a special tool that I'm hoping my mechanic didn't know about when trying the heli-coil. He's out of town for the week so I'll have another "trusted" mechanic give it a try - I just don't feel too confident w/ this repair - I'll spend the extra money for his experience and cross my fingers! Thanks again for the help

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Called Time-sert/fastener today -- the Explorer V8 kit is $389! Does anyone know where this might be found for less or a comparable kit for less $? I'm not sure if this engine is good - so spending that much to see probably isn't a the best idea. I may still give it a try but wondering if anyone had any other ideas -- thanks.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Found kits on Ebay for much cheaper but alot of different variations. Anyone know which thread size or what to look for in the kit for the 02 Explorer? Thanks

 

[Johnny Glenn]

No luck on that - the kit that's needed is $369 on Ebay. I guess it is getting close to time to track down another engine that I know is good......but any other ideas to try for less $$? I thought about whether it was possible to weld plug in --- but mechanic said not enough clearance to get to etc. Desperate?!

 

[matt0248]

FWIW, the Timesert thing is a very good repair. I have done a few, but depending on which plug is blown access can be a headache.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks -- I'm wondering if it's any use in trying? I had a good mechanic try two heli-coils, one over-sized and neither one worked. He said someone had tried to repair this before. If the heli-coils didn't fit or work - is it even possible the time-sert could fit?

 

[matt0248]

It depends on how big the outer diameter was of the bigger heli-coil. IF you buy the kit and it works it will be well worth the $370. If it doesn't work, you could probably sell it to someone else and get most of your $$$ back.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Good idea - hadn't thought about selling kit if it didn't work? Doesn't have to be a $370 loss - maybe $150? Just found out though!!-- Standard size spark plug heli-coil is 14mm, oversized is 18mm. Mechanic said 18mm didn't work so that does it in for the time-sert. I spoke w/ technical support @ Time-sert and was told hole is too large. He said heli-coils do not work well with 02 "Romeo" engines as they have some type of counter bore. The people working on this beforehand had it screwed up beyond recovery. Oh well, hope this might help someone in the future -- thanks for everyone's help -- on to the next (project)?

 

[jrford]

used JY head???? would be my next shot. Not sure how many JY are close by, but i'd try and look for one with a blown motor (no value) and see how much they wanted just for the one head. Might want to point out 'its worthless as is (if blown and all spark-plugs are OK still) but how about 100 cash? You might get lucky, if the guy is in a good mood. A whole used motor is the price of that kit above. . .

Also try online for one, not sure what you will find but who knows?

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks - haven't had much luck finding an engine as of yet unless I was willing to pay $1700!...but I'll try finding just the head and see how that turns out? Thanks again for the advice