TrickyTryler
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• Carlisle, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/18/2009 |
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• 14 posts |
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 Posted:4/13/2009 16:00 |
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Oh well, live and learn.
02 "X" with only 60k on the clock and she spit a plug over the weekend.
Did a quick look over at www.fordproblems.com only to find out I have plenty of company.
I sure would like to keep buying american, but Ford not owning up to such a major issue as this sure makes it tuff.
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:4/18/2009 09:08 |
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Wow! I thought that problem was fixed when the 2001 model started rolling off the line. |
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TrickyTryler
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• Carlisle, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/18/2009 |
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• 14 posts |
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Posted:4/24/2009 10:28 |
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It spit one and found out that 2 more were on the way out. 
Damage repaired, fresh plugs all around and a couple coil packs replaced. Only 60k, I sure did not expect anything like this yet. Sure hope it is the last time  |
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David Rush
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• Greenville, SC, USA |
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• Registered on 4/11/2004 |
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• 233 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:4/28/2009 11:35 |
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How did you repair the damage helicoils--new head???? |
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TrickyTryler
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• Carlisle, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/18/2009 |
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• 14 posts |
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Posted:4/28/2009 13:33 |
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Time-sert system (www.timesert.com)
Local shop that does my service work keeps everything in stock, much more common problem than Ford would like to own up to.
By dumb luck, the 3 that needed repair were up front and could be repaired without pulling the heads. |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:4/28/2009 15:22 |
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Timeserts are the way to go for repairing threads in aluminum because they do not flex when the fastener is tightened. Due to their design (a coiled square wire), Helicoils should not be used in aluminum because the square wire can rotate in the softer metal when the fastener is tightened. Helicoils are great in steel, but I avoid them like the Swine Flu for aluminum applications. I've also had custom inserts machined by simply drilling and tapping threaded rod. |
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Boat_Hauler
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• Burlington, IA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/15/2005 |
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• 6 posts |
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Posted:5/4/2009 12:47 |
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Does anyone know if changing the plugs early (50K) helps avoid the problem? |
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TrickyTryler
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• Carlisle, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/18/2009 |
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• 14 posts |
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Posted:5/4/2009 14:50 |
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The problem stems from not having enough thread in the head to begin with.
I sure think it would not hurt to pull the coil pack and give the plugs a check to confirm all are snug. But (IMO) I would not remove and reinstall the plugs any more than needed.
For what it is worth, the coil pack had been replaced by the PO on every plug I had issue with, I am assuming they replaced the plug when changing the coil pack.
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David Rush
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• Greenville, SC, USA |
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• Registered on 4/11/2004 |
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• 233 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/12/2009 11:29 |
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The particular Helicoil I used on a Crown Vic was a screw in insert. You drilled out the plug socket, tapped a new socket and used a screw in insert with the regular spark plug threads in it. You coat it with high heat compound when you seat it, leave 24 hrs and away I went--after The engine finally got all the air out of the cylinder. |
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billbuchanan
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• Georgetown, IN, USA |
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• Registered on 5/17/2009 |
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• 2 posts |
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 Posted:5/18/2009 00:06 |
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Looks like I will be checking into the Time-sert system. I own a 2000, 4X4, V10 with 205,000 miles on it and it has been running like a top until this morning on the way home from Church when I heard a loud noise and then it began to run like a lawn mower with its choke on. I pulled over to check under the hook and to my surprise there laid a spark plug. Tried putting it back in but it kept spiting it out. I love my Excursion and would like to keep it for another 11 years. Bought it new in 2000. It replaced my 1980 E150 which was in good running condition but had to get rid of it because the rust quit holding hands. Maintaining a vehicle is a must for you to get the most out of it unless you just like buying something new. |
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