Spark plug flew out!! WTF!! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

markelemon · 02-13-2012, 12:36

So I started my 99 Crown VIC PI yesterday, there was a popping sound, smoke and then knocking. (As I later found out the knocking was because...-->) Once I got under the hood, the spark plug was laying on the exhaust manifold and the C.O.P. was broke. The spark plug will not tighten in the hole. What the F**K?!? Surely the threads couldn't just "go bad" all of the sudden. Please help! Thanks.

**R.S.LOGAN** · 02-13-2012, 12:40

When that happens over here we usually use heli coils to carry out repair .

**Bert** · 02-13-2012, 13:55

This is what should be put in to repair it.

Amazon

That happens when the plugs are put in a little overtorqued and when the aluminum expands, it pulls the threads. The proper torque is very imprtant.

markelemon · 02-13-2012, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert

This is what should be put in to repair it.

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Sert-Triton-Spark-Insert-51459/dp/B003SFWGME

That happens when the plugs are put in a little overtorqued and when the aluminum expands, it pulls the threads. The proper torque is very imprtant.

Bert, thanks. That explains the WHY. That insert looks pretty complicated. I don't suppose I can install it with regular tools, huh?

markelemon · 02-13-2012, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.S.LOGAN

When that happens over here we usually use heli coils to carry out repair .

Yes, I've researched the heli-coil. I was just hoping for another alternative, since I'm not that mechanically inclined.

**Bert** · 02-13-2012, 15:52

I'd see about getting it done. It's not a real simple job for someone not experienced and if it's messed up, the head has to be removed.

floater3 · 02-13-2012, 20:32

Has anyone had this repair done at Ford? What did they charge?

Den49 · 02-14-2012, 12:25

I had a 1999 CV. The heads and spark plugs on that car only had half (4) the usual number (8) of threads. As Bert said, it is very important not to overtorque these plugs since the threads in the head are easily stripped. Ford cured this in later years by changing the heads to 8 threads.

A good independent shop can also do the repair and probably save you some bucks.

**R.S.LOGAN** · 02-14-2012, 12:38

Used to be a very common fault with the police BMW motor bikes .That is where I used to borrow the heli coil kit from a mate in the police garage when needed .