Popped a spark plug!

[Captain O]

I had a spark plug pop out of the cylinder head and had an emergency Helicoil replacement to the tune of $222.75. The check engine light went out and the 4.6 purrs like a kitten.

Go figure.

 

[wolf_walker]

It happens, even though people say it does not happen on the later cars.
Welcome to the club.

 

[Captain O]

I hope that this hasn't done too much damage.

 

[Norms1stTC]

I hope that this hasn't done too much damage.

If she's purring like a kitten, I wouldn't stress too much about it.

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[wolf_walker]

Plug coming out really won't hurt anything other than the threads that came out with it, cutting new threads in or drilling
for an insert might drop some shavings in that cylinder and damage it some lowering compression or oil control.
Or it might not, depends. If it's any consolation my 04 had the same thing happen with the previous owner, and it wasn't
well repaired. I discovered this when changing spark plugs as the insert came out with the plug, I found an identical (generic napa)
insert and used a really good thread insert locking compound to glue it back in. Held the last 20K or so. I'd love to see a compression
test but I'm not removing that plug till I'm willing to either pull the motor, head or fix it correctly.

 

[Captain O]

Mine was performed professionally, so I believe that it was properly done.

 

[wolf_walker]

I've been told that a heli coil, if that's the actual brand and not just a slang term for some other insert, isn't really the most ideal fix.
I think ford used and approved Time-Sert brand. Though it's been awhile since I looked into it.

But, if my BS napa thread adapter with some Time-Sert 6020 thread locker is holding, you'll probably be ok.

 

[Vladimir2112]

What causes this?

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[dave42]

What causes this?

Not enough threads in certain holes on certain years. Likely compounded by someone either over or under torquing the plug.

 

[Norms1stTC]

What causes this?

Could be a number of factors, under torque, cross threaded, over torqued, bad die cut threads , etc...etc...

 

[Captain O]

"Silver" is running fine, and the "check engine" light (code) stopped. I have kept a close eye on it and will continue to do so until it is time to change the spark plugs.

Cross your fingers for me.

 

[dave42]

"Silver" is running fine,...

I think more than a few of us have named ours Silver. And besides, I'm a Cowboy Action Shooter and need a trusty steed to get me to the matches. Good enough for the Lone Ranger, good enough for me.

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[Captain O]

Since the Lincoln Motor Company called the paint color Birch Silver, I thought it appropriate.

It was simple.