Why the spark plug blew out of your Ford Triton engine

[@joedell71]

Just subbed your channel. It wasn’t the info on why the plugs blow out or the fact that you can put inserts in (which is very cool in its own right) It was what you said at the end of the video that made me subscribe. “If you need any help or advice installing the inserts or would like me to do it call me. I’ll be more than happy to talk to you” That’ll right there is something that’s sorely missing from KZbin and the world in general. People who genuinely want to help. Not just throw a bunch of info at you and try to hard sell you on something. You presented the info in a concise understandable way and then offered your help for free. Bravo my man bravo.

[@alexanderdennis13]

I used to work for U-haul in the early 2000. 99% of the trucks were Ford Tritan V8 or V10's. You hear them coming a mile away and seen many of them come back to us with a blown plug. It's very distinctive. Good video.

[@eric.wjones7758]

Great video I have a 2001 5.4 Triton V8. I have had this truck for a while. It now has 300,599 miles. Servicing it in a timely manner helped me with milage. It's almost time for timing and transmission services again. Love these videos keep it up they help me a lot.

[@brianstough5286]

"Timely manner" or "to ford's recommended intervals" ??

[@AZREDFERN]

My father was a mechanic for 40 years. He swears that as long as you keep it torqued every 10k-50k miles, and use genuine factory parts, it’ll last forever. The specs, dimensions, and tolerances for aftermarket plugs are always slightly off. Every time he was working on a Triton, he would torque them for free. Most the time they were significantly off. He never had a customer call back with an ejected spark plug later down the road.

[@Mark-gg6iy]

Thank-you for that info. I just bought a E-350 (25k mi) that is the RV powerplant that I will be using as a tiny home off-grid in the coming years hopefully for many years. I have been concerned about this issue given I don't want a costly breakdown off the beaten path.

[@dperr338]

Sounds like a good mechanic.

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

ahahaha thats funnnnnyyyyyyyyyy

[@shanezwack187]

I've been hearing this too. Retorquing the spark plugs as part of routine maintenance is what's needed for this particular motor.

[@Papasmurf7597]

First of all. This is a very interesting video. Thank you for posting it. As a VERY old mechanic of over 50 years experience(yea, giving my age away), I have to say this. I own an '02' Ford E250, extended van, with a 5.4, 2 valve engine. Other than normal service, this engine is untouched(NO major work). One week ago, 1/2019, it turned over 317,000 miles. Nearing the end of my long working career, I was a fleet manager for a large service company in SW Florida. We had aprox. 65 vehicles. Most of which were Fords. The only real problems that I had personal experience with, were the 3 valve engines. MY own vehicle was purchased in Jan. 2008, from the company, used, with 153,000 miles on it. And, it was only 6 years old. But, it was maintained regularly to the company's specifications. I have driven it across country four times. It has been as far away from SW Fl. as Portland, Or. And recently, Essex, Conn. I'm an 'old gearhead' from the late 50s/60s. Big block era. The Ford that I now own, has been one of the most dependable vehicles that I've ever owned. With all these miles on it, it uses next to no oil, plenty of power for what it is, and reasonable gas mileage for a rolling 'bill-board'.

[@alexadams9644]

At 225,000 miles. Had all 10 done. New plugs, new coils. Runs great. The work horse is back. 🐴🐎😁👍

[@lutherhaynes8422]

Ron, thank you very much for making this vid. I also am a commoner on the #3 cylinder. My eng is a 4.6 v8 triton. And yes sir, when it popped out, I thought that I had blew an exhaust gasket.. I also wanted to bore scope my cylinder to see what was going on, but now I know. God bless Sir and thank you again for making this vid.

[@pippylongstockings8600]

Luther Haynes how did you fix it.

[@NorthCountryOutdoors522]

I have a 2003 f150 with a 4.6 Triton in it, and I love it. The only thing I had to do to it was a coil pack and a belt tensioner, has 118,000 miles on it

[@glencoe6305]

First time it happened to me I was driving down a dark 2 lane highway. Pow. I thought I blew my motor. I turned on to 2 roads,seen the spark plug was gone,walked back to the highway with a flashlight and found the plug and screwed it back in drove off. Next day,did it again. Put a rethreaded in. Just now a different one blew out. I'm waiting for it to cool down.

[@thomastoolcompanyllc.7349]

This guy is awesome if you need help with your ford truck call this guy.. There are other people doing this but Ron is the best forget the rest... Call Ron he is the Best..

[@TheYohan831]

thank you ! believe your Honest and sincere,,,,, and probably right, ,, drilling at factory ! Having owned a 1999 Ford F250 Super duty, with 5.4 Triton,,,( 80 thou mile's , crew cab from Step Father), at 100 thou miles, I did tune up,, sold truck and kicked Myself in ass from day sold !!! so got a 2003 Ford F150, xlt reg cab , 4.6 Triton at 108 thou miles, and did tune up, n no problem's,,, feel blessed !!! tune on F150 changed all 8 ignition coil's too, n all good !!! still LOVE 4 on fly !! but you have a valid point !!! and if God Forbid, I have a problem, believe you answer the real issue !!! and now know how to fix !!! thank you !!!

[@helvehammer7846]

Yeah, Ron -I got 50 years of "Engine Engineering" behind me and I'm also 4th gen mechanic. I'm not a Ford Triton Specialist but I agree perfectly with your analysis. I think you have nailed the problem.

[@SemperShock]

Finally got an answer from a mechanic about this issue. And it came from a KZbinr !! Thank you Ron! Greatly appreciate your video. My excursion just had this issue on Sunday. Hopefully the mechanic on Thursday can resolve this issue as well as you do. Greetings from San Francisco!

[@johnnyrebel5458]

Glad I watched this, mine just a plug and I couldn’t figure out why. Now I know thanks!

[@edwinstorz702]

I will not apologize for being and feeling Pissed, i will thank you for telling the Truth, if more People like you would only take a stand and make the law work, Awesome Video!

[@boataxe4605]

Chevy Cobalt’s / Pontiac G5’s had an engine with a bad timing chain tensioner that would lose tension at around 50K (just after the warranty expired) causing the timing chain to skip teeth, which resulted in the pistons hitting the valves, destroying the engine. They knew about that problem and redesigned it but did not issue a recall leaving many owners to replace the engine on a fifty thousand mile car at their own expense. I was a Chevy guy but not anymore, fuck them!

[@Lucille69caddy]

Boat Axe Disgruntled Ford fan, ehh?

[@sageoliver3255]

Ford doesn’t always have a better idea thanks RON for giving such great insight to this issue..dealing with it now!

[@nathanrice1796]

Really good video. Seems like an honest guy. How do you prevent metal shavings from going down in the cylinder when you drill and tap the hole?

[@jameswalls9468]

Hi Ron, great video. I, (an auto mechanic for 40 yrs now), agree with your assessment of the problem. I haven't run across the Triton with that problem but have with the 4.6 Ford motors. Obviously it's a Ford problem, I've seen other engines blow plugs out here and there but NEVER on the same style or brand on engine until this Ford problem. I generally don't watch these kind of videos but something "sparked" my interest. I haven't seen that Cal-Van kit yet, I like the looks of it. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@newedgearmy9351]

Great videos man! I've had a plug blow out on my 02 4.6 mustang gt. Had it fixed at a local shop. They used a helix coil and that only lasted about 9 month before it blew out again. I will be using the cal van kit this week. Again thank you for all the videos you have posted about these garbage heads.

[@MikeSwartz]

This is the best explanation of the Ford cylinder head flaw on these Triton engines. I'm currently shopping for used trucks and have been back and forth on buying a used Triton engine pickup because of this flaw. Your video gives me some hope there's a way to fix and also prevent this flaw.

[@brianstough5286]

PLURAL = flaws

[@burtjhonson2039]

You are right on this issue. I 100% agree with you. You even showed the proof with the thread count. Thank you for making this video. This was the first video of yours that I watched and I subscribed right away.

[@larrybryant331]

I just had this done to my 99 F150 5.4L Triton. I never heard of such thing happening to these engines until mine happened. LOL My mechanic used this kit and boy i'm back riding again. I watched him and think i might be able to do the next one if it happens again. I can see now why it happened. Thanks for the video.

[@len2524]

Great video Ron! You know it was a bad design when a third party develops a kit specific to a manufactures engine!!

[@ReneStover]

Just 2 weeks ago a friend told me about his Ford E250 Van blowing number 2 spark plug, I never thought it would happen to mine, but today, I was leaving a jobsite , started the engine, and it blew number 2 spark plug, catching me in a time when i have jobs to complete, lots of money out on these jobs, and in a bind. My friend told me when he had his van repaired that the mechanic showed him that there were only 3 or 4 threads at the bottom of the plug hole. Ford has to know about this, and has done nothing about it except throw the blame elsewhere. I am with Ron in this video when he says 'In my opinion that is the problem", in my opinion, I am with Ron on this.

[@Greenelectra78]

I think this was an excellent explanation of the problem with these heads. A water pipe wouln't hold together on 4.5 threads. Considering the cylinder pressures, not only compression but the power stroke, temperature extremes from a running engine to a cold one and the tesile strength of cast iron and whatever material the plugs are made of, depending on the brand, it's no wonder these heads fail. Unless it was planned obsolence, what exactly did Ford save on by this engineering? Time to cut twice the threads? With CNC machining that's a second or two. Maybe they saved on the tool because less cutting meant twice the tool life. What I can't understand is why Ford would put such an inferior product on the market. I'm a GM fan and the mid '70's 3.8L was a boat anchor with odd/even fired ignition, crappy oil pumps and timing chains and those things have improved greatly by 2000 so all I can say is Thank goodness for the intelligence of Maunfacturers and Mechanics who find solutions to these ridiculous situations.

[@gustavogarza1966]

From south Texas, thank you Sir. God bless you and your family.

[@Philscbx]

30 years before those inserts - I installed hundreds of Heli-Coils. The reason they come loose is heat expansion, now the standard 60% thread cut, is now only 30% engaged. They don't unscrew, they just push past the little bit of threads engaged. Right? I designed my own thread cutting tap to allow the highest heat expansion on air cooled applications. Roll forming threads are ten times stronger than thread cutting taps for a good reason. Aluminum is nothing but cast porous Dutch Cheese. Using a claw hammer, one could simply pull spark plug straight out like a 16 penny nail when head temps exceed 350-450 degrees. Great Video Sir, and nice close up detail. FORD in no way can argue this case. Cheers. 50 years as service tech, this case and demo is spot on proof as to why Ford Fails again. When one is commissioned to service a large Police Force of squad cars, and obviously Ford, it was hell keeping them alive all those years and 24/7.

[@tonydanieibest1]

God bless you, Ron. I really appreciate this advice. You have given me. I did exactly what you told me as a viewer, you are the best. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.

[@d0rkiishchris]

I had a 4.6 in a crown Vic that also had a very small amount of threads. And there was a lot of room for more threads. Before I replaced my plugs I was told not to tighten them much at all, and it would be better if I had a torque wrench. When I took the plug out I was amazed at how few threads held the plug in. And that was a different engine, similar, but not the same. So this appears to be a Ford practice. I installed the plugs fine, but was never completely happy knowing how they were held in. I've had Japanese and German cars and almost all of them had twice as many, if not more, threads than this. On an aluminum head, this is not a great design.

[@florenbaron7111]

Ford makes unreliable vehicles. Sometimes I wonder if some of their foolish designs are intentional.

[@stannoll6248]

Ron, if you lived in my area, you'd have ALL the service work. Thank you for being so HONEST.

[@billkerstein1637]

Never had any plugs blow on 4.6 liter Ford's even with nearly 300k miles. I maintained a fleet of V-10 Econoline buses and never had a plug blow but many coil boots failed causing misfires. Only saw a few 5.4 liters with this issue on #4 shortly after someone had changed the plugs and put in Champion or Autolite and no anti sieze plus there was a coolant drip from the heater hose causing crusty deposits in the spark plug well. If you clean up plug hole before and during plug changing and use Motorcraft plugs and proper torque I've changed a couple thousand or more and had no issues and none came back blown out. This is a good insert if repair is needed.

[@chrisyoung2735]

I am thinking my blew out because I did a crappy job putting it in a few months ago, no anti seize goo

[@blackcat3x]

My 2003 Ford F-150, Triton 5.4, blew a plug after 321,000 miles... A what great a truck it has been. Great video, Thanks......

[@ThePIPdesign]

The length of thread engagement in a steel nut member should be equal to or greater than one full diameter of the bolt and be of comparable strength

[@johnbradley3860]

It's my opinion that you're 100% correct on this issue

[@loniebrown7364]

My Last Ford was the 04 3v Triton, bought new, never kept it long enough for plug issues, but the timing chains never kept the proper tension....over the short time I had it, it would stop running, lose all power at random.. Can phasers, timeming chains, electrical Gremlins...last Ford I bought new.. Never had issues with Windsor's, carb or EFI.. Much love still for the 400M..351C

[@teresastone2967]

Just used Cal Van to repair my 06 f150 cylinder #3 super easy to do . I’m a shade tree mechanic and I’ll tell you don’t be afraid to do this repair. It took may be 15 minutes. Thank you for the video.

[@SonofGodly]

exactly the time it took me 15 min. first time on that type of job.

[@blipco5]

This not a good video. This is a GREAT video. Listen to this man. Take your truck to him even if low miles and have him install new plugs with anti-seize BEFORE you have a problem. Loads cheaper and piece of mind.

[@donraptor6156]

Bad advice! Weld them in is the only way to prevent failure or in weld!

[@blipco5]

I didn't think of that. 👍

[@SonofGodly]

I just used this kit from calvan,,15 min I was finished with perfect results. Ron is right about this kit,,very good video on this.

[@LVPHD1]

Love this video. I follow you perfectly and agree completely with your assessment. I have two expeditions with 5.4's in them and it keeps happening.

[@brianstough5286]

Thanks for your honesty!

[@mikeymopar440]

MINIMUM THREAD DEPTH for most ANY "machined" bolt, screw, or threaded application is 1 and 1/2 times the diameter of the bolt, depending on the application and torque requirement. So for example: A 1/2-20 bolt, you will need minimum of 3/4 of an inch of thread depth, therefore you will end up with 15 threads or turns of the bolt.

[@patrickkruger5310]

The problem is the big companies lay off their knowledgeable engineers and hire cheaper engineers just out of school who don't know shit. They all do it Even Chrysler - that's why you get some real clunkers from Detroit

[@dufus2273]

ford doesn't have any real machinist

[@dufus2273]

sounds like you have all the answers. What are you doing here? You here to make yourself look smart and make smart remarks or provide a solution to the problem ?

[@SandCarServices]

The solution to the problem is in the repair video. This is just my opinion on what I seen in my experience.

[@SandCarServices]

I have not personally seen a 3.8 with only 4 threads from the factory. But I have seen hundreds and hundreds of Triton 2 valve engines spit spark plugs out. Its. Called an opinion not a fact. If you don't agree that's fine. I have personally helped a lot of people deal with fixing a frustrating problem. 4 threads do hold most of the time but unfortunately not always and not isolated one off occurrences. If I ever get another 3.8 I will look closely at the design now and see what the difference is.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Fantastic video- I understand how specs can get screwed up during production, S-happens, what pisses me off the most is when you go back to the dealer and he tries to blame the whole problem on your driving habits... Thanks again for sharing! 😃👍

[@joevanscoik]

I knew that there were only @ 4 1/2 threads in the hole. I agree if the hole was threaded all the way through may have had fewer blow out, but they would probably have still come loose. However I firmly believe that if you check and re-torque them before they come loose and rattle the threads out of the head, THEY WILL NEVER BLOW OUT. 4 1/2 threads are adequate as long as they stay tight. I am an ASE Master tech and have fixed tons of these over the years. Hope you read this thanks

[@kingadaroad6595]

Adequate being the KEY word here. FORD cuts costs to the point of being JUNK!

[@joevanscoik]

Kinga Daroad . agreed ford engineers junk. It frustrates me sometimes but that's why I don't own them. All the techs at the shop I work at have a running joke about how we wouldn't have a job without Fords. We make so much money fixing their poor engineering.

[@svenandaas8781]

Try re-torquing all 10 plugs on a 6.8l V10 in an Ford E450 van. It's a PITA!!!

[@lawrenceray3545]

Ford says Built Tough. That's a big laugh😁.

[@KUNZR11]

Jon Wong your wrong. Say that 3 times fast. LOL

[@kenk8335]

Excellent video. Thank you for making it. My son owns a Ford truck with one of those engines. He has heard about the spark plug problem but didn’t know why. Going to send him this video. Thanks again.

[@ginxed999]

Just had this issue last night... thanks for the info!

[@chrisdover8014]

Thank you for this video. I had this happen about 3 years ago on the same cylinder twice. The dealer fixed it the first time and their repair failed and I was under the impression that I would need to replace the head. I finally got around to buying this kit and doing the repair. Now I don't have to spend the money on a new head and the hassle of swapping it, and I have seven more inserts if it happens again.

[@brianstough5286]

The "early fixes" (from independent mechanics) involved the removal of the head(s) - and many of them discovered it was much easier to do if they removed the cab (of the truck - entire body if it was an excursion or expedition or explorer or Mercury)... Many of the dealership mechanics/service advisors would say 'from memory' "...it will be cheaper to replace the entire engine than to fix this one..."

[@andrewelmer9266]

I've owned many Ford's. Never a triton. But all of them have been over 260k when sold. One was over 300k. Never had a problem other than alternator and 4x4 hub bearings replaced at 200k. Idk why people say ford is junk. Moat my family buy gm products and all I can say is wow. The electrical issues and fuel pump, starters, alternators, oil seals, transmissions, all kinds of problems. I'm convinced that it's who owns the vehicle, no who makes the vehicle. Currently have a 2015 ram 5.7 and 2002 explorer 4.0. No problems.

[@alejandromena3785]

This video helped soo much I have a 5.4 triton and this video just made so much sense as to why my spark plugs keep going out😭😭

[@fillup40]

I believe this guy, Not ford.

[@MAGWolf]

I don't. If hes having them blow out Period means hes not properly Torquing them to spec and is a bad mechanic.

[@jjfrockets2]

@@MAGWolf if you don't believe this guy how come Ford updated the cylinder head to have 10 threads on the spark plug holes

[@redneckhillbilly8788]

Mark Wolf your an idiot he showed there was only 4 threads on cylinder head and like 9 on the spark plug not enough threads on the head dumb ass

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Mark Wolf are you crazy?

[@salvadordollyparton666]

Because male and female threads have to have the same number of actual threads... You wanna call somebody else a dumbass, but you can only regurgitate bullshit you got from some other idiot.

[@bruceontheloose1708]

seen this video got the calvan kit. saved my ass.. way way better then anything out there to fix blown plugs.

[@brianrobertson1211]

I have an F250 with the two valve Triton. The factory torque spec is 13ft lb. There's a service bulletin on this specifying 20 - 25 ft lb on the plug.

[@bernardarmstrong7050]

So, I've heard about this problem. Haven't experienced it. I have an 04 f150 with 227000 miles on..no issues. Also an 06 mustang. After watching the video which is great advice I'm wondering if maybe the plugs should be torqued more or checked periodically for torque. Just my thoughts. Again great video!

[@SandCarServices]

Your assumption is he has a 5.4. But the 04 and up trucks with 4.6 are still pop corn 2 valve engines.

[@kellyhilbers4223]

Ron, thank you. I told my nephew kind of just about, exactly what you said, without a Gearhead mind to it .and he come up with your video. This is by far one of the best problem-solving videos I've seen. Thanks again.

[@chayes954r]

I won't completely kill Ford, they do make some great engines, but they should be f**king ashamed of themselves for this stupid design. Every Ford vehicle with this engine should have been recalled, no excuses. Period.

[@acemay3]

that all 96 though 07

[@SpitzerKK5268]

In total agreement....ended up leaving my 02 Expedition in Twin Falls, ID. But think I got bs about what was wrong. I was devastated and not thinking when we were told what was wrong. It went pop and it was turned off immediately being I knew about the spark plug issues, but we were told the piston was shattered. We were told $5000 to replace the engine and it would take weeks to get parts and to do. I don't believe it. He said he did a pic of it but didn't show it. The more I thought about it only a big shop would have the ability to take pics like that. We didn't have that kind of time so gave up my baby. Oh, well, hind site to say the least.

[@acemay3]

wow sorry to hear that man 2v 4.6 and 5.4 are not a good engine but kids today love them I will stick with my old single cam motors all day long.

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Yet it lasted 15 years well beyond what modern cars are actually designed to last.

[@acemay3]

yeah not compared to a 289 or 302 that have lasted over 50 plus years and if built right can have way more horsepower than the new 4.6 or 5.4 . plus 289. 302 .351 don't blow plugs out the head.

[@markb.1259]

Excellent video Ron... I gave up on my 1999 F150 5.4L Triton after it spit the 3rd plug out (3 different cylinders). I actually disconnected the coil pack to the last cylinder that blew and drove that truck around for over a year as a V-7... haha It got to the point where it started stalling and dying when I started to decelerate (stop lights), so I just parked it and started driving my GMC Yukon daily.

[@brianstough5286]

You were not alone in "giving up"

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

Well done, excellent video!

[@SandCarServices]

+DanielJaegerFilms Thank you. I dont know about excellent but it should put some ford engineers on the spot to answer why they did not tap spark plug bore entirely.

[@SandCarServices]

my opinion is because the bore is tapered. they tapped from bottom up, it gets wider as tap goes in. that's why save-a-thread does not last in them.

[@HP-xp9eg]

i just picked up a 03 rv with the v10 6.8 engine. should i be worried about this? has super low miles on it. 25k

[@SandCarServices]

I did a #3 on a 6.8 Triton in a class a motor home with 16000 miles months ago. So yes, check and make sure all spark plugs are tight

[@HP-xp9eg]

Ron Williams So should I do what blipco5 suggested and do some preventative/proactive measures like changing out my spark plugs and install new spark plug with anti-seize seize?

[@andrewjacobson556]

This is the reason and the correct fix!!!

[@brianw612]

Thread engagement should be at least 1.5 times diameter. 4 threads is inadequate to resist the compression force against the plug. This looks like a head design flaw.

[@austinhowze6280]

Many motor before this have 4 treads aluminum heads

[@nakinajay]

Great video good sir. We need more people like you on KZbin. Cheers from Nakina Ontario Canada

[@ghleader2179]

Just happen to me with my explorer 2002, somebody said to me on phone, its the cylinder, your car is finish and broken but now i know its only the coil and spark plug.. Thnx and sry for my english

[@garymclaughin]

A expert, the gap widened, thank you.🤠

[@yusuihang]

If the problem is the spark plugs backing out from the threads, couldn't you just re-torque the plugs, say, every year or so to make sure that they stay torqued down?

[@djlalokc7698]

That's exactly what my mechanic told me I just had this problem last night in my 250 Ford Econoline I said well it's a little too late already but he said to check it every year or every 6 months to double-check make sure the plugs are tight

[@Rocketboy991]

Trouble is the threads get pulled out of the head and the new plug won't tighten.

[@yusuihang]

@@Rocketboy991 I was referring to doing it as a preventative measure (on a regular basis), before the spark plugs pop off.

[@truebluec1]

This was an AWSOME video and put some of my nerves to rest thankfully... man oh man

[@lerch122]

cant see how ford can defend this

[@Wanous-hv7zo]

They cant

[@landysilva848]

Ford ,with all their $$ will have some PIN HEADED,LIVES BEHIND HIS SHELTERED WALLS MENTALITY GO ON record stating it's us,THE DEPLORABLES who cause this issue.....

[@ronbowles1387]

Boo hoo, mine has 165 k, never been touched, smokes chevys all day!

[@Wanous-hv7zo]

@@ronbowles1387 never been touched? You are full of shit

[@andybub45]

@@ronbowles1387 yeah, smokes as in burning oil

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

That's a really impressive bit of kit, I've not seen one like it any where, when I did mine I drilled and tapped heads to take larger 18mm plug like early ford sixes as seemed like only option at time

[@PeeWeeHenson]

I'VE BLOWN 4 OF 'EM. SOLD THE RIG AFTER THE LAST ONE AND BOUGHT A GMC

[@spitbacktruth8080]

Honest mechanic !! Direct advise

[@KyRipsnorter]

You just explained why the F150 outsells the Silverado. People like the repair bills.

[@patrickkruger5310]

A friend of mine who was a Chevy mechanic at a dealership Owns a relatively new Silverado. It has cost him more than $8000 in the last two years with trans, AC compressor problems, and other driveline crap.And he did most of the work!

[@kenblack4802]

@@patrickkruger5310 You just described two people I know that had the same issues with their Fords. Transmissions constantly, turbos, injectors, engine problems, one says he'll never own another one. One bought a Dodge 3500 after so many issues. The other said his truck was in the shop more than he used it. At a diesel shop, I was talking to the employees and they work all models, and they all were in unison to not buy a Ford because of the amount of problems and their most constant truck with problems. The newer Dodges were next, said Dodge got the cheaper Cummins engines in recent years and they made them even cheaper and more unreliable and were their next biggest customers. So their least amount of problem visited customer was the GMs. They suggested those. This is not me, but a huge Diesel shop in Texas and their mechanics opinions. The earlier models were better made for about all brands they said. The drive for profits seems to have made manufacturers go to cheaper components.

[@westernstartruck2528]

your funny chevy engine dont last 600000 or 700000 miles many crown vic 4.6 have this....

[@toddschultzandkaysar3530]

A good man doing a great job.. thank you sir..

[@SJKLR99]

I thought my engine blew up when this happened to the back plug...the hardest 1 to get to

[@guillermoflores4495]

Thanks a lot Ron! I followed your instructions and our supercharged Harley Edition F150 runs great! Thanks Ron once again.

[@douglasscott5623]

Your opinion about the threads? In my opinion you are 100% correct. You one smart cookie

[@coypatton3160]

If ford should ever admit that it was a design flaw (which I total agree it is a design flaw) they would then have to compensate a lot of owners!

[@SandCarServices]

AGREED

[@coypatton3160]

Ron Williams I suspect it would take a class action law suit. The winners would be the lawyers most likely. I doubt that the owners would receive enough to put inserts into the vehicles, since all 8 need to be done to correct the issue. The redesign by ford resulted in a spark plug that separates dir to the carbon build up!

[@patrickkruger5310]

It would be very costly but you're absolutely right!

[@filthyanimal874]

This happened to my work truck with its Triton V10 at 40,000 miles. It was fixed at the dealership and 200,000 miles later, I’ve had zero problems with it. Thank God.

[@guhuna]

Had this happen back in 06 to my 2000 5.4l Expedition, TIME-SERTed all 8 and after all these years still never an issue. Best $ I ever spent on that thing.

[@JDhvactech]

Question how do you stop metal shavings from getting in the cylinder head?

[@SandCarServices]

That's an excellent question. This video is just information on why I feel its happening. Watch my video on how to fix it. That answers covered in the video titled revised calvan install

[@cathycee3082]

Happened today with my '99. 228,000+ miles on it Thanks for the good info.

[@jontest5718]

I just bought a F250 with the 7.3, can’t blow spark plugs if you don’t have any.

[@SandCarServices]

Best comment yet!

[@jontest5718]

And it’s a true comment. I wanted a truck for hauling a dirt bike and what not. I knew the ford gas engines spit out plugs from a first hand experience with my works F150. Got a rusty but trusty 7.3 back in November. So far so good.

[@daveanthony135]

Absolutely great video on the subject.Great explanation,great presentation. Went through the head ache with the 4.6,gentleman is absolutely right,Fird stumbled on that one,and should have made good on it.

[@brianstough5286]

Ford's "making good on it"?? Blame somebody else (or somebody else's parts)

[@Jackle61]

It's cool when you blow just one,,, you sound like a helicopter going down the road. Experience.

[@0714will]

Lol!

[@Benso.mp4]

Yup, just had this happen to me this evening

[@DoseofTruth]

Happened to me 4 days ago. Oil use and gas use eas tremendous and finally blew out and it sounded so violent shuffling down the road

[@Kenny_Kortright]

Jackle61 happened to me last week lol sounds dope turning heads

[@trentallman984]

I thought it was more steam locomotive like.

[@pingpong9656]

That makes total sense - 4 threads is never enough.

[@FOEHMR0024]

I own a 2001 Ford SVT F150 Lightning and I shot my first plug out at 23k miles. I wasn't under boost just cruising and it sounded like I threw a rod. The first plug I shot was at #1, the second was at #3 also not under boost. I think #3 went at 45k and then I applied inserts to all remaining cylinders. What a pain in the ass!!!

[@fwh79FOXR6]

My dad's Lighting blew a plug out on a cold start. You would think they would let go under boost.

[@SandCarServices]

+fwh79 its not a pressure issue.

[@fwh79FOXR6]

Ok... how many stories have you heard of plugs coming out begin with... "My truck was not running when all of a sudden... the plugs just popped out of the spark plug holes!"??? None that I have heard. Every comment on this video tells stories of the engine running when the plug let loose. Yes, it is a pressure issue. The lack of threads is obviously a massive contributing factor. I would also suspect that the lack of thread area is effecting the plugs ability to transfer heat properly into the cylinder head.

[@SandCarServices]

+fwh79 lets not split hares.. What i mean is the engine blowing a spark plugs has nothing to do with whether it's supercharged or not. Most of the time the problem is caused by the spark plugs coming loose one or two threads there's only four threads in the head so Boom the spark plug pops out yes while the engine is running

[@letitrest4662]

Ford's been passing that buck, LONG enough. Can you blame them ? The customers are paying the repair bills. Insert kits and all.

[@allensmith4072]

I have repaired so many of these with the repair kit. quite hard in the back spark plugs

[@rodsapyta7059]

DUDE,, WE NEED you in TAMPA FL..

[@ashley_troy2020]

And Ocala fl

[@fixt100]

Im going to assume Ron is a busy man and has a successful business, great presentation very clear and TY for the info.

[@SandCarServices]

+Fixt100 thank you

[@jpatt973]

It only took Ford around 💯 years to figure out spark plugs now maybe they can figure out exhaust manifolds!!!

[@1racemate]

yes

[@dufus2273]

two things at once? no way

[@thefordmaniac]

Cause ls engines dont have exhaust leaks...uneducated fool.

[@666dynomax]

when did they figure the plugs out? an the manifolds, no they aren't going to do that yet... 2015 f150 with under 5k on it bad manifold.... nice. buy new truck, drive three years, trade, repeat.

[@williamcollins472]

thefordman

[@STho205]

Same on the 2000 v6 Duratec. Mine backed out and started missing in 2008 (105k). It didn't pop but it was likely loosing ground and compression. Took it in, they replaced all plugs, replaced the coil pack ($150 part) their computer said was "failing" and it drove OK for 500 miles then POW. Luckily it was an up front cylinder, easy to see but DEEP hole due to the DOHC. I put the plug back in on the roadside and put a washer on the broken pack mount. Drove perfectly again. I was done with the mystery magic mechanics at the dealer watching their Ford video screens. I found an Australian liner kit in the Help rack at Advanced Auto for $25 with three liners (different lengths). Felt down in the hole and it appeared all the top threads had stripped and I assumed the mechanic had stripped them or overtorqued. Makes me mad now to know they were never there. That was a nervous moment cutting a big hole in the head with a tap in my driveway. Stuck in the liner with JB JIC and she went another 95K before I sold it when the valves started to stick and it appeared another, back against the firewall cylinder was possibly loosing compression. Done for me. Bought that car for $5500 two years used, drove it for 14 years and 160,000 miles, so I got my money's worth. Buy Toyotas.

[@RaceMentally]

My theory without seeing the actual head like you showed was either they were under a heavy load and or the warm up process. Do you think the 2 things I mentioned have an influence on this issue? I’m on the west coast in a warm climate area and curious if vehicles never below 30*-40* would be less prone to these issues vs a colder climate. Thoughts? Great video BTW 👌🏼

[@1lazydragon]

Recently just did my first one. Number 3 cylinder. So glad my boss told me we had that kit lol

[@Grosskev]

Ford says its a spark plug problem not a cylinder head problem. So since my 2010 vic blew a plug today and it had motorcraft plugs. Fords own plugs are defective?

[@SandCarServices]

kdog0011 Yep. Ive said that in video. But. The fact that they have brainwashed people into believing that they can just pawn it off. Thats why i did this video, its the plugs they installed and well before tune up was due.

[@geostawny9564]

Blew out number 2 about year & a half ago. Went to start the car to go home after work and got the pop / pop. Bought a Timesert kit & Calvan TDC tool . Very similar repair concept. Still running great. Stay away from the junk Dorman kit. It’s a matter of you get what you pay for.

[@roadsterman]

1/2" reach plugs in aluminum heads ! Insane!!!

[@jayvalentine9357]

He is exactly 100% right! But I also tell folks not to run a hotter plug or run super gas when it doesn't call for it because it causes more spark and combustion in the cylinder which will increase the probability of this happening when the threads are weak.

[@donalddday7741]

ford tries to blame plugs when it’s fords fault due to ford not running threads fully in the heads

[@donraptor6156]

There is not enough metal to do that!

[@chrisschmidt8182]

Thats why I am happy with my 150 1984 with a million miles on it. Enjoy you new cars Chris

[@jeffmayo1026]

This old dude (me) is still upset about Ford Mounting the Thick Film Ignion module directly on the hot distributor. If your confused because your electronicy challenged... Electronics that use scrs ,diodes,transtsors fail under high temp applications. $8 dollars per vehicle to move the TFI module to the cool inner fender. Ford refused to do so. ... Im assuming that costs per vehicle to death ratio wasnt high enough

[@daviddobson8933]

My uncle has 5.4 I have done 2 on it 5 and 7 I did not know about the kit that you show in your video however I have drilled and taped a number of them now and no problems so for. Lol grate video thank you. Oh by the way ford told me I could not do this without pulling the head .

[@leehancock2782]

How do you screw up a simple thing like spark plug threading?

[@SandCarServices]

+lee hancock I asked that same question. I think engineers using computers to design everything instead of good old fashioned American know how has left flaws in most designs. Its up to us mechanics to fix their mistakes.

[@joshkrause2977]

Ron Williams so explain with that good old fashion know how fucked up? Like the Chevy Corvair? Or numerous other American designs from the 50s and 60s and 70s?

[@gizmothewytchdoktor1049]

cost accountants!

[@ramtrucks721]

lee hancock Thats Furd

[@Mrbfgray]

Ron Williams No way computer design is the problem, computers are just another tool, the user is still responsible for the results. Ford produced a batch of lemons and failed to fully back them and lost some customers for life.

[@CorneliusMegadook]

I love my Triton. 243k and going strong

[@SandCarServices]

Yup! They are good engines

[@kencaton6377]

I must be lucky. I put 650,000 miles on my last ford. 480,000 on he one before that. and 150,000 on the one i'm driving now. luck ?

[@johnstark5324]

Never had this problem with my 2002 5.4, it ain't just you!

[@ylp3able]

What's your secret to maintaining your vehicles? Geez. I can't get pass 200,000.

[@rusty-tv8qt]

Have a 2002 5.4 190000 never had a problem with plugs.

[@chayes954r]

Yes my friend, if you read my comment you will see my list of great Ford engines. Every manufacturer has some bad eggs here and there.

[@coiledsteel8344]

Ford commercials used to say they had a "Better Idea," but NOT HERE!

[@SandCarServices]

Reminds me somebody's (change) theme during their election.

[@williamrekow7513]

Is there a torque spec for the plugs or something? I'm about to do a set of plugs since I have the manifold off (cracked crossover gasket wall) and don't want to cause myself a problem that I don't need. We bought the truck at an auction as a service truck. I told my employer I wanted the 1950 power wagon with the 318/NP435 conversion instead... But they didn't listen.

[@SandCarServices]

20 foot lbs on 2 valve Triton engines.

[@chrisyoung2735]

Hi there, thanks for making this video, I appreciate the clarity, I wish you were nearby so you could redo my blown out plug in cylinder number 4, at the back of the engine.

[@chrisyoung2735]

This is the first one to blow out, truck has 200K miles

[@pippylongstockings8600]

Mine is #5. Replaced spark plug and coil. Drove it twice and it blew again.