P-Kidd

So, I have a 2000 XLT with ~180,000 miles on it. My brother wrecked it by driving into a pole a year or so ago. So it has a salvaged title. It has the dreaded spark plug issue and my mechanic says that I need to either get a new truck or a new motor. I am in my final year of college and I am only bringing in ~$800 a month after rent. I dont know if it is a better option to drop a used engine in it and ride it out till I'm out of college with more disposable income. Or go and get a newer truck and have a car payment.

What would you do?

Redmonster21

What size motor is it

the01kingranch

Have you tried one of the kits that threads into the head then spark plug threads into it? Like $40. Worth a shot. I have had mine for months.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Helicoil were made exactly for tgis reason. If that doesn't work then get a used engine and ride out for a year for a months pay.

02_Black_On_White

How long did you drive the truck after the plug blew out? If you drove it for a while you could have reamed out the plug hole more than a halo oil could grab onto. If that's the case and the motor is good shape id look into new heads. It also depends on the shape of the truck all together and if you feel like it's worth it to invest more money into.

P-Kidd

5.4L V8


Its blown twice. Both times I pulled over and got it towed. However, they blew out of my engine stripping all the threads both times. My mechanic said a head job would fix it but he doesnt know anyone who does them on trucks this old.

If it didnt have a salvaged title I would put a new engine in it without a thought. But with that title it feels like Im throwing money away.

Redmonster21

I have a new 5.4 with only 5000 miles on it I need to get ride of

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Just go to car-parts.com and search in your area for some 02-03 heads that have 8 threads and save some cash.

boog2169

There are other kits with thicker wall inserts to allow larger bore holes. I fixed mine for $200. Call Denlors Tool they can help you figure out if they have anything that will work.

boog2169

I avoided Heli coil, too many stories of them not holding in the aluminum heads.