Hey everyone, I just purchased an 01 F-150. Its a crew cab lariat with only 100,000 miles and everything works great, except one problem that has me stumped. The cylinder number 7 spark plug is "partially blown out" to say the least. The problem I am having is that I can't get my spark plug socket onto the spark plug. The spark plug is loose, and has a side to side motion to it if I move it with something, but it seems as if when I try to get my socket onto it the plug pushes itself down into the head preventing the socket to hold onto the plug. So, basically I don't have any idea as to what I should do, or if I am wasting my time and need to pull the head off and probably get a different one for it? With the problem I am having I'm guessing the head is junk? Any help or input is greatly appreciated!

 

Heads not junk, it's an easy fix. You need to use a 5/8 plug socket w/rubber insert. Tape an extension to it so it doesn't fall off. Remove the plug with a slight twisting motion counterclockwise.

Purchase or rent a Time Sert kit. You'll either need a regular sized insert or a BIG SERT to repair. That depends upon the damage to the plug chamber threads.

The repair is most likely easier than it sounds. Its easy and has been done thousands of time to these engines.

 

I've never heard of one of these blowing so badly that it will allow the plug to drop through the head. If so you may have bigger problems than a Time Sert can deal with........ try a magnet if your socket won't grab it.

 

I have never seen one of these be as loose as you described. I have seen the ceramic part of the plug separate from the metal. It allowed the plug to slip up and down at least an inch however it would would not completely come apart. If yours is like you can get it out with a socket. Just double check that you have the right size. If the metal part of the plug is actually moving that much you might be able to use a small piece of fuel line (about 8 inches long) and slide the end of the fuel line over the tip if the plug and try to gently thread it out. This is also a good way to install plugs. You can get them snug then pull the line off and tighten them with a socket. If the metal part of the plug is moving then you'll definitely have to do some thread repair. Maybe nothing else in the head is damaged. You'll just have to get the plug out to see the extent of the damage.