Hello guys,
I just bought an 01 5.4L f150 and after a few miles it started running a little rough. I knew then, that a sparkplug probably blew out so I went ahead and started changing plugs. I did all the plugs except #4. This is the plug that seems loose and the boot was burned.
For some reason the 5/8 socket will not fit over it though. I thought maybe the plug was cocked or something and so I shaved the socket down, outside and inside and still nothing.
Using a boroscope I can see that the plug is clear on all sides but it seems like the plug is a little different than the other Autolite plugs I pulled out. It also sits higher ( I can touch the plug with my finger while the others I cannot). I can post a picture later on.
So my question is, was there another repair kit aside from the "time sert" that required a different size plug or some special plug?
Any ideas on getting the plug out?
Thanks in advance!

 

You probably have one of these in:

Try a different socket size. Mine came out with the "insert". We re-tapped the head and helicolied it so we could fit normal sparkplugs

 

Isn't that the insert for the post 2003 engine?

Is the norm to use the "time sert" still? Am I correct in asuming that the insert is better than a helicolied?

Can the #4 plug be retapped without removing the head given the position?

Thanks.

 

wow I just got home withsome bigger sockets and that is exactly what came out. it never crossed my mind because i thought that was to be used with the 5.4L 3V only! cool thanks. Now, what are my options? it seems to be the same thread size tapered or something. should i re tap it and put in a time sert?

 

I'd have a Time Sert Big Sert put in by a pro but I'm not comfortable with doing the process myself. All plugs should be 30lbs dry to avoid this mess.

 

Use a timesert if possible - they are aluminum (same material as heads). The issue with the helicoils is that they are not aluminum so the expansion properties are different than that of the head. This could cause issues down the road. Also - I think timeserts are the only ford approved fix

I was lazy and helicoiled my truck. It wasn't bad. I beat the **** outta it and the compression is proabably higher than most engines. It's still in there

Either one should work, but you will have to re-tap the thread. The sleeve & insert fix was what cheap *** stealerships do.

 

Well I started to look into buying the time sert and it is about $400. Was not expecting that!

I need the 5553 Kit correct? Where should I order this from?
Thanks.

 

I would buy it from Amazon.

After you've fixed yours, you can either rent it out (would pay for itself in no-time), or sell it outright.

 

I was able to find the kit used online for a little over 200. Hopefully this weekend I can put the new plug in.

 

I got my kit today but I cannot understand the part about using the counterbore p/n 55518 because it talks about original heads and heads that have been repaired by heli coils. They never talk about what to do if you have the insert below. What is it called anyway?
Anybody have any idea on what should I do in the counterbore step?