All you Ford guys

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Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Check out Blownoutsparkplug. com, it's what everyone is using on the F150's for the 2V 4.6 and 5.4L. We've even seen 4.6L in the 04-08 trucks blow out a plug when the original spec is used over there.


AFAIK, the Lock-N-Stitch inserts are the only ones approved by Ford. They are the ones used at my local Ford dealer.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Check out Blownoutsparkplug. com, it's what everyone is using on the F150's for the 2V 4.6 and 5.4L. We've even seen 4.6L in the 04-08 trucks blow out a plug when the original spec is used over there.


AFAIK, the Lock-N-Stitch inserts are the only ones approved by Ford. They are the ones used at my local Ford dealer.


I was referring to their torque spec, not their method of repair.
 
I've got a 2V 4.6 with approximately 235K on it. Over the years I've changed the plugs about 3 or 4 times. I've never used a torque wrench and I've probably used more anti-seize than necessary. To me torquing plugs have always been about "feel". Realizing that I'm screwing a plug into an aluminum head requires grasping the ratchet closer the to axis, all the while being careful and mindful of the "softer" metal. If I was screwing them into a cast head, I wouldn't be as worried and would reef on them a little more forcefully.

When I was younger and greener, I sometimes didn't really know my strength when working on things automotive. On more than one occasion I've tightened things some much that all of a sudden they got really easy to turn. Luckily, aluminum heads weren't in vogue back then. lol
 
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Check out Blownoutsparkplug. com, it's what everyone is using on the F150's for the 2V 4.6 and 5.4L. We've even seen 4.6L in the 04-08 trucks blow out a plug when the original spec is used over there.


AFAIK, the Lock-N-Stitch inserts are the only ones approved by Ford. They are the ones used at my local Ford dealer.


I was referring to their torque spec, not their method of repair.


Gotcha.
 
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Did you use the old lower torque recommendation or the new 28 ft/lbs rec?

Was the older rec, IIRC, like 15ft-lbs?


Yes the older recommendation was very low around 14 or 15.


IIRC it is 25 not 28...This is for the 3V engines ONLY. 4.6 engines are 15
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
This isn't an "official" Ford thing. Just what us Ford owners and Ford techs have found works.
I have a supercharged Mercury Marauder with 10 lbs boost and I've had no flying spark plugs for 55,000 miles using the factory torque spec of 11 ft/lbs.

I'd be hesitant to use almost triple the factory spec torque on an aluminium head, especially one with only a few threads.
 
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
This isn't an "official" Ford thing. Just what us Ford owners and Ford techs have found works.
I have a supercharged Mercury Marauder with 10 lbs boost and I've had no flying spark plugs for 55,000 miles using the factory torque spec of 11 ft/lbs.

I'd be hesitant to use almost triple the factory spec torque on an aluminium head, especially one with only a few threads.



The 4V heads didn't have the spark plug thread defect. So I'm not surprised you didn't have an issue. I did. On a set of Windsor and a Romeo head.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Check out Blownoutsparkplug. com, it's what everyone is using on the F150's for the 2V 4.6 and 5.4L. We've even seen 4.6L in the 04-08 trucks blow out a plug when the original spec is used over there.


AFAIK, the Lock-N-Stitch inserts are the only ones approved by Ford. They are the ones used at my local Ford dealer.



I thought it was the time-sert brand that was approved?
I've got 4V now anyways so hopefully my mustangs spitting plug days are over.
Unless 2 stages of nitrous makes it rear its head again. Hehehe.
 
Nope:

Quote:

THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS AND IS THE ONLY FORD AUTHORIZED PROCEDURE FOR SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIRS.

ISSUE NOTE
Various 1997-2007 vehicles with a 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine with stripped or missing spark plug port threads in modular engine aluminum heads. Ford Motor Company now authorizes LOCK-N-STITCH
aluminum inserts and tool kit.

WARRANTY STATUS: Information Only


http://www.locknstitch.com/FT pdf files/Ford Technical Service Bulletin.pdf
 
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord


I'd be hesitant to use almost triple the factory spec torque on an aluminium head, especially one with only a few threads.


We had one guy on the forum try and change his own plugs, and misread inch pounds for foot pounds. He got to 80 ft/lbs before he had an issue. I don't see the worry with the 2v heads and a not near fatal torque that can only help.
 
The 4v heads still have blowouts, just not as common. We even have blowouts on 3.0 Duratechs and have seen blowouts on Mazda BP engines.

IMO if I was building a 2v or 4v I would only use heads with the 9 threads.
 
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