300k miles and a sparkplug fell out??

[Bigjoshanderson]

2004 mostly stock aside from JTL C.A.I. and a tune(from Mo's I'm assuming). Car has just about 300k miles. Aside from some leaks here and there and an occasional issue involving the coolant system and Houston traffic, this car has been fantastic. I love it.

About 6 months ago I was leaving a red light and I heard a knocking under the hood. I pulled off the little cover over the coils and the #1 coil was in pieces and the plug was just laying in the hole. I attempted to replace the plug and the coil but it seems there are no threads left for the plug to grab onto. I haven't driven it since...

I finally have a little money to have some work done so I'm going to take it to a shop. My question is, if they have to open up the engine, is there anything I should have them do while they're in there, considering the high mileage? Would I be better off just dropping in a remanned cobra motor? I would like them to do 4.10s while it's there, and rear axle rebuild then off to paint afterwards. I apologize if this post is in the wrong area. I've been a silent lurker for years but this is my first post. Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I just had this problem with #5 cylinder.
The repair requires a sleeve to be installed so the spark plug can be re-installed. You will also have to replace the broken COP. The price for 1 is around $60. You can purchase a set of 8 Ford performance coils for around $200. I also had to remove the valve covers because of oil seepage into the wells. Car is all fixed. Ive already put on 2000 miles in 2 weeks.


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[Bigjoshanderson]

Yea, I'm having the oil seepage issue, as well.

With 300k miles, is there anything I should be doing inside the engine to keep it in proper working condition(while I have the funds available)? Thanks for the speedy response.

[03Merc]

Yea, I'm having the oil seepage issue, as well.

With 300k miles, is there anything I should be doing inside the engine to keep it in proper working condition(while I have the funds available)? Thanks for the speedy response.

Timing components, front cover seals. Upper and lower intake gaskets. Oil filter housing gasket. Break it all down and replace as much as You can. Make sure You throw some NGK plugs in it, TR6 4177 .045 gap with Mo's tune.


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[Agent2006]

Use 5w-30 full synthetic oil and only a Motor craft oil filter.

[Bigjoshanderson]

Is 5w-30 going be any better/worse for the engine in the ridiculous Texas heat? I'm looking to do everything I can to ensure the car doesn't over heat. Sitting with the car idling in a parking lot on a hot day is never an option, for too long. Is that common for these cars? I did read something about a fellow members "cooling mod" design?? I reckon I should look into that, as well.

[offroadkarter]

Is 5w-30 going be any better/worse for the engine in the ridiculous Texas heat? I'm looking to do everything I can to ensure the car doesn't over heat. Sitting with the car idling in a parking lot on a hot day is never an option, for too long. Is that common for these cars? I did read something about a fellow members "cooling mod" design?? I reckon I should look into that, as well.

Oil isn't going to have any impact on an overheating issue. Has the cooling system ever been serviced?

[justbob]

Idling in a parking lot issues sounds like the fan isn’t kicking on or it’s only operating on low speed.


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[Bigjoshanderson]

Yes, I've had to replace the fan a couple times. The thermostat as well. I believe we've even replaced the radiator sometime in the last 5 years. I bought the car from my father. He put a majority of the miles on the car, over the last 10 years.

Can anyone recommend a body shop in the Houston area that does quality work?