Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 21

Thread: Spark Plug Rethread

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Nashville Tn
    Age
    32
    Posts
    15

    Spark Plug Rethread

    Hey Guys,

    New here on the site. Mentioned in my welcome post that I blew a spark plug out the engine a few weeks ago and managed to get them all tightened up after replacing the one that blew out. Got a little paranoid I was running on borrowed time, so took it into the shop the other day.

    Turns out 3 of the holes have bad threading and need to be replaced with 2 other ones that might need to be done as well. Looking at $850 in repairs at minimum right now. Is that a crazy amount for reworking these holes? I know it isn't easy accessing the holes and rethreading so I'm not exactly surprised at the cost, but wondering if anybody else has experience with this?

    Also, should I be concerned with the integrity of the heads with this many spark plug holes being bored into? You think I run the risk of having a cracked head? Was thinking it may have been better in the long run to just replace both heads but obviously that is going to be a much different cost.

    Let me know what you guys think.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Somewhere in the N.C. Triangle
    Age
    68
    Posts
    26,250
    Quote Originally Posted by Nashmarauder View Post
    Hey Guys,

    New here on the site. Mentioned in my welcome post that I blew a spark plug out the engine a few weeks ago and managed to get them all tightened up after replacing the one that blew out. Got a little paranoid I was running on borrowed time, so took it into the shop the other day.

    Turns out 3 of the holes have bad threading and need to be replaced with 2 other ones that might need to be done as well. Looking at $850 in repairs at minimum right now. Is that a crazy amount for reworking these holes? I know it isn't easy accessing the holes and rethreading so I'm not exactly surprised at the cost, but wondering if anybody else has experience with this?

    Also, should I be concerned with the integrity of the heads with this many spark plug holes being bored into? You think I run the risk of having a cracked head? Was thinking it may have been better in the long run to just replace both heads but obviously that is going to be a much different cost.

    Let me know what you guys think.

    Thanks
    Am I right to assume you have an '03?

    03's had something like 4 threads in spark plug holes. '04's have more threads.

    Your problem was most likely caused by:

    1. Improper plug torque
    2. Didn't use anti sieze on the plug threads
    3. Changing the plugs with the engine hot


    Just an FYI. Time-Sert is the Ford recommended repair kit.
    “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”
    Ronald Regan

    "The only way to deal with the Islamic State - these blood thirsty, blood-drunken, terrorists -
    is to kill them, keep on killing them, until you kill the last one, then you kill his pet goat."

    Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters

    “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”
    "I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes, if you **** with me, I'll kill you all"
    General James Mattis




  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    over here, with the 40's of beer.
    Age
    21
    Posts
    9,026
    You can buy a whole time sert kit for around $500, and it comes with the inserts, 8 or 10 iirc. Lock-n-Stith is the other Ford approved insert.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I LOVE Jerry's bar, it's my kinda place...........






    When you are dead, you don’t know you are dead. It is difficult only for others. It is the same way when you are stupid.

    "Chuck Norris built my stock longblock. It runs on the tears of small children and makes 10,000 hp. He said it's his 'street version' "


    Trilogy # 192 / T.S. 0012

    BOOST GETS YOU FELONY STOPPED!!!





  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Warsaw, Indiana
    Posts
    321
    Look on Ebay if you're worried about the integrity of the heads. Huge range of prices but $1500 would get you a set of 9 thread heads.
    Quote Originally Posted by Spectragod View Post
    You can buy a whole time sert kit for around $500, and it comes with the inserts, 8 or 10 iirc. Lock-n-Stith is the other Ford approved insert.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
    Ride 1: 2003 300-A MM, black (naturally), K&N cold air, Granitelli Racing coils, Kybe shocks, Autometer "real" oil pressure and voltmeter, 14 inch front rotors and stainless lines from TCE with 6-piston Wilwood calipers and Hawk HPS pads, cryo-treated slotted rear rotors with TCE stainless lines and Hawk HPS pads, tune by Lidio, LED headlamps. Coming Soon: LED foglights, 200 Amp Alternator.

    Ride 2: 2001 Kenny Brown "Panther 2" Crown Victoria, Black. K&N cold air intake to Allen Engine Development supercharger system with water-to-air intercooled Eaton MP-90 at 8 pounds. Extensive chassis bracing, Brembo 4-piston front calipers on 13 inch rotors with stainless lines. Trunk-relocated Optima Red-Top. 5000K Bi-Xenon HID's. And much, much more.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Age
    32
    Posts
    900
    I found a set of 9 thread heads for $750 when I was doing my build. I would just timesert the one that needs it and don’t fix what isn’t broken.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    KC
    Age
    48
    Posts
    3,511
    Find someone local with the tools and the actual time-sert is 15.00

    850 is out of line for 5 holes
    The twins2.3 whipple/aluminatorVortech V-2 lots of goodies

    Current marauders
    04 DTR totaled JUST NOW starting to part out 7-21-2021 https://youtu.be/REUxjP1BVpg

    04 Silver Birch Dark Charcoal Hardtop Whipple Supercharger
    04 Silver Birch Dark Charcoal Hardtop V2 Supercharger
    04 Silver Birch Dark Charcoal Converted
    03 DBP Light Flint #122
    03 DBP Dark Charcoal #232
    03 Silver Birch 300b Light Flint Going to fix er up
    03 Black 300a
    04 Silver Birch Dark Charcoal moonroof in the works

    04 Heaton Swapped DTR
    Joe's Wrecked DTR rebuild thread

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Nashville Tn
    Age
    32
    Posts
    15
    Quote Originally Posted by fastblackmerc View Post
    Am I right to assume you have an '03?

    03's had something like 4 threads in spark plug holes. '04's have more threads.

    Your problem was most likely caused by:

    1. Improper plug torque
    2. Didn't use anti sieze on the plug threads
    3. Changing the plugs with the engine hot


    Just an FYI. Time-Sert is the Ford recommended repair kit.
    Thanks man. Had a ford motor certified tech go through and turns out all threads are within spec for an '03. Think the problem was the guy i brought it from must not have properly torqued all of them. Was surprised after the one spark plug blew out the engine that that hole didn't need to be rethreaded but I'll have to take ford's word for it.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Nashville Tn
    Age
    32
    Posts
    15
    Quote Originally Posted by fastblackmerc View Post
    Am I right to assume you have an '03?

    03's had something like 4 threads in spark plug holes. '04's have more threads.

    Your problem was most likely caused by:

    1. Improper plug torque
    2. Didn't use anti sieze on the plug threads
    3. Changing the plugs with the engine hot


    Just an FYI. Time-Sert is the Ford recommended repair kit.
    Quote Originally Posted by Turbov6Bryan View Post
    Find someone local with the tools and the actual time-sert is 15.00

    850 is out of line for 5 holes
    I agree 850 seemed way too high. quote started at 6 hours of work. Turns out after all the inspections the threading was in spec for an '03 marauder so apparently I'm in good shape and was just paranoid. A ford certified tech torque everything back in and I should be good to go

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    NH
    Age
    55
    Posts
    7,606
    Quote Originally Posted by Nashmarauder View Post
    Thanks man. Had a ford motor certified tech go through and turns out all threads are within spec for an '03. Think the problem was the guy i brought it from must not have properly torqued all of them. Was surprised after the one spark plug blew out the engine that that hole didn't need to be rethreaded but I'll have to take ford's word for it.
    It couldn't have been in all the way or just the ceramic part blew out. I've seen that before on a 351 M Cleveland, it put a dent in the hood
    11.931 @ 116.33 (MT ET Streets)
    12.073 @ 118.43 (Nitto 555)

    I love the smell of Nitromethane and rubber in the morning!
    Drag racers prayer:
    As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride." -Amen

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Nashville Tn
    Age
    32
    Posts
    15
    Quote Originally Posted by RacerX View Post
    It couldn't have been in all the way or just the ceramic part blew out. I've seen that before on a 351 M Cleveland, it put a dent in the hood
    Lucky for me it didn't make it past the coil pack but completely destroyed the coil pack. Rubber and coil all over the place!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Next door to my neighbor
    Age
    50
    Posts
    20,353
    How do you put a spec to a thread???


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    SOLD 12/31/2021

    Cobra short block / ProCharger F1-A / Cog drive upgrade / Manley valves / Brian Tooley Racing valve springs / 80# inj. / -8 fuel line / -6 return / Aeromotive 340 pumps and regulator / 2012 GT500 TR6060 six speed / twin disc clutch / Driveshaft Shop GT500 upgraded CV joint shaft / BA5000 blow thru MAF/ 4.10's / Ford Racing 31 spline set up and Girdle / Metco D.S. safety loop / Stainless Works headers, cats, and everything else out back / ClassGlass hood / Bob's hood strut mod / Hurst line lock / Metco control arms / Addco front and rear sway bars / Monroe severe duty shocks all around / Race concepts rotors / Badgeless grille / 35% tint / FBM's interior LED kit and ambient lighting kit / Pioneer FB700 deck / kenwood speaker 4 Ch. / Rockford Fosgate 10" sub and amp / Kicker 6 X 8's all around / back up cam / bluetooth / Pioneer Xm / 704 RWHP 603 RWTQ tuned by Mo's Speedshop.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    West 'burbs Chicago
    Age
    36
    Posts
    3,823
    Buy the helicoil kit, it comes with the tap tool which repaired my threads enough to make it work on the daily, without having to use the helicoil insert.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    '04 Marauder #357 of 3213 - Built and Eaton swapped - "MERCD"
    '21 F150 XLT 5.0 Sport
    '18 Chevy Malibu Redline
    '15 Mustang GT, performance package
    '01 BMW 740i M-Sport, manual swapped
    '97 Lincoln Town Car (black on black)
    '10 Harley Ultra Limited
    '08 Kawasaki ZX6R
    '03 Grand Marquis(sold)

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    4,338
    Quote Originally Posted by justbob View Post
    How do you put a spec to a thread???


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Isn't it amazing the bs shops/techs will tell customers... Makes me ashamed for the industry...



    OP, glad you are repaired & back on the road!

    WLB
    BB#1) 1996 ImpalaSS - 16,500 miles - 100% stock
    ______________________________ ___________

    BB#2) 2003 Marauder (300a) - 34k miles - Daily Driver
    #2912 of 7093
    Conceived 8/6/2002
    Delivered 9/19/2002
    Adopted 8/10/2011
    Trilogy 242 - Self Installed 9/9/12 (0-60 5.5 sec)
    Pioneer 6x8 Front
    Legacy 600w 6x9 Rears
    JL 6.5 SubWoofer
    K&N CAI
    Window tint 50% rear/35% front
    FBM CHMSL with Strobe mod 7/1/12
    DR Deep Aluminum Trans Pan
    Sparta FOMOCO Racing 8.8 Girdle
    Mo's Dyno Tune
    Gorilla Nuts - The System
    Ford Racing 4.10s, 31 spline Cobra carrier & axles 7/1/12
    Powder Coat Axle Housing 7/1/12
    CME HP Rear Control Arms & Watts Link 7/1/12
    ______________________________ ________________

    Rex "SC Cheesehead" Weinbender 11-14-13
    Ed "Baaad GN" Linthicum 8-6-2014

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Next door to my neighbor
    Age
    50
    Posts
    20,353

    Spark Plug Rethread

    Quote Originally Posted by MyBlackBeasts View Post
    Isn't it amazing the bs shops/techs will tell customers... Makes me ashamed for the industry...



    OP, glad you are repaired & back on the road!


    My point exactly!

    It’s in spec because something can screw into it and it “looks” good on a camera?

    The tiniest of midgets couldn’t find a way to crawl in with a flashlight and a thread gauge..

    Kind of like the Chevy dealer I went to the other day for a window switch recall on the van. A 1 minute fix that took 45 minutes because of the mandatory 30 point safety inspection to all vehicles that come in scare tactic that they neglected to tell me about. I was livid about finding that out, more so that they claimed the rear brake pads were at 30% and the wipers needed to be replaced!!!

    I then walked out and got my log book to show him rear pads and rotors replaced in late April and wiper blades were done in mid July... He was speechless and embarrassed to say the least. Idiots.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    SOLD 12/31/2021

    Cobra short block / ProCharger F1-A / Cog drive upgrade / Manley valves / Brian Tooley Racing valve springs / 80# inj. / -8 fuel line / -6 return / Aeromotive 340 pumps and regulator / 2012 GT500 TR6060 six speed / twin disc clutch / Driveshaft Shop GT500 upgraded CV joint shaft / BA5000 blow thru MAF/ 4.10's / Ford Racing 31 spline set up and Girdle / Metco D.S. safety loop / Stainless Works headers, cats, and everything else out back / ClassGlass hood / Bob's hood strut mod / Hurst line lock / Metco control arms / Addco front and rear sway bars / Monroe severe duty shocks all around / Race concepts rotors / Badgeless grille / 35% tint / FBM's interior LED kit and ambient lighting kit / Pioneer FB700 deck / kenwood speaker 4 Ch. / Rockford Fosgate 10" sub and amp / Kicker 6 X 8's all around / back up cam / bluetooth / Pioneer Xm / 704 RWHP 603 RWTQ tuned by Mo's Speedshop.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    4,338
    Quote Originally Posted by justbob View Post
    My point exactly!

    It’s in spec because something can screw into it and it “looks” good on a camera?

    The tiniest of midgets couldn’t find a way to crawl in with a flashlight and a thread gauge..

    Kind of like the Chevy dealer I went to the other day for a window switch recall on the van. A 1 minute fix that took 45 minutes because of the mandatory 30 point safety inspection to all vehicles that come in scare tactic that they neglected to tell me about. I was livid about finding that out, more so that they claimed the rear brake pads were at 30% and the wipers needed to be replaced!!!

    I then walked out and got my log book to show him rear pads and rotors replaced in late April and wiper blades were done in mid July... He was speechless and embarrassed to say the least. Idiots.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Yep...

    WLB
    BB#1) 1996 ImpalaSS - 16,500 miles - 100% stock
    ______________________________ ___________

    BB#2) 2003 Marauder (300a) - 34k miles - Daily Driver
    #2912 of 7093
    Conceived 8/6/2002
    Delivered 9/19/2002
    Adopted 8/10/2011
    Trilogy 242 - Self Installed 9/9/12 (0-60 5.5 sec)
    Pioneer 6x8 Front
    Legacy 600w 6x9 Rears
    JL 6.5 SubWoofer
    K&N CAI
    Window tint 50% rear/35% front
    FBM CHMSL with Strobe mod 7/1/12
    DR Deep Aluminum Trans Pan
    Sparta FOMOCO Racing 8.8 Girdle
    Mo's Dyno Tune
    Gorilla Nuts - The System
    Ford Racing 4.10s, 31 spline Cobra carrier & axles 7/1/12
    Powder Coat Axle Housing 7/1/12
    CME HP Rear Control Arms & Watts Link 7/1/12
    ______________________________ ________________

    Rex "SC Cheesehead" Weinbender 11-14-13
    Ed "Baaad GN" Linthicum 8-6-2014

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Spark Plug (Coil-On-Plug) Boots at RockAuto.com!
    By RockAuto in forum RockAuto
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-12-2017, 09:27 PM
  2. Spark plug
    By Chayton in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 03-29-2016, 04:05 PM
  3. Spark plug problems
    By RAUDERROOKIE in forum Shop Talk
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-01-2011, 04:42 PM
  4. Spark plug gap
    By slickster in forum Community Discussion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-03-2011, 07:17 AM
  5. Spark Plug Gap ?
    By Black Machine in forum Shop Talk
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 01-02-2011, 10:18 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •