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ga traveler · 12-02-2017, 08:02 AM

I have a 1998 Pace Arrow with a 1999 Ford V10 engine. As were were driving past the Daytona International Speedway, I suddenly heard a VERY loud popping sound. I knew I was in trouble. It was a blown spark plug. 68,000 miles and 19 years with no engine problems and now this. I was lucky to be two blocks from a Bob Evans restaurant that had closed down. I pulled in and removed the dog house. The number 4 coil was bent and split. I removed the coil and the plug was jammed into it. I examined the plug and found the last thread had aluminum in it. I reasoned that it had backed out and blown when only one thread was holding. I headed for o'reilly's auto parts and bought a new coil, a new plug and some red loctite. I coated the threads of the plug with the loctite and installed the plug. The plug is a 100,000 mile plug. Now I have a problem. I believe the plug is firmly installed. The red thread locker is very strong. Most motorhomes never make 168,000 miles. Should I leave well enough alone or should I remove the plug and install a insert. My first thought is to remove the plug, BUT and this is a big BUT. The threadlocker may not release and may crack the head or break off some the plug in the head.

twinboat · 12-02-2017, 08:09 AM

They use heat to loosen thread locker, so its probably not going to hold for long.

Get the insert kit and install it before it blows out again.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-02-2017, 08:12 AM

Should have used blue! With luck, you may get it out when the engine is good and hot.
Happy Glamping.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-02-2017, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

They use heat to loosen thread locker, so its probably not going to hold for long.

Get the insert kit and install it before it blows out again.

500 degrees needed to release red Loctight.
Happy Glamping.

nothermark · 12-02-2017, 08:35 AM

If it was me and I had the insert kit handy the plug would never pop out. Just sayin... ;-)

twinboat · 12-02-2017, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unplanned

500 degrees needed to release red Loctight.
Happy Glamping.

And the tip of the plug is running a bit above 900 degrees. That heat is going someplace.

spyderRV · 12-02-2017, 10:59 AM

If the plug is holding with the red locktite, I would buy the kit to have on hand and do nothing until you had to.

ga traveler · 12-02-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyderRV

If the plug is holding with the red locktite, I would buy the kit to have on hand and do nothing until you had to.

That is the way I am leaning. In 2015 I did a brake job. Ford had used the red locktite and even when heated with a torch, the bolts were almost impossible to remove.

C-Leigh Racing · 12-03-2017, 06:38 AM

Theres a kit you can buy from Auto Parts stores, that has a tap in insert that will cut its own threads, that the plug will screw into, kinda like the non foulers from years ago, a different spark plug than normaly used & a different length rubber boot for the coil. Looks to be a simple install, be sure its straight & just screw the insert in, the plug next & then add the shorter boot to the coil.
I want to say Dorman, is the brand of the kit but not 100% sure on that. Bought one couple years back & put in our coach for just in case we blew one out.
Neil

THenne1713 · 12-03-2017, 09:00 AM

REMINDER (for those that are doing for the first time) FILL THE TAP W/ GREASE and HOPEFULLY, 100% of shaving will come back out with the tap (vs scoring cylinder)

EricV · 12-03-2017, 06:41 PM

Does someone have a link to this kit? I’ll add it to my collection. Thanks in advance.

mrt_1111 · 12-03-2017, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricV

Does someone have a link to this kit? I’ll add it to my collection. Thanks in advance.

I been carrying this one for a couple of years, thank goodness I have not had to use it. It came with instructions and requires loctite.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-65000-S.../dp/B0045CUNT2

Waiter21 · 12-04-2017, 05:15 AM

How many miles do you have on the red locktite plug??

Its hard to say what I'd do, until I'm in that situation... However, I can see where I'd buy a thread kit and carry it with me, and keep running the locktite plug...

I also have a 1999 chassis. Mine is in very, very good shape so I'd be willing to spend money on the engine. I know I need to repair a couple exhaust studs, and I'm considering a valve job, mainly to put on a new head gasket.

edge68474 · 12-04-2017, 05:18 AM

I'm not wanting to hijack the topic, but along the same lines I have a 2007 Ford, F150, 5.4 engine and due to poor engineering there was some years they had problems with the spark plugs. Some years the threads were not long enough and like the OP mentioned, it blew plugs out. On my year it was a two piece plug that wanted to break off when replacing. I'm sure many of you know of this problem.
My question. Does the V10 have those same problems, and what year or years? My chassis is 2008 F53.
Thank you.