I have just bought a 2003 GT and while browsing info on the 4.6 motor I came across an alarming issue about plugs rocketing out of the cylinder heads due to lack of threads and the cheap aluminum castings. I understand the fix is a product called timeserts, but this fairly expensive band-aid doesn't help me sleep any better at night wondering if a long trip,important meeting or appointment will be interrupted/canceled by such an unnecessary and unacceptable occurrence. Even worst case would be breaking down on the interstate that I must travel every day with no shoulder to park on and where motorists minimum speeds are no less than 80 mph. Yes rear-end collision HIGHLY likely. I am aware that it is necessary to use a torque wrench at 13/lbs and only change them on a cold engine. My questions are as follow: Did Ford add more threads to the 2004 4.6 heads? Is this an occurrence on both the Windsor and Romeo heads? Were there more threads/revisions etc added to any years prior to 2004 in regards to this issue? Was there a revision on Motorcraft plugs adding more threads, and does that resolve the matter any by using the newer plugs? When the actual problem does occur, is the vehicle still drivable? I bought a Mustang because of its reliability (had two 5.0s the last 15 years and never had any probs) and I am shocked that there is no recall or any action by ford yet on this. This is ridiculous. Thanks in advance.
Spark Plug Blowouts
- Thread starter gt03gt93
- Start date
lazerred02
New Member
If you torque them to spec with a calibrated torque wrench you will not have any problems man, I have changed tons of plugs on modular motors and never had a issue.
You can still drive it, but it will be loud as hell, so get into 5th gear as soon as possible. I had to drive mine 50 miles to my tuner, Crazy Horse Racing, when my #5 plug let loose. Make sure you unplug the fuel injector so you won't be shooting raw fuel into the cylinder. Just take it easy when driving it. Of course the only time you'd drive it on 7 cylinders is in an emergency, like I had to do.
it would be ridiculous if it was a common issue, but it is rare for people who use the proper plug and tighten it properly. Considering the platinum plugs won't need to be changed all that often in the first place makes this a non-issue for the overwhelming majority.
The fact that it has occurred at all should not make you think it is common.
The fact that it has occurred at all should not make you think it is common.
98COBRA281
10 Year Member
torque to 13ft lbs on an ICE COLD ENGINE!!! and you will be fine, and it doesnt hurt to give them a check ever few months......
Thanks for the advice everyone. I feel slightly relieved. Perhaps the issue will never surface if I do the plug changes myself while strictly obeying the posted suggestions. Thanks again. But does anyone know anything about any pre-04 revisions to the number of threads in the cyl heads, and/or the newly updated motorcraft plugs that included additional threads? In threory, I would assume that more threads on the plugs would only serve the purpose of prolonging the blowout, and not eliminating said issue. Just curious to obtain answers to these questions if any one perhaps knows. Thanks in advance.
Flghtmstr1
Member
I had the #8 plug blowout one day while I was leaving work. Blew out right when the engine started, and I knew immediately what it was lol. I unplugged the injector, and drove it home. The timesert kit fixed it right up. Oh, and I heard a ticking for a couple of weeks before it happened, but thought it was an exhaust leak. So, if you ever heard ticking, check your plugs!
Similar threads
