Good people,
I have a '99 Ford E350 van with the Triton V10 motor. I'm looking for some advice on reparing a blown spark plug. Here's the story...
March 1 2006: Took the vehicle to a Ford dealership in Ithaca, New York, because it was "missing" or "misfiring", particularly up hills. They diagnosed the problem and told me the spark plug and coil assembly had to be replaced on cylinder #4. I authorized the repair. Cost: about $500.
March 14 2006: During a cross country trip, the van breaks down in Gallup, New Mexico (approx. 2500 miles after the repair). It's making a loud "popping" noise, that sounds like some sort of compression leak. The vehicle is towed to the local Ford dealership, where they tell me that spark plug #4 has blown out, taking the threads with it. The head needs to be replaced, at a cost of about $3000. They tell me the dealership in New York is clearly at fault--they probably over tightened the plug. I am told this is a common problem with these Triton heads.
March 16 2006: After two days of conversations with both dealerships, Ford in New York will not accept responsibility for the repair. Apparently, there's nothing in their charter about ethical treatment of customers. It's all about the benjamins.
Looks like I have to pay for the repair myself. The local dealership tells me there's a "quick fix" alternative to replacing the head--inserting a Heli coil. It's not a long term solution, but it will get me home.
So here's the issue: The Heli coil is a much cheaper solution than replacing the entire head, which is very appealing. But how reliable is the Heli coil? Is it an appropriate solution for blown threads on one of these Triton aluminum heads? What's the life expectency of this solution? Will it last at least long enough to get me the remaining
1500 miles to complete my trip? Someone, please tell me if this Heli coil solution is just plain WRONG, and I need to pay the big bucks and replace the head.Thanks!! Ron