2001 bullitt spark plug issue
03-29-2012, 08:17 AM
#3
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,481
"Continue to blow out"
How many times has it happened and what if anything have you tried/done when re-installing the plug?
The factory design does not provide a lot of thread engagement, so proper torque is more critical. I am very conservative in my approach to things like this. I NEVER install plugs in my motor without a micro torque wrench. I torque my plugs to 13-14lb-ft. Some guys say not to use anti-seize, but I use a small amount to help prevent corrosion between the different metals.
One thing I would probably do is count how many rotations of engagement you are getting on that plug vs another plug. If a past "Blow out" has damaged threads, you will need to use a threaded insert to correct your issue.
Good luck and let us know how you make out with this issue!
How many times has it happened and what if anything have you tried/done when re-installing the plug?
The factory design does not provide a lot of thread engagement, so proper torque is more critical. I am very conservative in my approach to things like this. I NEVER install plugs in my motor without a micro torque wrench. I torque my plugs to 13-14lb-ft. Some guys say not to use anti-seize, but I use a small amount to help prevent corrosion between the different metals.
One thing I would probably do is count how many rotations of engagement you are getting on that plug vs another plug. If a past "Blow out" has damaged threads, you will need to use a threaded insert to correct your issue.
Good luck and let us know how you make out with this issue!
03-29-2012, 04:19 PM
#5
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,481
I had a plug blow out of my wife's Miata over a year ago and I used an insert to fix it. There has been no further issue with that plug.
The biggest challenge is preventing/removing the drill debris from the cylinder. Pros and cons to each of the methods I heard of(I did NOT pull the head from the car).
GOOD LUCK!!!
The biggest challenge is preventing/removing the drill debris from the cylinder. Pros and cons to each of the methods I heard of(I did NOT pull the head from the car).
GOOD LUCK!!!
03-30-2012, 04:55 PM
#8
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: sc
Posts: 457
Hey man, I had the same problem 4 years ago, on #8 cylinder. The last time it blew out, it took the threads with it. I looked at my old 2 valve head I have saved after installing a 4 valve on my Cobra shortblock. Believe it or not, for some reason Ford put only 4-5 threads in the sparkplug hole! Stupid. You'll have to put in a TimeCert or Helicoil. I said f*ck it, and helicoiled cylinders 1 thru 5, and #8; I haven't had a problem since. I used the longer Helicoil that actually is a little longer than the sparkplug, but I checked and there was no clearance problem. Those babies have about 12 threads on them, much better. I did it without pulling the head, so it can be done, just take your time and re-think every step several times before committing to doing it. You have to make SURE you're threading the hole at the correct angle. It took me about 1.5 hours per plug. Good luck..
Last edited by piledriver; 04-01-2012 at 05:37 AM.
03-31-2012, 10:19 AM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,481
Metal shaving inside the cylinder is the biggest concern with retapping holes with the head on the car. You need a solid plan to prevent/remove these shavings before running the car.
The helicoils work very well and are a good solution for damaged factory threads.
The helicoils work very well and are a good solution for damaged factory threads.
03-31-2012, 06:09 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 194
With the shavings, just pack the tap with grease, go very slow turning only a little bit at a time, then backing it back out. Wipe off the tap when it is out and grease it again. It is a long process but it catches the shavings and it would great for me when my 2000 blew out a plug.