Vehicles affected:
1997 t-birds, 97-04 mustangs, 97-08 crown vics, 97-99 f 250, 97-04 expedition, 97-08 E series and F 150, 98-04 f-53 motorhome, and F superduty, 01-05 excrusion, 02-06 explorer, 97-07 town car, 98-99 navigator, 1997 cougar, 97-08 grand marquis, 02-06 mountaineer.
Ford Motor Company authorizes LOCK-N-STITCH aluminum insert and tool as proper repair procedure. Tool kits and inserts can be ordered from Rotunda by calling 1-800 Rotunda (768-8632). Choose option (2), part number 302-00001.
Ford notes: The repairs with inserts and LOCK-N-STITCH tools do not affect heat transfer between plug and head.
Ford notes: This procedure IS NOT AUTHORIZED AS A WARRANTY REPAIR. For vehicles in warranty replacement of cylinder head is recommended.
Ford notes: This is the only Ford authorized procedure for spark plug thread repairs.
Ford notes: This procedure is authorized for ESP repairs and retail repairs.
Hello Kev, I was wondering, in all of those years of traveling, I guess you never took your Class A in for a tune up. Just read this forum and have decided NOT to do a tune up at 85,000 miles. My upcoming trip next year will be between 10 to 16,000 miles. It sounds like this engine is just better left alone until a hickup arrives? Thank you for posting. StephanieI agree with Tom. Six months ago we sold a 1999, 32 foot Class A with a Ford V-10, and we had driven that RV all over the place for nearly 13 years - up and down mountain grades, across the desert in the summer (we live in San Diego) - never had a problem (literally). Keep in mind that most engine-types will, at some time in their lifespan, get a reputation for having something wrong with them. I'm not saying that some unfortunate folks didn't have the aforementioned spark-plug problem, but I'd be willing to bet that it's few and far between. FWIW
Kev
Would you rather have problems on the road, or at home? Have the plugs removed and new ones installed as in post #8 above and drive it a few hundred miles to be assured all is OK and go on your trip.Hello Kev, I was wondering, in all of those years of traveling, I guess you never took your Class A in for a tune up. Just read this forum and have decided NOT to do a tune up at 85,000 miles. My upcoming trip next year will be between 10 to 16,000 miles. It sounds like this engine is just better left alone until a hickup arrives? Thank you for posting. Stephanie
Ok. Will take your advice Charles. For some reason, do not feel comfortable having the local Black's Tire do the job. Would you take it to someone who specializes in engines? Thank you so much. After reading all day about plugs shooting out of the engine do to a bad install, I am now very nervous.Would you rather have problems on the road, or at home? Have the plugs removed and new ones installed as in post #8 above and drive it a few hundred miles to be assured all is OK and go on your trip.
Charles