Important! Updated Torque Spec for Ford 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 spark plugs

WiseAutoTools.com Summary: Prevent future spark plug blowouts in your Ford Triton engine with one of our  spark plug thread repair kits. The Calvan 38900-8 kit is praised for its ease of use and effectiveness, while Helicoil inserts may not provide a permanent fix. The TIME-SERT 5600 kit is ideal for larger repairs and has been used successfully even when a Calvan repair failed. Follow proper installation procedures and the updated torque spec of 20-22 ft pounds to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

The updated torque spec is 20-22 ft pounds. Read on for more info. Ford has had more problems with spark plug blowouts than any other manufacturer. This could be because their torque spec was 12-14 ft pounds which was not quite tight enough. If the plug loosens up, it's held in by the coil which prevents it from backing out all of the way. The problem is between the vibration and compression from the cylinder it's only a matter of time before the aluminum threads in the cylinder can't hold anymore and the spark plug will become a projectile.

To avoid the risk of cross threading and damaging the spark plug threads, it's recommended to begin installing the spark plugs manually, until you have passed the first few threads. One helpful technique is to use a small rubber hose on the plug when starting by hand. The rubber hose provides enough flexibility to slightly adjust the angle, while also enabling you to feel the spark plug as it begins to thread in. This way, you can have greater control and precision during the installation process.

Here's a controversial topic when it comes to spark plug installation. There is often debate about whether or not to use anti-seize on the threads. Anti-seize is a lubricant that is used to prevent the threads from seizing or corroding over time, making it easier to remove the spark plug in the future. However, we do not recommend the use of anti-seize on spark plugs.

Using anti-seize on spark plugs can alter the torque specifications. This can lead to over tightening of the spark plug beyond the already updated "increased" torque recommendation, causing excessive stress on threads. Therefore, we think it's wise to skip the use of anti-seize. 

It is also important to note that some manufacturers now apply a special coating to their spark plugs that eliminates the need for anti-seize. In these cases, using anti-seize may actually interfere with the coating and cause damage to the spark plug. 

Below is a selection of our most popular spark plug thread repair kits. 

Ford Triton Engines: The Importance of Spark Plug Thread Repair Kits

If you own a Ford vehicle with a 2V 4.6,5.4 or a 6.8 engine, then you may know that spark plug blowouts can be a real problem. This issue is due in part to the low torque specification of 12-14 ft pounds recommended by Ford, which was not quite tight enough to keep the spark plugs securely in place. Over time, the vibration and compression from the cylinder can cause the aluminum threads in the cylinder to fail, leading to dangerous and costly consequences.

One solution to this problem is the use of spark plug thread repair kits. These kits can help prevent spark plug blowouts and save you money in the long run by avoiding costly engine repairs. Below are some popular spark plug thread repair kits and what people are saying about them:

Calvan 38900-8 Thread Repair Kit with JB Weld & Thread Locker

Cal-Van Kit: Many of our customers recommend the Cal-Van kit, which includes a cylinder leak tester, guide, reamer, tap, and eight inserts. The kit is praised for its ease of use and effectiveness, as well as its included guide for proper installation. The updated torque spec is 20-22 ft pounds, which should be tightened with an accurate torque wrench. Ron William from Youtube only uses the Calvan kit. He's done a lot of these type of repairs so you have to respect his opinion.  

Helicoil: Some customers mention using Helicoil inserts as an alternative to the Cal-Van or Time Sert kit. These inserts are smaller in diameter and are available at most parts stores. However, many of our customers have had repeat blowouts. Helicoil and similar parts store repairs are temporary at best in many cases.

Our customers have found our video demonstrating the Time Sert 5600 kit helpful, especially for larger repairs. In a few cases where a Calvan repair failed, the Time Sert 5600 kit proved to be a reliable alternative. The 5600 has the largest outside diameter of any insert on the market. While Calvan repairs have a generally low failure rate, the rise of cheap, inferior inserts sold on platforms like Amazon and eBay has raised concerns. Calvan insert failures may stem from the use of substandard inserts that were not threaded properly. In addition, improper torque or the absence of thread locker, or other errors made during installation could also contribute to such failures. Fortunately, the Time Sert 5600 kit provides a dependable solution for dealing with failed Calvan repairs, ensuring that all is not lost in these situations.

In conclusion, spark plug blowouts are a common problem for Ford Triton engines, but there are solutions available. By using a spark plug thread repair kit and following the proper installation procedures, you can prevent costly engine repairs and keep your engine running smoothly. Remember, the updated torque spec is 20-22 ft pounds, so be sure to use an accurate torque wrench when tightening the spark plug.

If you have any questions about spark plug thread repair or other applications, please check our product listings or call us at 800-734-8665 or use our Contact Form to provide your details. At WiseAutoTools.com, we are committed to providing our customers with the best spark plug thread repair kits available, ensuring a lasting and effective repair for their vehicles.