Ford ExpeditionTrue expeditions require additional transportation conveyances: horses, boats, cars, for example. With a towing capacity around 9,000 pounds, the Ford Expedition can tow any of these. Ford adds a new top end King Ranch model for 2008, as well as an available rear backup camera and power-retractable running boards. The Expedition is meant for utility, not posing.
All-
I am planning on buying a used Expedition (1997-2001). Is there a quick and easy method of determining if the engine has spit out a spark plug in the past and now has an insert? I realize that I can pull off the coil/plug wire and rachet out each plug individually, etc. but this isn't always practical in the seller's driveway with him and his family standing there watching me. I am hoping there is some sort of relatively easy visual inspection or clue. Any tips are greatly appreciated.
An insert? Why would u even wonder about a damaged spark plug thread? Maybe ask him for the owners manual, look in the maintenance log in the back, if it is blank (89% are), then ask him for the maintenance records or receipts....
Just curious, not trying be an A$S.
__________________ The 1960 Thunderbird. Unique in ALL the world.
Good points TBIRD, but you assume that the work was done at a Ford (or other reputable) garage. The previous owner may have done the repair himself and lie to me or even more likely, the first owner might have put in the insert and I am dealing with a 2nd owner or a dealer/broker who aren't aware the repair was even made. In an ideal world, I would be dealing directly with an honest, first owner but since I am shopping around for the best deal possible I may not have the option.
As you point out - if the seller can't provide receipts, then my best option is to move along and look somewhere else, even if the vehicle seems like a good deal.
I have a 2002 Ford Expedition that has just ejected no.7 spark plug, tearing off the coil from its mounting post. Checked the threads, as expected they were gone also. Checked with Ford dealer, but was unhappy with their solution($3000). Need to find a way to repair this myself. About six months ago no.3 split a plug, but didn't damage the threads. Any solutions would be appreciated. Thanks
I didn't know these SUV's were bad about "throwing spark plugs". So in other words, if I was looking to buy a used Expedition, I should ask about spark plug inserts on everyone I look at...?
__________________ The 1960 Thunderbird. Unique in ALL the world.
Tbird, do a google on Ford 5.4 liter engine spark plug problems and watch the pages load. I was told no recall because of the vast amounts of 5.4 engines out their, percentage is still pretty low.
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!
The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.
Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.
Spit spark plug - threaded inserts 
Hybrid Mode
