01 Expy - Getting Ready to Replace Plugs

Wish me luck. Last time I replaced them (Dec 07), I had a plug blow-out during a trip out of state. I have feared touching the plugs since then. Well now, 60k miles later and getting hesitation when excelerating and occasional misfiring, I figure it's time... <sigh>. Hopefully they stay put this time so I dont face another $800 job.

I'm guessing when you started threading them last time you use a ratchet. You can't tell if you are crossthreading them doing it that way. Start them by hand, if you can't reach, add an extension but no ratchet.

I'm guessing when you started threading them last time you use a ratchet. You can't tell if you are crossthreading them doing it that way. Start them by hand, if you can't reach, add an extension but no ratchet.

No, I always hand-tighten until the plug butts up to the head before using the ratchet. Out if all re vehicles that I have replaced plugs on never have I had this problem.

I read somewhere that the best preventitve measure for these engines is every few months hand-check the plugs to see if any are loose.

Finally got around to doing them the other night. Took a few hours as expected but hit a snag when taking out the plug that had blown out prior. The Ford dealership that had repaired it by using a steel sleeve and threaded insert. When I took the plug out, the threaded insert came with it. I tried my hardest to get it all the way back down to where they had it but it wasnt happening. I got it down about half the distance and it's tight but have the fear that it may blow again. I'll probably have a shop put in a new insert (probably by Timesert) that will lock in place to prevent another blowout.