Spit a spark plug this morning

[BeachWagon]

So, this morning, spit a plug on my way to work. Obviously I am not at work today. I got lucky and had it happen in front of a local repair shop. I guess the threads gave way on the plug and the heat from the cylinder head gave the coil hell and deformed it and melted it. Guy says he should be able to repair it with the new coil and plugs with labor for less then $200 using a helicoil. Fair enough.
I am just wondering if there may be anything to keep in mind for the future after this. Should I plan on saving the bucks and look at getting rid of it and find another rig or will can this be remedied and last another 50K miles?or are we talking about a whole new head for permanent fix?

 

[Diagram14]

I heard average reviews about the Helicoil. I think a lot of people have them back out on them when they go to remove the bolt or plug again. I dont know if it is possible in this application but probably is, Time-Sert seems to be a more reliable permanent re-threading system. Worth looking into.

 

[BeachWagon]

Cool, I'll look in to that. Then again, I may just look into finally trading up to a 99 or 00 4wd:guitar3:

 

[sasha11]

Was it the v6 engine?...I'm assuming it was.

 

[BeachWagon]

Was it the v6 engine?...I'm assuming it was.

Yea, it was.

I just got back from the shop and got the verdict on it. Not good. So, they are not able to do the helicoil from the engine bay up top. They gotta take off the heads. Which also means new timing belt, water pump, $500 worth of gaskets and seals and they are gonna do they valves as well to round it out. It is pretty much gonna be rebuilding the top half:redbrick:
I guess the good side to it all, is that I will probably hit that half million mile mark before it craps out again! I should have some fresh compresion, no oil leaks, and will be puring along. It is gonna cost around $1800 when it is all said and done. Now I just gotta figure out a ride to work

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Damn, sorry to hear. Is it worth just trying to find a used head and throw it on? The flip side like you said is that for $1800 you'll have a new top end for your basically bullet proof short block.

Probably makes it worth to just do the mid Gen upgrades rather than but a new rig after all that.

 

[BeachWagon]

Damn, sorry to hear. Is it worth just trying to find a used head and throw it on? The flip side like you said is that for $1800 you'll have a new top end for your basically bullet proof short block.

Probably makes it worth to just do the mid Gen upgrades rather than but a new rig after all that.

Thanks. Yea, the mechanic says if it comes down to it, they can gt a brand new head, may only cost a couple hundred more then the repair, but I guess from what he says the repair is pretty run of the mill?
I am looking forward to getting it back all gussied up though. I already did the new headlights, and I just put fresh bumpers on which I Herculined, along with the fender flares. I also have the new lift gate in the garage, painted, waiting for the clear coat and install. One of my buddies is suppose to be coming home for the holidays on leave, and we are chatting about what to do. He has a 2004 Taco and we are gonna work on both the rides. Carpet out pressure wash type detail. I think I may be just finishing up the ongoing mods I am in the process of, but after this, I am going to take a couple months off to just clean and detail, do some maintenance
After the new year I get back underway on a boat again, so it will be on like donkey kong when I get back and looking to import a Surf as a second truck. arty:

 

[BeachWagon]

Just got the call to come pick up the truck. $2278!!!! Mechanic says it runs nice and strong now though.... I'll list all the parts and pics later today.