I've got a 99 expedition 4x4 with the 5.4. I need to have the pass side head replaced because of a spark plug blowing out, and the helicoil fix not working. I've talked to two different mechanics, one says you have to either pull the motor out, or unbolt the body and lift it up to get the heads off, which obviously would be a ton of work. The other mechanic says he can do both heads no problem without removing the motor or lifting the body. Who's being truthful here? Obviously the first guy is wanting a lot more money for the job than the second. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

You don't need to remove the engine to pull the heads. Yes, it's more work but easier to work on. It's a matter of preference as far as the mechanic and how he prefers to do it. There is a good chance r & r the engine to do the heads will cost more than the other guy.

 

Lifting the body off isn't that hard. The downside is you need a lift to do it, which most don't have at home.
Expedition Cylinder Head Removal - Body Off | Denlors Auto Blog

But like fordno1 said, it can be done without removing the body and without pulling the engine. Due to uneven wear and tear issues, I recommend that you replace both heads, not just one.

 

Thanks for the fast responses guys!

It's good to know that this can be done without pulling the motor or lifting the body. I'll go with the second guy, his quote is significantly cheaper, plus he's done good work for me in the past. Alloro, I'm going to have the driver side head removed too and machined along with the replacement head so they should be equal, and this way I (hopefully) won't have to worry about the head gasket failing on the driver's side in the future either.

Thanks again.

 

You won't have to worry about the head gasket but you will still have to worry about another spark plug blowing out. Replacing the head with one that has the extra spark plug hole threads would eliminate that possibility.

 

Have you looked into the Time-Sert Fix and doing an insert instead?

 

That's true, I guess I was just going to hope for the best as far as that is concerned. I've already purchased the head, so not much I can do but go ahead and use it. What years had the extra threads? Just curious.


Well, to be specific, the helicoil is actually working as far as holding the plug in, but I now have a missfire on that cylinder. So the head has to come off to investigate, and I'd rather not mess with this head anymore.