Problem Reports

Started my vehicle today, 12/15/2012, at the mall and..boom!! then some smell of smoke inside the vehicle ...then more popping which sounded almost like a belt slapping against something under the hood. I had no prior indication of a problem except yesterday morning there was a vibration in the steering wheel while accelerating that stopped once letting off the gas. It did smooth out within 45-60 seconds and did not reoccur. Then today's issue occurred. I had the truck, F-250, 2003 Quad Cab, with 150-K miles towed to the Ford dealership about a mile away which was the place of original purchase. Initial estimate to repair it..$700.00; not a happy christmas gift

 Enthusiast

#5 blew out, it also destroyed the ignition coil
The best repair is to remove both heads and have a machine shop install new inserts
I have heard (but not seen) that some of the inserts installed with the engine still assembled have failed, this is most likely due to lack of room and access in the engine compartment

Had to pay Sonora dealer 5,000 to fix. they told me it was NOT covered by waranty

Blown spark plug, took out coil pack also. Ford replaced spark plug used heli coil and new coil for a cost of $300 plus dollars.

Had a spark plug eject on two different occasions. First time I was able to thread back in so didn't think that much of it. Second time (different plug)there were no threads & had to take in to dealer and have inserts installed. Major expense...