Time Sert or Heli-Coil? Look at Calvan’s Ford Spark Plug Kit
October 18, 2008 11:40 am Auto Specialty Tools, Calvan Tools, Ford Problems, Tech/Mechanic
See the quality difference in the Heli-Coil (top) & the Calvan (bottom)
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: In this automotive repair/tool blog we cover Ford spark plugs blown out of cylinder heads, it’s still a huge problem. To date we have sold hundreds of Calvan spark plug thread insert tool kits and have had no one call back to say it was too hard or it didn’t work. The included video makes the spark plug insert repair easy to understand and answers all the questions about how this job can be done in the vehicle saving thousands of dollars. We are commonly asked if the Calvan spark plug repair kit will work after a Heli-Coil or some other thin, weak repair has failed and have blown out AGAIN. The answer is yes, Calvan inserts are much thicker than the competitor’s inserts and will work much like an over-size oil drain plug will work in a stripped out oil pan. Since the Calvan insert is not just a coil of wire like the Heli-Coil it is much stronger. And since the Calvan insert is thicker than the Heli Coil, most times it can be used when the Heli Coil is spit out.
Our customers tend to research their options to find the very best solution for this very frustrating problem, that’s why after they research Helicoil we know most will ultimately purchase the Calvan Ford Spark Plug Insert Tool Kit.
Our Automotive Tech Article on Ford spark plug blowouts, goes into much more detail about Ford spark plug problems, including the fact that when buying a rebuilt head the consumer should be aware that it may have an inferior repair insert already installed. That’s why it is our recommendation to repair the cylinder head you have with the Calvan insert tool kit, so you know that you have a strong, long lasting repair that you don’t have to worry about.
Question: How long will the Calvan spark plug repair last?
Answer: The Calvan inserts are designed to last the lifetime of the engine and are stronger than the original threads.
Question:Â Time Sert says “The only 100% way to know the valves are not open is to remove the valve cover and inspect the cam, making sure that it is not depressing the valves on the damaged spark plug hole.” Do I have to remove the valve cover with the Calvan Ford spark plug insert tool kit?
Answer: No. The Calvan tool kit allows the mechanic to verify valves are closed with an included cylinder leak detector. Plug the rubber stopper from the leak detector into the spark plug hole with a low amount of air from an air compressor going through the hose. The rubber cone will pop out of the spark plug hole when the valves are closed. The video shows this as well.
Question: How do I know all the aluminum metal shavings are out of the cylinder?
Answer: A borescope is used to make sure all foreign debris is removed. A video scope can be used as well, we have fairly inexpensive video based scopes that in our opinion, are better and easier to view.
Question: I’m afraid I might start drilling or tapping the hole crooked, am I going to damage my head beyond repair?
Answer: With the Time Sert, the tap has a small pilot at the end of the tap. With the Calvan specialty tool kit (since it is made specifically for Ford 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 Triton engines) has a guide that fits into the spark plug well to perfectly guide the drill and the tap making the repair centered even in hard to access areas.
Question: Will my spark plug be properly grounded through the engine, since the insert will have JB weld on the threads?
Answer: I’ve only had one person ask this. The answer is yes. JB weld or Loctite with some other brand inserts is being used on the threads, but there is a large enough percentage of metal to metal contact that provides ground, to allow proper firing of the spark plug.
Update 12/01/2011
Time Sert 51459 Inserts in the image below. Notice they are more than just a thin coil of wire.
The Calvan 38900 is for spark plug ports on Ford Triton SOHC 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 Liter 2 valve engines – 1998-2004. The Time Sert repair kits are made for much more than just the above application. DOHC is not a problem with the Time-Sert 5553. Time Sert makes a kit that will work on most vehicles. This fact has saved our customers a lot of money. Time-Sert’s comprehensive coverage doesn’t stop at “spark plugs”. They make kits for head bolts, main bolts, drain plugs and the list goes on. The Time-Sert inserts are bushing type and NOT just a coil of wire like the Heli Coils are. We have sold tons of the Time Sert kits with no problems reported as well. Still have questions on your application? Feel free to give us a call.
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Related Links and Products
Ford Spark Plug Blow Out Problems How to Repair Original article
Calvan 38900 Insert Kit – Product in this blog for sale
Calvan 389-100 DLT Inserts – Additional inserts sold separately
Expedition Cylinder Head Removal w/Body Off NOT required with the 38900 DLT see what you’re missing
Tracy Allen - Automotive Tools :
Date: November 24, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
The difference in those repair inserts are amazing. No doubt the Calvan thread insert is a superior repair.
dennisb :
Date: November 29, 2008 @ 8:21 am
We sell several different brands of Ford spark plug repair kits, including HeliCoil, Lisle and Calvan. I strongly recommend the Calvan system for this particular repair. I had few a few more questions about the Calvan 38900 For Spark Plug Repair Kit.
Do you make your inserts in anodized aluminum to match the ford aluminum heads?
No, the CAL 38900 has steel inserts. Steel is obviously stronger than aluminum and with so few threads holding the spark plug in (only five threads), the maker of the tool wanted to improve the strength with this repair allowing it to last the lifetime of the engine.
What about dis-like metals being an issue?
With hundreds of these repair kits I have sold personally, this hasn’t been a problem. The spark plug itself is steel and the Calvan spark plug repair insert is steel alloy. There’s been no reports of failure of any kind with the inserts or thread damage occurring from dis-like metals.
chip :
Date: December 23, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Help I am looking for the inserts for a 1999 ford f150 triton 5.4L. I have looked on-line and found a lot of different sizes but I don’t no which one to order.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 24, 2009 @ 8:59 am
The best repair we know of is the Horizon made one – see the link below and the related links at the bottom of the listing for more information.
Ford Spark Plug Thread Repair
Steven :
Date: May 1, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
I have a 95 thunderbird. Had serious issues with getting throttle response and any type of horspower period. I’m not a diagnostic type of guy I go by what I know well. I finally got the car running to maximum performance. This car has well over 200,000 and spanks stock 5.0 like there lil girls well after 1 day of good running I blew #4 spark plug all the way out and # 3 almost out . It’s not a bad blow out there’s still the threads but spark plugs just won’t tighten up all the way so I’m not sure what to do. Any advice would be appreciated I have a big family and no car so if you could email me with some help it would b great. Thank you.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 2, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Steven, if you have a 4.6 liter engine, the Calvan might work for you. I’m not 100% sure it will apply to a “1995” though. You may want to contact Horizon Tools which makes the Calvan at 1.800.537.1077 to verify it works on your year.
Thomas Mehrkam :
Date: September 8, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
What about heat transfer. The FORD TSB on the subject seems to state that if a Steel insert is used the plug will not run at the correct heat. Chause problems Fuel Milage etc.
There is a lot of conflicting information on the subject. I am trying to decide which way to go.
Ford LockStich “Full-Torque” insert time-sert or Calven.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: September 8, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
Thomas, I understand your concern. This question has been brought up before. See our frequently asked questions on this topic – Click the following -Â Ford Spark Plug Insert FAQ’s.
The steel alloy insert by Calvan has some aluminum and is not different enough to cause any issues.
Donald Branscom :
Date: November 27, 2011 @ 8:15 pm
Ford should fix this problem.
My Ford van blew out #2 sparkplug.
It is impossible to get any tools into the space.
My Ford van has cost more to repair than any vehicle I have ever owned.
The Calvan insert looks good but really all the cylinders should be done at the factory before it is sold.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 28, 2011 @ 6:27 am
Donald, I understand your frustration. It is obvious that Ford is not going to do a recall. They had the spark plug “ejection” issue from around 1998 to 2004 on 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 L engines. And I know that there does NOT seem like there is any room to work in the van, but…. the good news is the Calvan kit does work in the vehicle, even on VANS. If a person can change the spark plugs they should be able to use the Calvan 38900 kit with just a little more work. The tooling has wrench flats that accept a socket. There is also a line up piece that centers the drill and tap so it is not required to have a clear and open view of the spark plug port being repaired. When using an air ratchet on the the socket you essentially have a 90 degree which allows drilling and tapping in tight areas. Selling or keeping the van, it’s worth more “running”. See our Calvan 38900 FAQ’s on this repair for more information.
BigJoe777 :
Date: November 10, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
I have a 2002 expedition that the number 6 cyliner had an insert put in it or maybe a helicoil not sure. Right now it is leaking at the plug, i started smelling gas on start which got me investigating. I tryed pulling the plug out and it just spins. I assume the insert or helicoil is spinning in the the head. The repair shop says thats all they can do. I think the Calvin sert is the the way to go and would probably work but i cant get the plug out. I noticed a sparkplug removal tool for the 3v. Is there one available for the SOHC 2v like my engine. its a 5.4 or will the 3v tool work on my application.
i have driven several hundred miles with it that way so if it were going to blow out I would think it would. It has a slight decrease in power but no codes.
233k miles. thinking of a reman engine but was hoping to get it the 300k
thanks for your attention
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 11, 2014 @ 11:34 am
Sounds like the plug will eventually blow out (and may cause more damage). In the meantime, the leaking compression could cause wear along the side of the spark plug hole making a larger repair insert necessary. There’s no broken spark plug tool like the 3V Lisle 65600 made for your engine or situation. I would use an impact wrench or air ratchet and work the sparkplug back and forth until the plug and insert can be removed. Then, use the Cal 38900 if the hole is samller than 11/16″ (use a drill bit for measurement purposes). If the hole is larger than 11/16″ you can use the largest spark plug thread repair kit which is the Time Sert 5600 kit. Good Luck.