The Dreaded Water in Spark Plugs (TSB 21-2147)

[Saucy]

Has anybody detailed preventative steps? The TSB only applies to effected vehicles, but is it best practice to just get the cover (seems pointless)?

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[Gizmokid2005]

Has anybody detailed preventative steps? The TSB only applies to effected vehicles, but is it best practice to just get the cover (seems pointless)?

Basically yes, the cover directs the water away from the plugs. A few posts earlier in this thread (and in others) there's a way to prevent it by using something like a pool noodle that's cut and attached to the cowl above the engine to "seal" it off.

 

[airline tech]

Ford checked it and said it was all good !

They have addressed the Fuel/ Oil Issue, but it was a SSM (Special Service Message) which is basically a FYI document and not a TSB. This is the most current, no updates to include the 22-23.

 

[mtsoxfan]

Just a thought...
If water gets into the plug area, why doesn't it evaporate from heat?

 

[Gizmokid2005]

Just a thought...
If water gets into the plug area, why doesn't it evaporate from heat?

Reasonably, airflow down in the plug valleys is so low (due to the boots for the coils, and the boot that sits over the valley that is not water or air-tight), and the heat not at a boiling temperature generally due to normal cooling and airflow, that there's nowhere for water to go, not when it fills the valley more than a small coating. (You can watch this happen by filling a small saucepan with water and turning the heat on until the water levels at ~200F and see how long it takes to evaporate away without any kind of lid on it, then add a lid and see how much longer it takes.)

If the area was exposed to the sun or more airflow, it wouldn't really be a problem, but it's not.

 

[underwhelmed]

Ford dealerships are absolute scum.

Find a car dealer and you’ll find scum…

 

[5thranger]

Yeah, I'm less concerned with the engine cover, more with the fact they're basically telling me to get bent.

It never ceases to amaze me how the dealers will come up with a way to deny warranty. I am surprised that they did not say the issue was you relieving your bladder on the engine.

 

[subquark]

Reasonably, airflow down in the plug valleys is so low (due to the boots for the coils, and the boot that sits over the valley that is not water or air-tight), and the heat not at a boiling temperature generally due to normal cooling and airflow, that there's nowhere for water to go, not when it fills the valley more than a small coating. (You can watch this happen by filling a small saucepan with water and turning the heat on until the water levels at ~200F and see how long it takes to evaporate away without any kind of lid on it, then add a lid and see how much longer it takes.)

If the area was exposed to the sun or more airflow, it wouldn't really be a problem, but it's not.

All great points and 100% why the water stays around.

I will, however, note that the engine cover works not because it blocks water but because the mice that come to call it home drink up that troublesome water! =p

Say hello to my little friends - Pepita and Pepito.

 

[bbeverag]

It never ceases to amaze me how the dealers will come up with a way to deny warranty. I am surprised that they did not say the issue was you relieving your bladder on the engine.

Part of that is a response to the (small number of) scumbag customers who try to get warranty coverage when they caused the issue. I have seen many threads on various forums where people are trying to hide their prior mods when they clearly caused damage. The dealer shouldn't really care -- they get paid by Ford no matter what.

 

[5thranger]

Part of that is a response to the (small number of) scumbag customers who try to get warranty coverage when they caused the issue. I have seen many threads on various forums where people are trying to hide their prior mods when they clearly caused damage. The dealer shouldn't really care -- they get paid by Ford no matter what.

Correct, if under warranty repair it. If it looks abused that's different.

 

[adisidoro5]

The engine cover is not needed to keep the water out , a piece of foam pipe insulation does a much better job ...

What size pipe insulation did you use?

 

[Friday yet?]

Ford dealerships are absolute scum.

While I won't agree "all" are... Sadly I must agree that 90%+ are. And sometimes finding one of the few good ones is a real bitch to do.

 

[Friday yet?]

have seen many threads on various forums where people are trying to hide their prior mods when they clearly caused damage.

+1

 

[NotBudule]

What size pipe insulation did you use?

It was some scrap laying around , for 1/2 or 3/4 pipe most likely ...

 

[JimG_AZ]

Look on the bright side, IIRC the gargantuan bill GTGallop received prompted him to dump his ranger, but he did get a new ignition coil, albeit at an outsized dealer markup.

Curious if you authorized the repair before knowing whether it would be covered by your ESP. Some states (CO) have to have customer authorize the cost before repair can proceed, your issue somewhat reminds me of medical stuff and dealing with insurance, I always contact the insurance and have them put in writing what will be covered and how much I'm responsible for so the hospital or MD office don't try to jerk me around - and believe me some try to do their best.

What is the value of high level ESP coverage if they don't cover stuff like your repair.

I thought GTGallop's bill was @ $700-$800. Seriously, it sounded like he really wanted a Tacoma.

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