Dreaded Water in the Spark Plug Wells, Advice Sought

[9zero1790]

What about washing engine down? Doesn't anyone do this anymore?

thats a good question. mine needs it. i know some of the detail folks use a steam cleaner under the hood.

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[mtsoxfan]

I'm just curious, I thought I read in this thread that the water doesn't evaporate like I assumed it would. If it can't evaporate, how can you blow it out with air?

 

[airline tech]

I'm just curious, I thought I read in this thread that the water doesn't evaporate like I assumed it would. If it can't evaporate, how can you blow it out with air?

I guess a better way to understand and explain it:

The Plug Wells are sealed by the COP (Rubber Grommet) Lip of the Grommet seals the well.
Note: Seal is not a perfect seal

As water drips off of the cowl down on the intake or even during an engine car wash visit it settles to any low point and pools in the intake valley

Depending on the trucks (Incline)

So, this pooled water sets around #4 or # 1 - COP - Seeps down under the COP Grommet into the well that is mostly sealed off to outside air.

When the engine comes up to temp the water in the well will not fully boil away (Evaporate) this also creates steam in the well, thus holding the moisture in the well, due to the COP Grommet designed to protect the well.
Over a period of time the water/moisture in the well, creates a misfire. as the spark will travel to the least restrictive path (The sides of the well - Base of the Plug) - This is the Misfire Code (Reason)
For the water that does evaporate, depending on the amount of water, it leaves behind the corrosion deposits around the plug.
When the engine is cold, (Contracts) the rusty colored water will seep into the plug threads, this is the seizing of the plugs (Reason)

So - To blow it out with air properly is to pull the COPs and blow out the plug wells or at the very least blow dry the water off of the intake before it seeps down into the wells.

 

[Bobby-C]

Hi All, First post here. I took my 2019 Ranger in to the dealer today because of misfires on 1 and 4. I changed the spark plugs already and it was ok for a while but when I got up past 60 and tried to punch it, it kicked back. So I decided to take it in. Turns out it is the water issue and I need to have the boots in one and four replaced too. This is something I can do myself instead of spending the 900 the dealer wants to charge me, which includes the engine cover.

So I called Ford and they gave me the run around that it is up to the dealer or not to cover under warranty, while the dealer said it is not covered under the original Power Train warranty, I am still under. I did see the memo Ford sent out here about the water issue and I sent that to the dealer, but the dealer says it isn't covered under power train.

So my question is what should I do next? Has anyone had any experience in succeeding in getting this covered under the original 60k warranty? If so, how long did it take to break the impasse? I cannot be without my truck for long and I am wondering if I am better off just fixing it myself. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Strokerduster]

I had no issue with water intrusion when I changed my plugs. Just for the sh*t of it, I coated the underside of the boots with a hydraulic o-ring lube I have. It is a very thick silicone jell that you have to use a solvent just to get off your hands. I think it would have to be high pressure, sprayed directly on it to to penetrate the seal. I occasionlly pressure wash under my hood and use the leaf blower to dry afterwards.

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