$park Plug$
Spark plugs?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Northern Illinois
Spark plugs?
I'm the original owner of a 2002 F-250 Super Duty with 44,000 miles and original spark plugs.
Since the truck is 10 years old, should I replace the spark plugs or leave it alone? It starts and runs just fine.
I'm planning a long trip with a slide in camper and I don't want any issues on the trip.
Since the truck is 10 years old, should I replace the spark plugs or leave it alone? It starts and runs just fine.
I'm planning a long trip with a slide in camper and I don't want any issues on the trip.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Replace them!!!!
For the cost of replacement why tempt fate?
Motorcraft or Autolite single or double platinum plugs do best in our engines, there's a couple of good write ups in the tech section on how to replace them.
For the cost of replacement why tempt fate?
Motorcraft or Autolite single or double platinum plugs do best in our engines, there's a couple of good write ups in the tech section on how to replace them.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
That seems like a lot to replace plugs. I think I did a complete tune up and fluid flush and change for less than that.
Since the spark plugs in the modular engines are tricky, I have never felt good about having someone else do them.
I'd get a quote from another mechanic.
Since the spark plugs in the modular engines are tricky, I have never felt good about having someone else do them.
I'd get a quote from another mechanic.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
actualy 500$ is about right..
theres alot of labour involved, esp the back plugs, def. not an easy area to reach into.
hopefully the guy uses a torque wrench, its VITAL the right values get applied to the new plugs. its critcal infact.
for this reason alone i did my own, so i was sure the new plugs werent simply installed wrench tight by some flat rate mechanic looking to get onto the next job asap.
ps use motorcraft plugs...
theres alot of labour involved, esp the back plugs, def. not an easy area to reach into.
hopefully the guy uses a torque wrench, its VITAL the right values get applied to the new plugs. its critcal infact.
for this reason alone i did my own, so i was sure the new plugs werent simply installed wrench tight by some flat rate mechanic looking to get onto the next job asap.
ps use motorcraft plugs...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Really??? Seems excessive to me for $40 worth of parts.
Most of the mechanics down here get about $85 per hour labor, so at 100% mark up on the parts ($80) that means it would be a 5 hour job.
I am NOT a mechanic and can change mine in under 2 hours.
Just my 2 cents........
Most of the mechanics down here get about $85 per hour labor, so at 100% mark up on the parts ($80) that means it would be a 5 hour job.
I am NOT a mechanic and can change mine in under 2 hours.
Just my 2 cents........
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Yeah I'd replace the plugs since the COP boots are old it wouldn't be a bad idea to change them. You should notice a difference in the idle even if the plugs look good. I suspect the plug ground can deteriorate over time.
A $500 quote for $33 of parts and labor to replace plugs is freaking nuts. Figure 2 hours for newbie to change 10 plugs. Once you do it once or twice your looking about an hour start to finish which includes removing the intake tube. Its not a tough job. The #5 plug is the toughest to get to but it is not that bad at all.
A $500 quote for $33 of parts and labor to replace plugs is freaking nuts. Figure 2 hours for newbie to change 10 plugs. Once you do it once or twice your looking about an hour start to finish which includes removing the intake tube. Its not a tough job. The #5 plug is the toughest to get to but it is not that bad at all.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 26
From: Chino, California
I was thinking maybe you change them after the trip. There is a chance that you get a bad plug or break a connector clip or whatever.
If you decide to do it before, make sure it runs good for a while before you leave on your trip. I would get an extra COP handy and bring tools to replace if needed. If you haven't changed your serpentine belt, you should. Keep the old one as a back up for your trip, too.
If you decide to do it before, make sure it runs good for a while before you leave on your trip. I would get an extra COP handy and bring tools to replace if needed. If you haven't changed your serpentine belt, you should. Keep the old one as a back up for your trip, too.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
$500 for that job, IF you want the mechanic taking his time to do it RIGHT, well, that's about right, I'd say.
You don't want to guy rushing the job, and you DO want him to change the boots, and at least look for cracks on the COPs right?
You don't want to guy rushing the job, and you DO want him to change the boots, and at least look for cracks on the COPs right?
