$1000 spark plug change
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 2
$1000 spark plug change
So, we had a mechanic that we used for several years, I went by his shop yesterday to ask him about looking at my wifes car. He looks out at my truck and asks how long I have had it. I told him and said I needed to bring it by to have the plugs changed. He told me he would not work on it, he worked on one a long time ago, and would never do it again. So I called our local Ford house and they said a grand for a plug change. Then I called a dealer 30 miles away. He said $350. If plugs break it will go up with labor cost. Holy crap! I did not spend a grand on my diesel for service and I had it for 3 years. Wish I had the time to do it myself, but right now I am working all the time. Guess I could take vacation and do it. It is running fine, just know it needs to be done.
Venting
Shot
Venting
Shot
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
When I was a wee lad changing spark plugs was an enjoyable Sunday ritual done with dad or grampa and a cold beer, something like that. Now it's a frigging nightmare, or can be. They do last a lot longer, but..
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
I changed the plugs in my 5.4 van and super duty last year for a total of $32. 16 plugs @ $2 a piece. The van was a complete pain in the butt to do and involved removing both front seats, air filter housing and duct work, brackets for about everything, etc, and doing most of it by feel. I've pulled engines out of cars in less time than it took to change those. My sd wasn't bad at all though. Less than an hour to do those. The 3v seems to be quite a bit more problematic though.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
My local dealer just did mine, on the infamous 3V 5.4L with the break-away plugs. They charge $250 (parts included) plus $50 for each broken plug.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,376
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
I need to change them in my car of another name plate. 107K on them and my fuel mileage is getting a bit low.
My plan was to try each one. Carefully without too much force. I will change which ones come out and then see what is left.
My plan was to try each one. Carefully without too much force. I will change which ones come out and then see what is left.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Yea, that 6.2 certainly sits waaaay back in there. Not really looking forward to THAT job when the time comes. I do all my own work too; part of the reason why I went with the 6.2 over the 6.7.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
V10 3V spark plugs!! One of several reasons I traded trucks.
I still have the tune up 'kit' and broken plug removal tool that I never got the time (nerve?) to use but it for sure wont work on my current truck. Anyone interested? PM me
I still have the tune up 'kit' and broken plug removal tool that I never got the time (nerve?) to use but it for sure wont work on my current truck. Anyone interested? PM me
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
So, we had a mechanic that we used for several years, I went by his shop yesterday to ask him about looking at my wifes car. He looks out at my truck and asks how long I have had it. I told him and said I needed to bring it by to have the plugs changed. He told me he would not work on it, he worked on one a long time ago, and would never do it again. So I called our local Ford house and they said a grand for a plug change. Then I called a dealer 30 miles away. He said $350. If plugs break it will go up with labor cost. Holy crap! I did not spend a grand on my diesel for service and I had it for 3 years. Wish I had the time to do it myself, but right now I am working all the time. Guess I could take vacation and do it. It is running fine, just know it needs to be done.
Venting
Shot
Venting
Shot
If NOT and your truck was built in 2007 you may have some work to do. There is a removal procedure and a Lisle tool that is used to extract those who don't want to come out. I don't think it's anything to be afraid of; buy the tool, take your time, and save a thousand bucks.
The plugs should come out of your Buick without issue. The 3V modular engines are the only ones I've ever heard of with plugs that carbon up and seize to the heads. I changed the plugs on my mother's '08 Fusion a few months ago. Factory plugs at 105,000 miles, and each came out as easily as if they were new.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,376
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
The plugs should come out of your Buick without issue. The 3V modular engines are the only ones I've ever heard of with plugs that carbon up and seize to the heads. I changed the plugs on my mother's '08 Fusion a few months ago. Factory plugs at 105,000 miles, and each came out as easily as if they were new.[/QUOTE]
That is great to hear. I am hopeful.
That is great to hear. I am hopeful.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
$1000 for a plug change! I need to charge more when i do this for now on.......... Just did a 2000 F150 all original with 120xxx on it, guy dropped it off at my house the night before the next morning i soaked the plugs with PBBlaster came home from work and had all 8 out with twenty minutes! Did a 2006 F150 a few weeks back, same thing drop off night before next morning soak plugs with PBBlaster come home from work at 4pm and an hour later all 8 plugs were out in one piece. Took my time and went slow in case the plug separated, I dont see why so many people have issues with the plugs on Ford motors? Ive done roughly fifteen Ford trucks from 99-2007 and i do the same procedure i listed above and not one time have i had one strip or break (knock on wood)
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
I changed the plugs in my 5.4 van and super duty last year for a total of $32. 16 plugs @ $2 a piece. The van was a complete pain in the butt to do and involved removing both front seats, air filter housing and duct work, brackets for about everything, etc, and doing most of it by feel. I've pulled engines out of cars in less time than it took to change those. My sd wasn't bad at all though. Less than an hour to do those. The 3v seems to be quite a bit more problematic though.
i think vans are SO MUCH easier than the trucks, just remove the engine bulkhead and you have complete access to get to the entire motor. Remove front four from the engine compartment and the back four from inside the truck, wish the pickups had a removable cover like the vans, would make maintenance so enjoyable
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
$1000 for a plug change! I need to charge more when i do this for now on.......... Just did a 2000 F150 all original with 120xxx on it, guy dropped it off at my house the night before the next morning i soaked the plugs with PBBlaster came home from work and had all 8 out with twenty minutes! Did a 2006 F150 a few weeks back, same thing drop off night before next morning soak plugs with PBBlaster come home from work at 4pm and an hour later all 8 plugs were out in one piece. Took my time and went slow in case the plug separated, I dont see why so many people have issues with the plugs on Ford motors? Ive done roughly fifteen Ford trucks from 99-2007 and i do the same procedure i listed above and not one time have i had one strip or break (knock on wood)