replacing plugs at 100k
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 176
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From: TEXAS!
replacing plugs at 100k
So I just rolled 100k in the 250. So its time to replace the plugs. I had planned to do this myself but have read a few posts and a lot on the internet about improperly torqed plugs blowing out of the heads causing serious head damage. SO now I am concerned. Has anyone here had this problem? The dealer wants $150 to do the plugs and since I have heard its an 8 hour DIY job I have been considering paying them to do it. But now this plug blowout thing has me concerned about doing it at all. Should I leave well enough alone, and leave the current plugs in?
Any feedback appreciated...
Any feedback appreciated...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA USA
Hey Charles,
Don't know if that was humor or not, but it's not an 8 hour DIY job.
Click the link at the bottom of this post to go to my website. I have a write up there about changing my plugs. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Best regards,
Jeff
Don't know if that was humor or not, but it's not an 8 hour DIY job.
Click the link at the bottom of this post to go to my website. I have a write up there about changing my plugs. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Best regards,
Jeff
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 1
From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
Most dealers, as far as I know, charge somewhere around +-$80 per hour for their mechanic's time. $150 for a plug change is cheap. Dirt-cheap. Way too good a deal for me to pass up. 8 hours for the driveway mechanic may be an overestimate, but it's still enough of a PITA that I would gladly pay a trained dealer mechanic $150 to avoid.
I say drop your truck off at the dealership, and hand them a zip lock bag & a new sharpie permanent marker. Tell them you want the old dropped in the zip lock, marked with their corresponding plug #, and returned to you with the truck. It'll give you a chance to see if there’s anything funky going on in your engine, and make sure the mechanic doesn't skip the dreaded #4 plug (that's the most time consuming part of any plug change).
Then make an appointment for me about two years for now – I might be driving down to Texas then to take advantage of the $150 plug change! Hmm… let’s see, gas for a NJ to TX drive, oil change, hotel, travel expenses… it would still probably cost me less to come down there than pay my stealership to do it!
I say drop your truck off at the dealership, and hand them a zip lock bag & a new sharpie permanent marker. Tell them you want the old dropped in the zip lock, marked with their corresponding plug #, and returned to you with the truck. It'll give you a chance to see if there’s anything funky going on in your engine, and make sure the mechanic doesn't skip the dreaded #4 plug (that's the most time consuming part of any plug change).
Then make an appointment for me about two years for now – I might be driving down to Texas then to take advantage of the $150 plug change! Hmm… let’s see, gas for a NJ to TX drive, oil change, hotel, travel expenses… it would still probably cost me less to come down there than pay my stealership to do it!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
Yep!!!!!!! haroutd got's it right!
But for 4 cases of "Coors long necks"
He'll change them for ya!! He he he
and I'll watch.
Its not really that hard of a job!
just don't get any blood or sweat on my engine
Just take your time ,torque them to spec's
Rich
But for 4 cases of "Coors long necks"
He'll change them for ya!! He he he
and I'll watch.
Its not really that hard of a job!
just don't get any blood or sweat on my engine
Just take your time ,torque them to spec's
Rich
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim USA
changing plugs
I just did my first plug change on my 2000 V 10. It took me abouit an hour and a half. If you do it make sure to have the right tools on hand (socket, rachet, and an assortment of extensions. Use anti sieze on the new plugs and get a good inch-pound torque wrench. Be careful when you pull the coils off. The job wasn't as bad as some of the posts make it out to be. The toughest one is the last one on the passenger side. As a hint do one at at time.....complete and go on tto the next. I dii mine because my dealer quoted me $400 to do it. Thats using plugs that cost $10.00 each. I went with the stock plugs (around $2.50 each I think).
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Did mine its not bad. Back of my legs needed help though.Put anti seize on the coil bolt also. I was able to torque all my plugs and it cost me $21.00.. make sure the engine is cold and have a compressor handy to clean out the holes b4 removal or else take it to the dealer. 1.5-2 hrs
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Hibbing, MN
Just had mine installed at 88k, I got to watch part of it being done, when they disconected the fuel injection on the drivers side I decided it was a good thing I let someone esle do the job. Sure you can do it yourself, but it looked more complicated than I wished to get involved with. Also if they blew a plug I figured I could take it back and have them fix that too. Kind of like it being their resposibility..... My 2 cents...
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: TEXAS!
I think... I am going to get it done for the $150... BTW Munday ford in Bastrop TX is the one that quoted me $150... And if any of you guys make it down this way msg me and we can go grab a beer or your favorite cold beverage. 
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 146
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From: Cumming, GA USA
Most folks will tell you that you must remove the fuel injection rail in order to remove the coil packs. I didn't remove the FI rail and didn't have any trouble getting the coil packs out or the plugs.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best regards,
Jeff
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best regards,
Jeff
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: North Florida
Thanks for the info guys. I'll be replacing the plugs in another 5k. I'll let you know how it goes for a true novice with no help (unless you count my dog keeping the neighbor's cats out of the engine compartment while I try to work).
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