Dont be afraid to do your plugs...

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Sep 13, 2004 | 09:51 AM

MOOK929RR

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Dont be afraid to do your plugs...

im a novice mechanic at best, i break more stuff than i fix, but i did my plugs on my '01 5.4 yesterday and it took my 3 hours with no probs at all. That included pulling both fuel rails, injectors, and cleaning out where they are seated. Passenger side was done in 45 mins, but driver side took me over 2 hours( the back plug is tough). Just like everyone says, take your sweet time, have the right tools(a socket swivel!) and its not that bad. i used autolite double platinums, its running perfect.

Sep 13, 2004 | 01:32 PM

saltzy

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Damn. This gives me some confidence, but I still shudder to think of wrecking something in a big way. The alternative $785 dealer quote for the job is almost as nauseating, though...

Sep 13, 2004 | 01:50 PM

xxx609

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The keys to successful sparkplug replacement: compressed air to remove crap from spark plug area (before you remove the plug), anti-sieze lubricant on the new plug threads, HAND-threading the new plugs (I like the idea of hose/tubing shoved on the end of the new plug; you CAN"T cross-thread that) and a torque wrench so you don't strip the threads in the aluminum head. You'll be surprised how LITTLE torque is required to crush the plug's copper gasket. Most importantly, like "mook..." said, TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't let the dealer's flat-rate intimidate you into thinking he can do better than you. I've changed plenty of plugs in aluminum heads on motorcycles; some of them in some pretty inaccessible places that require plastic and parts removal.

Sep 13, 2004 | 02:04 PM

tonum24

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From: Central Mass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltzy

Damn. This gives me some confidence, but I still shudder to think of wrecking something in a big way. The alternative $785 dealer quote for the job is almost as nauseating, though...

~~~~~~~~That price can't be right but if you check and it is >>please give me their name and # so I can find out if they're scamming you-and then I'll take over from there.

Sep 14, 2004 | 10:03 AM

buzzard

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Joined: Oct 2000

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From: All over Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltzy

The alternative $785 dealer quote for the job is almost as nauseating, though...

This cannot be correct. The book only calls for three hours labor and at most the plugs are $5.00 each. So, even if labor is $100 per hour, the whole job couldn't cost more than $340.

Sep 14, 2004 | 11:52 AM

saltzy

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It was Framingham Ford (www.framinghamford.com) that quoted the price. I called to find out the cost of replacement plugs (same as stock) and the labor. This was 30 days ago, and when told the price, I asked if he was serious.

I asked him to double-check the price, then I asked him to check again. I asked to make sure that only included replacement plugs, and labor, he said yes.

[time skip]

I just called them back at 12:30 EDT today and asked for a quote on the same thing. This time he quoted me $430, and said it listed 6 hours of labor.

I have a feeling he's still BSing me and that it doesn't spec that amount of labor, and that the job should be around $300... Can anyone confirm my suspicions?

I doubt I will do business here, regardless, but if I can get them to quote me what the official cost is, I might consider it.

Sep 14, 2004 | 12:11 PM

AeroPA

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From: Northern PA

The local Ford guys here quoted me $330 for plugs and wire change on my Aerostar. I don't have to tell you what a miserable job that is, but it sounds like plug changes haven't gotten any better on the other trucks, either.

I have a friend with a tranny repair shop, so I paid him to help me do it. It sure was nice having a lift to work with...........................