My truck is in the shop for routine maintenance as well as to address some A/C issues. '04 F-150 XLT, 5.4L has 21,000 miles. The dealer just called to say he recommends, as preventative maintenance, that I have it de-carbed (clean out the carbon in combustion chamber) and have fuel injector cleaned, as well. De-carb is $199, don't know injector cost, but total service bill would be $560. I have the money for it but I would grimace as I payed it. Also, I am moving out of state in early September and am driving 1,000 miles to next destination. My question is, do I really need this de-carb and injector service done? I am interested in your opinions on the extra service recommended by Ford. Thanks, to all who answer. These threads have been a blessing to me.

 

Decarb: No. Fuel Injector: Why not.

No new vehicle with only 21K miles on it should have any great deal of carbon build up. Besides each of these services is done with maintenance fluids that you yourself can apply. My own independent Auto Shop told me what fluid they use on injectors and it was not that much different that what I can buy off the shelf.

 

i agree with dazz,don't waste your money!pour some in yourself if it's running bad or gas mileage is down.21k nothing should be that dirty.

 

Thanks, guys! I'm on the phone with the tech advisor right now *giggle* I am telling him to not do the extra service. My gas mileage has not suffered. It's consistenly 15mpg or so. I really appreciate all your advice! Thanks, again.

 

A can of Seafoam ($3-4), and you could decarb yourself, but as mentioned above...no need to at 21,000 miles.

 

Just another way for the dealer to make money with a $7 can of decarb!

 

Aren't these trucks covered for 3 or 36? If it needs that type of repair shouldn't it be covered?