I got a lovely surprise when taking my 1993 Ford F-150 4WD in for state inspection. It has cracked exhaust manifolds on both sides along with a leaking front fuel tank. The quote is about $1300 ($600 parts and $700 labor) to fix all of it which it needs to pass state inspection. I have found that ordering the parts myself online (approximately $110 for the manifolds and $180 for polyethylene gas tank) will save me some $$. My question is does that sound like a reasonable price for the labor? Their rate is $70 per hour and they're estimating about 10 hours. Is this a 10 hour job for a skilled mechanic?

Also, any modifications I might think about with the exhaust system that might offer more power, better economy, etc., while I am into it? Any opinions on headers? Are they worth the extra $$ for increased power? Better fuel economy ?

If it matters, the truck has the 5.0L motor with approximately 87,000 miles on it; I only put about 4,000 miles per year on this truck as it is mainly for recreational use.


Thanks in advance for any input.

 

First of all, I'd get another opinion on the vehicle. It seems odd to me that both manifolds would crack at the same time?!? (Presumably since the last inspection.)
If the reported problems are legit, then the labor probably is about right if they figure some of the bolts will break off and have to be dealt with.
A lot depends on what you (or you and some friends?) are comfortable doing in working on the vehicle, versus what $$$ you have to spend. In my economy, $1,000 (parts markup plus their labor cost) would easily justify me spending 20 hours working on it. But that's just me.

 

where'd you find the manifolds online? i'm in need of a set myself. thanks!

 

$70/hour sounds a little high to me, but not too far out of line. for my area (midwest) for the most part we are around 55-65/hr. Higher at the dealer lower at the mom/pop places.
I would recomend trying to do as much of the work yourself as you feel comfortable doing. Exhaust manifolds arn't too hard to change, just soak down your bolts for a few days to a week before trying to break them loose.
Gas tanks are the same thing. not too bad if you have the area and time to work on it. Luckily you don't rely on your truck for daily transporataion so if it is down for several days you won't be stranded.
If you decide to have somebody else do it ask around, you might be able to find a better deal, just make sure it is a reputable place that will stand behind their work.
Almost forgot, LMC truck carries manifolds.

 

I worked this one up based on the $70 labor rate, 5% mark up on parts and 5% tax. I used your figures on the vehicle type. Labor rate where I am is around $85 an hour. Exhaust manifold can be a real pain with that year truck do to the rusted bolts alone. Let the shop break them and replace them in the time frame given. I'd pay it. I feel for ya. I paid $2200 for my 1993 F250 5.8 with MMII plow and had to dump another $3700 into it to get it to pass inspection. Cat, rear tank & Pump, rear main seal, value cover gaskets, oil pain and gasket, EGR value, timing chain gasket, tapped out both exhaust manifolds with new studs and a few other small things. Ouch..... and I still have a small leak at one of the pipes to the exhaust manifold which I can’t seem to seal up for the life of me. No gaskets there but the cup and manifold both look good. Anyways, I would also suggest replacing the fuel pump while you have the tank off because you know what will happen if you don’t. Good Luck.!!!

 

I would just replace your exhaust manifolds with headers. You can buy everthing you need from LMC, Summit, Macs, and ???? damn cant remember name of it but its sitting in magazine stand next to the can. lol. You can buy all the pre bent pipe online as well. Let Kell104 said just soak those bolts down good over a couple days. Its not the bad if you have the time, and if you have never done this before it can be learning time. The gas tanks are simple just MAKE SURE ITS EMPTY FIRST!!!!!!. Did my buddys a while ago and he had about 25gallons of fuel in it. Theres some straps and what have ya and then let it down. I all about saving money though.

 

90% of the Ford trucks (of 20)where I work are 5.8 and if one side manifold is bad the other follows in a month or 2. Do it your self .Just let it be known that bolts do break and you need to line up. bolt removers , Torch for heat if needed. Dont go buy them just know where you can get them. Luckly I don't have to many problems with breakage. If have 2 tanks reuse pump unless noisy. One truck I have the rear pump has been in 3 trucks , (got it 2nd hand and then removed and swaped to newer truck) . But tank swaps are easy. If not comfortable get 2,3,4 th estiment. Buy own parts reguardless of you doing it or garage.
Just tell them you were going to do it and don't have time. Do the tank your self aim for weekend but shouldn't take more that long. Do post search . I just support with floor jack (use old rim to spread weight. remove straps filler tube. lower2-3 " watch lines up top lower till get hand in to remove lines & conections . Removing the bed 4x the work ( If you live in rust prone area well as heavy). Cheep us posted

 

There is a post in one of the forums (Aerostar, Explorer or F150, I don't remember which, I have all 3 and spend time in each) where I guy was replacing a fuel filter. The short version is that the line still had pressure, sprayed him and his work light. The bulb burst, ignited the gas, sent him to the hospital--and his vehicle burned. Not trying to scare you, but you need to be careful how you apply heat to those manifold bolts. And watch for sources of ignition as you mess with that "empty" tank. The fumes inside it would still likely make it into a nice bomb.

 

Thanks for all the input, men. The job is a bit beyond my comfort level and I'm just trying to save the $$ where I can. I found the manifolds at www.1aauto.com. I have never done business with them but they appear like a quality operation. I found the polyethylene gas tank at JC Whitney. Just waiting now to hear back from the backyard mechanic that was highly recommended to me by a friend.

I am leaning heavy toward putting headers on the truck to boost the power, economy, etc. Thanks again for the tips; I am still listening!