I have a 2001 F250 V10, just turned over 100k. Maintenance schedule calls for spark plug change. When I took it to the dealer they seemed reluctant to change the plugs, first telling me that the plugs were $11 a pop and then saying they'd have to see how much labor it would take. They called me back with an estimate for a 100k mile "tuneup" of around $500, including the plug change.

First, I've had no problem with the infamous spark plug spitting. The truck runs fine. Am I asking for trouble for changing the plugs according to the manufacturers maintenance schedule, or should I just leave well enough alone?

Second, what else is there to "tuneup", other than changing the plugs?

 

Well I for one and getting tired of dealing with dealers. They charge $80.00 a hour and have set time estimates for doing a job and thats what they charge you even if it takes less time.

I will be changing plugs and boots every 40,000 miles. $11.00 for a MC plug sounds high to me. I will be changing plugs and boots myself and I try to avoid dealers when possible.

Also if you et the dealer to change parts ask for the old parts to make sure you get what you pay for and you can see how bad the parts were.

 

They gave you a quote but you didn't ask what the quote was for??

If you cannot do it yourself, I would find a good independant mechanic to change your plugs. And I wouldn't wait for too long. They really should've been changed about 20K ago. (40K intervals is a bit extreme)

 

A tuneup could be any number of things.

Did you buy the truck new or get it used?

Some like to change them at 65K miles and some at 80. Still there are those that stick with 100K. The thing about changing them earlier is not because the plugs will be bad, but because of the nature of the design we're forced to deal with in the Triton engine. It's just good practice to change them earlier.

FWIW, I'm one of the 65Kers and am glad I checked them at the time. They were not that bad at the electrode, but where the steel met the aluminum alloy, it was a bit rusty and on the verge of extreme oxidation. I have the '99 model, which also had a few extra headaches to deal with - like leaky heater hoses, etc.

At that change I discovered that the boots were falling apart. They're not made of the stuff that should withstand trapped and sometimes humid, hot air that you get in those plug cavitites. Wound up changing every one of those.

So, in short, the plug change is for the benefit of the engine and not due to bad plugs.

As far as a tuneup punch list, I'd only add the vacuum lines, including all connectors, an air filter, fuel filter, and serpentine belt. Maybe someone else can add a few.

 

100 thousand miles between tune ups is a great sales and advertising gimmick to entice all of the back yard mechanics...

that used to replace plugs, points, and condenser, fuel and Air filter, clean the carburetor and check the float level, wire up a new distributor cap with high tension cables, pop a new rotor inside and then remember that the silly beast needs the valve lash adjusted and a new set of valve cover gaskets too....

some energetic dudes actually had enough time left late Sunday afternoon to flush the radiator and put in new coolant mixture and finally their beer soaked brain cells started to remember....

the most important service .....so they missed the evening news waiting for the cold oil to finish dripping while cussing the stupid tight and hard to get to side mounted filter

Dang the more I type the more I love my 100 thousand mile service truck

 

lmfao...Fred.

Okay...