5.4 plug issues
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by BrianFX4
THought I would chime in here with my experience.
I am no mechanic so I went ahead and took my truck to the local Ford Dealership, Omeara Ford in the Denver, CO area. They told me it was $189.00 to change the plugs with a $25.00 per plug extraction if they broke one. Anyway I had them changed yesterday since I have 65k on the truck and all went well.
They kept the truck from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. The tech told me they took so long because they wanted to make sure they did not break any which would have cost me more money.
To me it was worth the $189 to save me the headache and stress of learning how to do it myself. They also told me that since they have been following a certain method that they have not had one plug break on them. I am assuming that they are following the same method that alot of you have described.
I am no mechanic so I went ahead and took my truck to the local Ford Dealership, Omeara Ford in the Denver, CO area. They told me it was $189.00 to change the plugs with a $25.00 per plug extraction if they broke one. Anyway I had them changed yesterday since I have 65k on the truck and all went well.
They kept the truck from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. The tech told me they took so long because they wanted to make sure they did not break any which would have cost me more money.
To me it was worth the $189 to save me the headache and stress of learning how to do it myself. They also told me that since they have been following a certain method that they have not had one plug break on them. I am assuming that they are following the same method that alot of you have described.
DMAC
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 155
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Brianfx4-that's some good work from the tech you used. I could have taken a road trip to that shop from here in Washington for that amount and probably still come out less than what I paid here to get mine all taken care of. I was one of the "unluckies" but my truck runs great again.
Does it seem like as more time goes by and more plugs are being changed that maybe they are getting done more appropriately since they are getting smarter to the issue. The trial and error is diminishing and the methods being used are more proven. Great for moving forward for all, bad for the earlier lab rats that drive too much like myself that got some big invoices for the extractions. I'm nearly done whining about this, ski season is about to begin.
Does it seem like as more time goes by and more plugs are being changed that maybe they are getting done more appropriately since they are getting smarter to the issue. The trial and error is diminishing and the methods being used are more proven. Great for moving forward for all, bad for the earlier lab rats that drive too much like myself that got some big invoices for the extractions. I'm nearly done whining about this, ski season is about to begin.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 447
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From: Colorado
Hey guys,
Omeara Ford has always treated me pretty well and for a dealership they are not bad as far as prices go.
DMAC66 I'll have to call and ask about the COP boots because I have no idea and I'm not mechanically smart enough to have asked that question when I got the price qoute. AS soon as I can take second and make a phone call I'll find out for you.
Omeara Ford has always treated me pretty well and for a dealership they are not bad as far as prices go.
DMAC66 I'll have to call and ask about the COP boots because I have no idea and I'm not mechanically smart enough to have asked that question when I got the price qoute. AS soon as I can take second and make a phone call I'll find out for you.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 42
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From: Tacoma, Wa.
I asked the question about the plug changes in the 5.4, at my local Ford dealer, and they said, if they brake it, they fix it. But, I forgot to ask the price. If $400, like I seen in a previous post, covers a tuneup, I'll let them do it.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 42
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From: Tacoma, Wa.
Korum in Puyallup. It's a ways to go before I need to do anything maintenance wise. I also had another issue not related, and they appear to be very helpful there also. It's not resolved yet, not a big thing, but I will let you know how it, and anything else comes out.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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DMAC66, my tech didnt use the deep creep only because he felt after the initial "snap" of the plug thre threads and entire plug were free and there was no resistance whatsoever. He and I have known each other for many years and I also know that if he wasnt confident in the plugs coming out freely that he would've used it and if they had broke, he would've been doing what it took to remedy the problem for me. I know I am very lucky to be in a position like this as most are not, but I also know that as a service advisor, I take very good care of him in the shop and for the most part am responsible for his paycheck. So I guess the old saying, "you scratch my back.................." On a lighter note, he is also the same tech that did my rear diff service right after I bought the truck because the clutch packs were "grabbing" and painted a silver hand with one particular finger pointing up on the diff cover. I didnt realize it until i was well on my way out of town for a much needed mini-vacation. Everyone in the shop had a good laugh over it on Monday when i returned, including myself. (the painted hand is still there, lol)
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Stratus: In your shop what has been your experience in changing these plugs are quite a few breaking or do your techs have it down so they get them all out?? I am getting close to 40K and considering having mine done early.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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I also live in the south sound area (Yelm) so I am real interested in finding a good dealer to remove the plugs. I've used All Star for some minor stuff; however, I'm trying to find a good shop to get work done at. I moved to the area a little over a year ago. I have almost 60k on the truck and I'm on the edge of having the plugs replaced or waiting until 100k.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Nomad: I have used Van Cleve ford in MOrton very friendly and nice to deal with family owned for 3 generations I think very honest am going to have them do my plugs soon they quoted me $300 a few month back have not checked lately and have not discussed what happens if they break any but their service manager told me they have not had any issues changing them????
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 155
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So, I thought I better chime in on this one. When I originally took my truck in to get the plugs changed. I made a decision to take it to a shop in Maple Valley. They have worked on my truck (exhaust, oil, shocks, other stuff) I asked if they have had any problems or experience with the plugs on the 04-0now F150's. I was told that yes and they haven't had any problems with them. I was told the price to remove the plugs was going to be around $300. NO talk about what ifs or additional charges if the plugs stick or break off. Incidentally, they broke 6. They were absolutely not able to remove them and I needed to have the head removed to get them. I decided to tow the truck away from the shop back to Olympia for another $300.00 I had it dropped at the Ford dealership and they were able to extract the 6 broken plugs and 2 just came out fine. It took them a full night of soaking in Kroil and the entire following day to complete it. It cost me $1100 minus a 10% good customer discount. whoo hooo.... So be VERY careful at the non Ford shop. Just my piece of info and my unfortunate event.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
Stratus: In your shop what has been your experience in changing these plugs are quite a few breaking or do your techs have it down so they get them all out?? I am getting close to 40K and considering having mine done early.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 42
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From: Tacoma, Wa.
Speaking of fuel, in the winter, don't the gas stations use more of an ethanol blend? Which I hear gives lower gas mileage. What about carbon deposits with ethanol?
I hear that they use ethanol in the winter for emissions. Summer, it's ok?
Have I given you my thoughts about politicians.
I hear that they use ethanol in the winter for emissions. Summer, it's ok?
Have I given you my thoughts about politicians.