simple post about cost... I don't have time nor want to be in the cold farting around with a GPR or testing glow plugs. I've opt'd to take it to a mecahnic but how much do you think this is going to cost me (on average). Just trying to prepare myself for the repair.

Thanks!
Al

 

avg cost of each plug is 5-10 bucks, so figure on 80 bucks in plugs. then factor in 3-4 hours of labor at 80 bucks an hour, so call it 320 bucks in labor. then go for misc parts that may be no good like valve cover gaskets and or burnt under valve cover harnesses, each harness is roughly 30-40 bucks with a possibility of all 4 being cracked and melted adn the gasket is another 30-40 bucks with 2 being possible. so with all that i would say estimate a minimum price of 400 and a max of 640 plus shop supplies and taxes/surcharges.

thats assuming you have no swollen plugs as well.......

 

$60 bucks on ebay. Of course you have to DIY. Not having a shop gets expensive quick.

 

If you look around you will find some one who works out of his own garage or something and only charges about 50 per hour. Might take time before you find someone like that who you will trust with your truck but you might want to start looking. Some times you will find your self in a situation where you just dont have the time to do it yourself.

Good luck.

 

It's really not hard to DIY, its the first repair on a diesel engine I ever did. If you do decide to DIY, DO NOT GET AUTOLITE GLOW PLUGS. I made that mistake, 4 went bad after a week.
Coon, when you said swollen glow plugs I think that is what I ran into on one. Threaded out fine but when I tried to remove it, it would not come out. Took about 45 minutes on that one GP to remove it. What is that caused by?

 

Just payed $79 on e-bay for ZD-11's Ford wanted $23 a piece!! Holy Crap!!!

 

If you have the time you can get the parts and bring them to a mechanic with your truck. Did that before. They are not going to do any shopping around for you. Any shop you go to is going to pay whatever it takes to get the parts minus there discount then charge you full price and maybe more fore the parts.

 

Local stealership charges 800.

 

Darn, I don't charge enough, I usually charge $100-$150 to R&R glow plugs but owner brings their own.