GATORB8

Maybe if you named it something eye catching like "Stop! Read this before you post" someone might read it.

CrashTECH

Doh!

I knew I did something wrong

In all seriousness though, I have heard of shops charging $50+ per plug that breaks, if not more than that. Granted, you can buy the tool for <$100 (right?). Still looking at several hours of your own labor, even with the tool. I don't know about you, but my hourly rate is pretty high.

yz85rider2002

or either alot of beer

4nwtf

and a lot of cussing!!!

drof 1

Not sure what year your 5.4 is, but it really is not hard to change plugs, at least not on my 01 5.4
One evening after work I changed mine in just over an hour while talking with the guys going over the days work.

Ford dealer here charges $270.00 to change plugs. Wasn't a bad price I thought, but I had the time so I did it myself, especially after last time they changed my plugs, (supposedly) they installed a plug to hot for my engine & caused the engine to blow.

I have always heard to stick with motocraft plugs for best performance.

For the breaking of a plug(s) to be covered, I would ask myself, if I expect to have this covered in the event one or more breaks, this would have to be a considerable up charge. Personally, I would not ask this be included.
For a number of reasons,
one being, A reptuable shop will never break a plug intentionally.
two being, if it happens I would espect to pay the additional labor to get back to where the work was. This is the only way to get a fair price.
Three being, If I was going to change plugs for someone & they asked me if I would cover any plugs breaking in that price, it would make me think there was something here someone was not telling me about & I should maybe triple my price.
Just ask what the price would be per plug in the event one does break & I believe you will end up with a decent job.
If you hire a friend, (skilled or otherwise), there is risk, more so if you go to an established business with proper insurances and as important, proper tools.

I have been in business for over 35 years, the last 15 plus years doing re-work, (meaning when jobs go wrong & end up in court I am brought in to complete the work, document everything & then act as the expert witness.
I go in totally neutral to both parties and along with the work, I have to document the work enviroment, (meaning what i can learn from both sides).
I am a firm believer in people are who they are & never change.
You knwo a liar believes everyone lies, a thief believes everyone steals, a cheater believes everyone cheats, or an honest person believes everyone is honest.
Time always proves who we each are.
Expect something for nothing & you will end up paying many times over for just that, "nothing".
Just my 2 cents, --=shrug Best of luck to you.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

What he should expect is one of the plugs to break 04-08's do that...

GATORB8

drof 1, your 01 is a 2 valve 5.4, starting in 2004 Ford introduced the new 3 valve VCT 5.4L. Just so happens that they use what are called 2 piece spark plugs, which feature a lower shaft on the engine side of the threads that get locked in place by carbon deposits. When you remove the plug the lower "piece" stays in place and breaks off, making for very fun plug changes. There are tools made by most mainstream mechanical tool providers for the extraction of the 04-07 broken plugs (Ford changed the head and plug designs to correct the issue in some of the 08s).

drof 1

Thanks Gator, that is good to know, even though it sounds crazy.
I knew there was a reason why bought a new motor for my 01 instead of a new truck..

But still, I believe if one ask the price per plug if breakage occurs would be better than getting a price to include any breakage.
Being in business if a customer wants a price in the event of worst case scenerio, one would quote all 8 breaking. No?

With what you show above & if his truck is a newer truck with this type of plug, I would take it to a shop & not risk friendship for a few bucks. One at a shop would have more experience working with this type of plug & know the questions to ask to offer a proper price, with the additional in the event any break.
People believe shops are out to get rich per job, but they have to be competitive & because individuals do a certain task each day they know or learn it tricks, (so to speak) to get a vehical in & out to make a profit.

Evil_E

You can buy these plugs at your auto parts store. pzt1f (sp-462) for around $8 ea.

cougrlvr

Thanks again for the feedback fellas...yes I am noob..that is ok..I am a noob at this..single dad here and work nights..I don't have time ....if any of you live in the orange county, ca area pm me if you have a better deal..he can get the plugs for 15 bucks..but I just checked and they cost 7.99 wtf? ...SP507 ..I wish I could do this myself because I do many things on my own...but this I just can't...former Marine here..thanks again guys..awesome site and staff.