McGovern04STX

So I got my 2004 STX 4.6 with about 100k. Now it's got 121k and I have no clue if the plugs have ever been changed. Also my mpg is getting bad 8-10mpg. Anyone know if maybe my plugs could be a problem with that? No miss fire or anything, just haven't came up with the cash/time to do them. Any input helps.

Rick's 06

That mileage is pretty bad, so I'd change them if it were mine. It won't cost that much to change them out anyway, and then you'll know when they were done. At least you don't have to worry about the spark plugs breaking on yours.

McGovern04STX

Thing is, I would but I'm on a very limited budget (Still in high school, working part time) and at the Ford Dealer I work at, they said it'd be like $400-500 to change them, and that's the techs im cool with and they're doing it on the side!

picaflor

sparkplugs range each between $8 (motorcraft) (DELETED)
with limited budget, DIY its the best way to go.

screw150

He has a 4.6. No need for Lisle as these plugs dont break. $500 is rediculous.

STX-9Pointer

$400 or $500 bucks is a joke!!!you can DIY for less then $100 easy!!

'08f150stx

Make a major investment. A repair manual.
You made comments before about poor gas mileage.
Mine is poor to begin with, but even worse with the cold weather.
11 around town in the cold weather.

100k + on your truck....there are lots of things that need to be maintained.
Get a service manual. Do the plugs yourself.

If you don't have the tools, maybe one of those cool mechanic friends
can help you out there.

All kidding aside, you learn lots of lessons with your first vehicle.
I know I did. Do it the right way. I had the Chiltons manual from
the shop I worked at.

picaflor

i missed that. then, easy change... just get the spark plugs and do it... wont be hard. get the haynes manual for $25 and you are all set.

McGovern04STX

O I though The 4.6L had the spark plugs that break too, that's why I wanted to get a mechanic to do it. If the 4.6s aren't like the 5.4s then hell that should be an easy job. I've changed plugs on older carbeurated engines and mowers and stuff but. They of course are alot easier. How hard would they be on my truck?

Mod (Ret.)

Got a buddy who's a good shadetree mechanic? If you're not comfortable doing the work yourself or lack the tools, check around the school to see if anyone will help you out. A free breakfast, lunch, or dinner to a fellow college student goes a long way, and you'd still be way ahead in price. The 4.6's have no issues with spark plug changes like the early 5.4's did. I think your local Ford dealer assumed you had a 5.4, and quoted you that going price.