Spark plugs cost???
#2
Wow that must be for 8 broken plugs.
There are some shops that will quote you the flat rate which is 2.8 hours, plus parts.
BUT
These plugs are known to break in engines built prior to some date in 2007.
There is a long specific TSB on the procedure to ATTEMPT to remove the plugs.
The dealer is in a no win position, and the flat rate tech should not be penalized for Fords sh*tty design and failure to stand behind their product.
So knowing the flat rate is 2.8 hours plus parts, ask the dealer for a figure for extracting each broken plug, in addition to the 2.8 hrs plus parts. IMHO no more than 1 hour per broken plug
Then pray the tech and service writer are honest and don't just come back saying all 8 broke.
There are techs out there who have developed their own non approved procedure. I have heard the same thing from independent techs and dealership techs, and it goes something like this.
The tech preps one bank of plugs too come out by removing what he can and loosening the coil on plug hardware. Then they take the truck out and beat the snot out of it t get it good and warm, pull in in the bay, get in there with a 3/8 inch impact wrench and zip the plugs out. Remember these engines are really strong, so a little abuse isn't going to harm them.
replace the plugs then repeat on the other side.
Ask the service manager which one of his guys is the best at doing the job, and request that tech. If you can get to the tech, which is possible in the smaller dealerships, slip him a 50 dollar bill and ask him to take good care of your truck before he starts the job. That buys you a lot of goodwill with the tech.
And I am not kidding about either the procedure or the bribe.
There are some shops that will quote you the flat rate which is 2.8 hours, plus parts.
BUT
These plugs are known to break in engines built prior to some date in 2007.
There is a long specific TSB on the procedure to ATTEMPT to remove the plugs.
The dealer is in a no win position, and the flat rate tech should not be penalized for Fords sh*tty design and failure to stand behind their product.
So knowing the flat rate is 2.8 hours plus parts, ask the dealer for a figure for extracting each broken plug, in addition to the 2.8 hrs plus parts. IMHO no more than 1 hour per broken plug
Then pray the tech and service writer are honest and don't just come back saying all 8 broke.
There are techs out there who have developed their own non approved procedure. I have heard the same thing from independent techs and dealership techs, and it goes something like this.
The tech preps one bank of plugs too come out by removing what he can and loosening the coil on plug hardware. Then they take the truck out and beat the snot out of it t get it good and warm, pull in in the bay, get in there with a 3/8 inch impact wrench and zip the plugs out. Remember these engines are really strong, so a little abuse isn't going to harm them.
replace the plugs then repeat on the other side.
Ask the service manager which one of his guys is the best at doing the job, and request that tech. If you can get to the tech, which is possible in the smaller dealerships, slip him a 50 dollar bill and ask him to take good care of your truck before he starts the job. That buys you a lot of goodwill with the tech.
And I am not kidding about either the procedure or the bribe.
Last edited by Neggy; 10-29-2011 at 03:11 PM.
#4
#5
Senior Member
I was Lucky my mechanic did them for 2 hour fee ($150) and the cost of 8 plugs was a little over $80. That was dirt cheap. Previous post doesn't make sense.
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#9
I am going through the same thing right now. I was quoted $815 from one dealership and they don't charge for broken plugs. Another dealership quoted $520 plus $150 per broken plug. Sounds like a bunch of "you know what" to me.
I am going to get quotes from some local indepdendant shops after reading the comments. Also, I am quoting buying the parts and doing it myself.
Stupid plugs.
I am going to get quotes from some local indepdendant shops after reading the comments. Also, I am quoting buying the parts and doing it myself.
Stupid plugs.