JulieOffRoad

I've been trying to shop around and find price quotes for a tune up on my '98 F150, V8 4.6. I'm overdue for new spark plugs and know about how much they cost but can't find estimates on labor. Places I call all want me to 'bring it in and we'll check it out' and I know where that conversation is heading.

Labor rates here in San Jose, CA are $100/hr so I'm trying to find a cheaper shop or at least one that wont take 3 hours to do the job. So far I'm told $450 for plugs, ignition wires, and PCV valve. Any advice would be gladly welcome!

BolletuH

Change the stuff yourself man it's very easy but somewhat frustrating. Cylinder 4 is nearly impossible but with a universal socket joint you should be just fine. Replace your coils while you are it to prevent any no start failures due to an electrical issue. Change the PCV valve yourself as well it's located in the passenger side valve cover, and LITERALLY takes about three minutes.

doeboy

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
i'm with him,change them yourself;i just payed $130 for plugs and wires yesterday and thats canadian!!

JulieOffRoad

Thanks for the replies! Arent coils the expensive part though? And rarely need to be changed?

My F150 is a '98 and has 240k miles. Trying to get one more year out of it. Should I still spend the little bit extra for the high end spark plugs?

otto457

The coils don't have to be expensive. The Motorcraft ones are, but many have had great success with Gama coils from Global. From what can be determined, they are exactly the same as OEM without the price.

Motorcraft Platinums are a good plug for the money, SP479 are the ones you'll need. You can spend $16 a plug for Denso Iridiums but there won't be much difference besides longevity of the plug.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IGNIT...ht_1717wt_1165

ryanbiggz100603

they are not that bad to change your self i did my plugs, wires, and oil and about 2 hours but it can get frustrating doing the plugs.... especially if you dont have the right tools

colton

everyone talks bad about the accel coils, but i havent had any problems with them. theyre the cheapest i could find, but maybe im just lucky. ive heard a lot of people complain about them.

you never know what you might find if you do it yourself, two of my coils had no bolt holding them on, and i found a rubber cap in cylinder 1 between my spark plug and coil, line to the pcv valve was bad, 4x4 vacuum lines were broken, and a few more things i cant remember. truck still ran alright though, i never would of known if i wouldnt of taken a close look at it all.