Tuneup prices

[Horsepower]

I went to the Ford dealer to ask for an estimate regarding a tuneup for plugs and wires. The mechanic informed me that my Marauder uses coils and not wires. The final estimate was over a grand. Plz help because that is clearly ********. Goodyear said they would tune me up for $500. How much should this work order be?

[a_d_a_m]

COPs (coils) alone are going to be a large portion of the $500 estimate. What makes you think you need new ones? Is your engine missing?

Buy some new plugs (less than $30) and install them and see what happens.

[RR|Suki]

tune up? This isn't the 50s, go buy 8 plugs and some MAF cleaner. Spray the MAF with the cleaner and let it air dry. Install the spark plugs. There you go all good for $20

[SpartaPerformance]

What's included at the dealer for $1,000 and what's included at Goodyear for $500? I would seriously doubt Goodyear is going to replace coils and if so they most likely will use parts with "hieroglyphics" on them not genuine Ford.

[Horsepower]

Well its over a 100,000. Yea, its definitely missing so I'll get the plugs myself. How do I install and what tools do I need ?

[Blk Mamba]

Accel coils for $27 @, Iridium plugs, $6 @, do it yourself in 1 hour max, $250.

[RR|Suki]

Accel coils for $27 @, Iridium plugs, $6 @, do it yourself in 1 hour max, $250.

:eek: or 8 regular plugs which are just as good for $1.25 each and see if the miss goes away :o

[FordNut]

Before changing the plugs and stripping a thread or ruining a head, research one of the many plug replacement threads that have been posted...

First, change the plugs and see if the miss goes away, then try the COPs.

[LANDY]

plug in an obd scanner, that's first then go from there.

[JUST 1BULLITT]

GOOD ADVICE!! Damn, I had NO idea dealers would charge this much for a "tune"...:eek: :shake: Hell, I've still got my ORIGINAL BATTERY in my SBMM!! :cool: DEFINITELY want to go your route first!
plug in an obd scanner, that's first then go from there.

[RF Overlord]

How do I install and what tools do I need?A spark plug socket, a long extension, and a torque wrench. Remove the old plugs when the engine is COLD. When installing the new ones, you can use anti-seize or not, you'll get both recommendations. If you do, use VERY little. This isn't your father's Oldsmopile so don't try to guess at whether they're properly tightened. USE A TORQUE WRENCH and set the new plugs to 11 ft/lbs...or 132 in/lbs. The aluminium heads only have a few threads and over-tightening is easy, which will ruin the threads in a hurry. Under-tightening is almost as bad.

[musclemerc]

Yes a true tune up from Ford will cost you that much. The COP's are $87.00 each and you need 8, now throw in the costs of plugs, pcv valve, fuel filter, cleaning the MAF& the IAT valve, and labor. Stay away from the Goodyear place they will not include half the parts.

On the other hand you could buy a small set of tools, read a few DIY threads posted here, buy your parts, do the work yourself, and keep your cash in your pocket.

[justbob]

Do you need my address? I'll make sure the tune up is WELL under $500 and after that, we can start looking into your miss.

What i am trying to say is never tell a shop you need a tune up, that would be self diagnosing on your part and could get very ugly in the wallet. Simply tell them the problem you are experiencing and what kind of maintanance the car has seen. This problem could be a multitude of possibilities or even worse more than one thing to chase down.

Good luck.

[SID210SA]

Lots of "How To" vids on youtube.

[MOTOWN]

this is something you can easily do your self if your handy, a set of plugs,air filter, fuel filter, and clean your iac, and maf.

save those coins!

[1stMerc]

Well its over a 100,000. Yea, its definitely missing so I'll get the plugs myself. How do I install and what tools do I need ?

Have you ever changed plugs before or just not sure how to do so on this engine?

[Horsepower]

Have you ever changed plugs before or just not sure how to do so on this engine?


Never changed them before. I can follow directions very well. So therefore I come here for advice. Doing a tuneup is not difficult from what I know.

[Pat]

Mr. H,

Doom has a nice spark plug change kit, (ribs are optional)



http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/21/medium/DSC03685.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[Pat]

Mr H.

Changing the plugs is realatively easy, see my post above for tools. The breaker bar is not a requirement but I use it to loosen #4 plug (rear, drivers side) because I have little upper body strength and that plug is harder to break free and I don't want to strip the socket or break the plug. Otherwise a good 3/8 socket is OK.

1. Remove the COP cover, 2 X 10MM short bolts)

2. Remove the COP (one per plug) by pulling up, try not to jerk them so that the spring that grips the plug is not stretched. You do not have to take the electrical connector off each cop, but if you do "unlock" the tab first so you do not break the connector.

3. with a 10" extension (or longer) fitted to a grip style spark plug socket,"break" the plug free and remove plug. My plug socket and extension are welded together to keep the socket from falling off the extension.

Keep the tool "string" aligned perpendicular with the plug.

The two middle plugs on the drivers side may require the inlet air duct to be removed, or a "universal adapter" may be needed to get around obstacles.

4. inspect old plug, threads will probably be lightly coated with oil (not really wet).
Tip should be tan to light brown. If plug is fouled with heavy oil that is an indication that the plug is bad or that cylinder is not firing.

5. Check the gap between the ground strap on the plug and the tip. Use a gapping tool if necessary. Gap should be around .052 - .056 inch. I recommend motorcraft plugs. Plugs are not pre-gapped. Check 'em.

6. Very lightly coat new plug threads with anti size compound, do not get any on tip of plug.

7. Insert plug into gripping socket and then put plug/socket/extension into hole and start threading. Make sure the threads are turning with ease and not cross-hreading (bad)

8. Hand tighten then use torque wrench to finish tightening, 11 ft - 13 ft pounds or 132 inch pounds (at least), do not overtighten..

9. reinsert COP firmly making sure it is seated on the plug.

10. repeat for each plug.

Hope this helps, if I made a mistake I'm sure others will catch it and advise.

Regards,

[musclemerc]

I may be able to help you with the COP's. I can get you a set of new OEM take off's for $135.00 shipped.

**First you need to PM MM03MOK and ask her if it will be OK for me to do it**

[ctrlraven]

See if anyone is local or close to your area that might be willing to help you out if needed as well. Change plugs, clean MAFS and IAC and replace fuel filter. Once you see how they're done it will be easy to do in the future.

[tbone]

Why do some recommend ant-seize? Never have I heard this in the past for plugs, and I've never had an issue. Is it something with the MM?

[musclemerc]

The MM has aluminum heads with a shallow thread depth for the plugs **4 threads IIRC** after heating and cooling the threads and plugs will sieze so antisieze is a necessity not an option. Besides the antisieze helps with the torque down on the plugs

[tbone]

The MM has aluminum heads with a shallow thread depth for the plugs **4 threads IIRC** after heating and cooling the threads and plugs will sieze so antisieze is a necessity not an option. Besides the antisieze helps with the torque down on the plugs


When I changed my plugs at 92K, it did not look like there was anything on them. Maybe it burns off. I installed new plugs without the anti-seize. I suppose I should take them off and do it.

[musclemerc]

You dont have to but if you expect them to be removed without any thread damage I would do it.

[LANDY]

When I changed my plugs at 92K, it did not look like there was anything on them. Maybe it burns off. I installed new plugs without the anti-seize. I suppose I should take them off and do it.I put anti seize on every thread I screw in my car

[WI Fordguy]

or.....if the kid thinks his car has plug wires maybe he has no business touching anything under the hood. There are professional mechanics for a reason. I for one get tired of seeing the carnage from a failed "home repair".

[CBT]

or.....if the kid thinks his car has plug wires maybe he has no business touching anything under the hood. There are professional mechanics for a reason. I for one get tired of seeing the carnage from a failed "home repair".

We all started somewhere, I'm pretty sure no one on this board was born a professional mechanic.

[Horsepower]

or.....if the kid thinks his car has plug wires maybe he has no business touching anything under the hood. There are professional mechanics for a reason. I for one get tired of seeing the carnage from a failed "home repair".

Which is why I'm looking for a solution other then paying the dealer. They're asking for entirely to much money for a small job. I can buy the parts myself and have a pro at home.

[SC Cheesehead]

We all started somewhere, I'm pretty sure no one on this board was born a professional mechanic.


I dunno, you ever meet frdwrnch?

[fastblackmerc]

Which is why I'm looking for a solution other then paying the dealer. They're asking for entirely to much money for a small job. I can buy the parts myself and have a pro at home.

Come down to N.C. I'll take care of you.

[Horsepower]

Come down to N.C. I'll take care of you.


drive to nc for a tuneup??/:rofl:
thx for the invite but no thx to the mileage

[1stMerc]

Mr. H,

Doom has a nice spark plug change kit, (ribs are optional)



http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/21/medium/DSC03685.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

Add a short piece of rubber/plastic hose to this (12") this aids in starting plug back in hole.

And make sure that engine is cold, cold,cold before removing plugs.

[Horsepower]

Thx alot folks

[mrjones]

I wish I'd had a resource like this when I started waving tools at my own stuff 35 or so years ago. Lots of help here if you can just wade through some of the sniping. One tool that I've found that is very helpful for changing plugs on these OHC engines is a set of three Craftsman Tools locking 3/8 extension bars, available for $20 at Sears.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943355000P?key word=3/8+locking+extension&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

Oops, looks like they've gone up to $25, but still very much worth it. It will keep you from dropping the spark plug socket down in the hole.

[SC Cheesehead]

I wish I'd had a resource like this when I started waving tools at my own stuff 35 or so years ago. Lots of help here if you can just wade through some of the sniping. One tool that I've found that is very helpful for changing plugs on these OHC engines is a set of three Craftsman Tools locking 3/8 extension bars, available for $20 at Sears.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943355000P?key word=3/8+locking+extension&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

Oops, looks like they've gone up to $25, but still very much worth it. It will keep you from dropping the spark plug socket down in the hole.

That ain't sniping, that's character building, son... ;)

[1stMerc]

I wish I'd had a resource like this when I started waving tools at my own stuff 35 or so years ago. Lots of help here if you can just wade through some of the sniping. One tool that I've found that is very helpful for changing plugs on these OHC engines is a set of three Craftsman Tools locking 3/8 extension bars, available for $20 at Sears.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943355000P?key word=3/8+locking+extension&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

Oops, looks like they've gone up to $25, but still very much worth it. It will keep you from dropping the spark plug socket down in the hole.

You just reminded me of another tip. Get two sockets, one with the rubber insert for pulling plugs. The other remove the insert so you don't have wrestle getting it back out.

[Horsepower]

I think I will go with raven's idea to have a pro. I asked for help from an older sibling. He agreed with no problem and he'll teach me as he goes. I realized it wasn't a good idea to try this, and I've never done it before. Thx for the info tho... still alot of help. :beer:

[Pat]

I think I will go with raven's idea to have a pro. I asked for help from an older sibling. He agreed with no problem and he'll teach me as he goes. I realized it wasn't a good idea to try this, and I've never done it before. Thx for the info tho... still alot of help. :beer:

Here's another idea, find a Mustang car club, go to a meeting and ask someone to show you how. Just changing one plug can build your confidence. These are usually good people.

[Kramer]

I just replaced 1 coil at $238. Is this a difficult repair to do on my own?
Can someone recommed a good coil replacement part?

[MOTOWN]

you could bought an entire set of accell coils for that price from jegs, or summit.

[CBT]

You have got to be kidding. :eek: :shake:


I just replaced 1 coil at $238. Is this a difficult repair to do on my own?
Can someone recommed a good coil replacement part?

[rayjay]

Before he got a family member to help I was gonna say don't WE here have anyone in the club in the Philly area that could go spend 30 minutes teaching this young guy?

$238 for a coil pack? Sounds like a lot of diagnosis or you got bent over the fender and sodomized....

[Mac-MerC]

or.....if the kid thinks his car has plug wires maybe he has no business touching anything under the hood. There are professional mechanics for a reason. I for one get tired of seeing the carnage from a failed "home repair".

get a new profession then a-hole

[SC Cheesehead]

get a new profession then a-hole

Another country heard from... :rolleyes:

[Mac-MerC]

................... whatever that means

[SC Cheesehead]

................... whatever that means


http://www.wordwizard.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6416&p=32620

;)

[Mac-MerC]

what a waste