2000 F150 XLT 4x4 5.4

It's time for me to change my plugs. I just got off the phone with the local dealer. They told me it would be $611.65 to get the job done. This includes parts and labor. Parts being new plugs and boots. They also said the price includes some sort of carbon cleaning that boosts the rate of a clean plug removal by 90%.

Thoughts? Should I be hesitant to do this elsewhere given the spark plug issues that can arrise with this motor?

 

On a 2000, I'd do it myself. My 98 was easy to get at without any issues. It's the 2004 - 200? that gives everyone the problems with breaking plugs and hard to get at.

If you're set on having the dealership do the plugs, go buy the plugs yourself and have them do the install. You can buy the plug at the parts store for about 1/3 what the dealership will charge you.

 

I'm not completely set on a dealer doing it. While I am very mechanically inclined, and probably have the tools necessary, I am still hesitant to do it myself.

 

I would go to a different dealer. It sounds like he has your 2000 confused with the 2004-2008's. It should cost about half that.

 

Just do it yourself. Its really not that hard.

 

X2

your plugs do not have any issues breaking during removal. That is the in the 3v engine.

Plug costs are about $24 and boots are about $30, so you are spending $550 on labor that anyone semi mechanically inclined can do in about an hour/2.

Logic.

Do them yourself (motorcraft plugs sp-479) and determine if you even need new boots. Torque to 28ft/lbs is important.

 

Torquing them to specs is very important. Otherwise its a piece of cake. Paying that much for a plug change is ridiculous imo.

 

OP, where are you in Alabama? You can bring it to us in Columbus, we'll do it right and fair.

 

It's good to find out that the plugs for this motor don't come with the baggage of newer motors. You guys have provided quite the confidence boost. FoxFader, I appreciate the offer, but I'm thinking I may tackle this my self now.

Looks like I need to purchase (8) Motorcraft SP-479. If I'm changing my boots, do I need to be brand picky?

 

Changing the boots is not necessary if they are in good shape.

 

There is lots of info out there on how to do it with pics. Not much to it, but it helps to build the confidence if you see what others have done.... especially when they tell you what not to do. LOL

https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...s-2-valve.html

http://mattstruck.com/sparkplugs/sparkplugs.html

http://www.f150hub.com/maintenance/spark-plugs.html

 

yah its easy as pie on that truck, a set of plugs runs like 50-60 bucks IIRC

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...ange-pics.html

 

I wouldn't even consider having it done for more then $250. You can get the parts for less then $100. Motorcraft plugs and generic boot set. Probably more like $80 for everything at rock auto. 2 hours of your time and you make $600 almost by the time they add tax..

 

Great, good luck. I wouldn't sweat a brand, though Autolite wires from Advance proved to be good wires.

 

Are you a repair shop in Columbus?