My KR started "missing" and the Service Engine light came on so I dropped it off at the place that has done our vehicles for some time.

They replace all of the spark plugs (originals in place with 66K) and then told me that the COP on cylinder 1 was the cause.

They charged me $149.95 for the COP plus labor. The damn thing is available retail for less than $70.00 at most major supply shops.

Any idea what FORD would charge for this same item (DG-508)? I think that I've been taken by my shop but would like to know what others feel before I go see them.

Thanks.

BTW - over $500.00 for reading the code / replacing all spark plugs / replacing number 1 COP / replace fuel filter. Seems like a lot of $ but this is my first time with the KR in the shop (other than oil changes).

 

that sounds about right.

changing the plugs on these trucks is very time consuming. Expect a $300 or so bill....

 

I think that the COPs are pretty common items on the 5.4... I see it all the time up in Engines.

Sorry about your troubles man. I know it's a royal PITA but, at least she's back to par now...

RP

 

I haven't seen the engine bay of a new F-150. However, I have a Ranger with the largest V6 available. I've changed the plugs twice on it and it's a bear to do. Not difficult, just tedious and a real knuckle-buster. Took me about 3 hours and a six-pack to do it the first time. Took me about 2 hours the second time. Still, I'd guess that a shop could do it in an hour for my truck. Every time I look at the engine bay of a new car/truck, I'm amazed at how densly packed everything is. When I work on my old Camaro, I can practically sit inside the engine bay! Took me about 20 min to change the plugs on that engine ... including an extra two plugs for V8.

$300 for a plug change at a shop? Labor rates are usually around $75/hour. I'm guessing that they're putting in ~$2 plugs and charging around $10 each. So, $220/$75/hr = ~3 hours. I can't believe that it would take a mechanic 3 hours to change plugs. Me? Sure -- probably take me 6 hours. But a mechanic?

I've heard that on the last generation of Chevy Camaros, you actually have to remove the exhaust manifolds to access the spark plugs. Does the F-150 have something major like this that adds a bunch of labor?

As for the jacked up cost on the COP, where are you sourcing the $70 at? Online or across the street? Makes a huge difference. If you could literally walk down the street to NAPA or AutoZone or something and buy it for 50% cheaper, then, yes, you got screwed.

If you mean that you've seen it online at parts houses for 50%, then you didn't really get screwed. 2x mark-up on parts seems about right based on what I've seen. Not fun, but stores have to carry inventory, which affects working capital turns, which greatly affects a business' overall success. Online stores don't have to do this. There's also the warranty costs, which most online stores don't have to deal with.