It cooled off here in NC for the past few days, so I took the time to tune-up the old '89 F-150 4.9L (122,000 miles). I had previously ordered plugs (MC) and a tune-up kit from RockAuto. The kit contained plug wires, distributor cap and button. I set the gap on the plugs and got everything ready.

It took about 45 minutes total to replace all six plugs, wires, cap and button. I was surprised by how much smoother the I-6 ran with new parts. My Dad kept terrific records. I knew that the wires and plugs had been changed at 74,xxx miles in 1994. The cap and button had never been changed.

The plugs were not terrible, but they were worn. The wires were probably ok, but they were 16 years and 50k miles old. The cap and button were pretty well worn. They were the originals that came on the truck.

These old Fords are so much easier to work on vs. newer trucks. My wife had a 1998 Expy years ago and trying to replace the plugs in that 5.4L was an all day job. I probably have less than $30 in this tune-up. It is a great feeling to know that the old Ford is running like new. That was 45 mins and $30 well spent!!!

 

Hey i have just bought the same truck (if its a half ton 5 speed) and i agree about working on the older trucks my friend had like a 06 Saturn (car) and there was no way i could have worked on it if i try.

By the way thanks for letting me know about how much a tune up will cost i bet mine could use it! thanks again

 

Budget about $150 to do everything and do it right.

 

I believe the tune up really made a difference in performance and gas mileage. I buy a lot of parts from Rock Auto and have them shipped. There are some drawbacks to ordering on-line vs. at the store, but Rock Auto has a much wider selection vs. any parts store that I have found. They have a tune-up kit with wires, cap and button that seem to be good quality parts. The price of buying the kit was much less expensive than buying separate items or buying Motorcraft parts. I did order the MC plugs.

Here is a discount code that Rock Auto sent to me. It is for 5% off and good through 9/15.

35991292960811

Enter it where is says "How did you hear about us?"

I did change the oil and bought an air filter, but the one in the truck was new. I also bought a fuel filter, but I haven't tackled that project yet.

Good luck and let me know how it runs after you are finished.

 

The fuel filter is on the frame rail just about where the door & fender meet, on the driver's side. It takes as long to change it as it does to tell you how to do it. A one screwdriver job.

 

Whereabouts in NC are you located?

- NCSU

 

I plan to get that fuel filter on this weekend. I have 3 little boys (7,5,2) and they love to do anything that requires using the toolbox. I didn't want to mess around with gas when they are "helping".

NCSU - I live in Salisbury, NC. Nice looking truck with the NCSU logo and wolf in the background.