Wanted opinions on doing the plugs on the 4.6 Been reading it isn't too bad, but the local Ford dealer will do it for 140 plugs included. I just inherited a XL work truck with 185,000 miles and I don't think they've ever been touched.

 

$140 including labor is decent. To do it yourself the plugs will cost you about 40 bucks. Don't forget dielectric grease and use OEM Motorcraft plugs.

 

If it has that many miles and plugs never changed, I would order COPs and do them as well. Worn out plugs are very hard on COPs.

 

I was thinking about the COPs as well-about 80 bucks on ebay-maybe thinking have Ford do the plugs and then throw the new COPs on myself.

 

That is precisely what I would do.

 

Little confused on the dielectric grease though-just on the top of the plug I assume?

 

The rubber boot that goes on the top of the spark plug. You put a dab in the boot so that it slides down easier on the plug, then you use it on the exterior seams of the boot to insure no moisture gets in.

 

cool-thanks-found some on ebay-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

 

We recommend you buy from Global or Uneek - those 2 vendors have a lifetime warranty on cops.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-I...item53e2780c51

 

Not for sure if there is any difference from 04 to 05 4.6, but I did my plugs last week on my 05 and it only took about an hour. Wasn't hard at all. I also got my plugs (motorcraft) at AutoZone for 30 bucks.

 

They are the same.

 

Great-thanks for the tips. I was considering doing them myself but with the high miles and the lack of knowledge on what has been done to the truck in the past, I'm still leaning toward Ford, but I'll let you know. Thanks for the help

 

Your good, - the best time I have is 1 hr 48 minutes, - and that's with a 12 pack waiting for me to finish.

On average it's going to take a little over 2 hrs. Dealership labor times for this is 2.2 hrs.

 

If book time is 2.2, that $140 quote is pretty damn low! I'm in a dirt cheap cost of living area and the dealer here gets $79 something an hour (independent shops get anywhere from $40 to $65). That would make it about $250, I think they get $6.95 retail for the plugs.

 

Actually, - it's 2.9 hrs, - I was off by .6