Hi all,
New guy here and I searched but could not find a good answer. I'm debating on doing the plugs myself but a little gunshy as my brother in law just bought a new engine for his 04 because the knucklehead that did his plugs was a shade tree mechanic. I figure if he could screw it up then so could I ... the dealer would be liable (I hope). Either way two of the dealers state that the cop boots should be replaced at the same time, is this BS or a good call? BTW, prices are $400 - $500 for the plugs (including 1 break; $75 each broken plug thereafter). Also an additional $250 for the boots.

If I do decide to do this myself where is the best place to get the motorcraft plugs, lisle tool, carb cleaner and boots? Thats a bunch for the first post ... and thanks for the help.

 

They are ripping you off on the boots. How many miles on them? If over about 75,000, may be a good idea to change them, but you can buy them for about $3 each, so a set would be about $24 plus shipping. My dealer charges $96 for a set. Also, my dealer charges about $350 for the plug change.

 

Thanks Bluejay ... always good to do a little research before taking the dealers word. Any recommended sources to buy all this stuff?

 

Check out rockauto.com.

 

Rockauto.com

Motorcraft SP-515 plugs, $9.50 each
Standard SPP-87 boots, $3.58 each

Carb cleaner: http://www.sarad.com/productinfo.aspx?p=124614

Lisle tool: http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-LIS65600...f=pd_sbs_auto1

Plug socket: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6900-F-150..._sim_dbs_auto1

Nickel antiseize: http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-77124..._sim_dbs_auto2

Dielectric grease: http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-22058..._sim_dbs_auto5

 

I just did a set for an 05 Expy, bought everything at O Reillys, boots were 4.95 a piece, plugs Motorcraft were 7.99 a piece.

 

Hey glc,

Is it necessary to change the boots when doing the spark plug change?

 

This has, literally, been discussed to death on here by now ....

I'm going to have a Code58 moment ...

For the trivial price of those boots, it's ALWAYS a good idea to change them @ plug change.

Given the ease in which misfires can be induced, ensuring a tight, reliable seal is crucial.

Anything one can do to avoid chasing a misfire or three later is worth doing for the aggravation an waste of time same would cost you.

And - if you decide to use a plug like a 7989, then it's Mandatory - since the ceramic body on that plug is smooth and a previously used boot will not have a snug fit.

MGD