Labor $$$ to install spark plugs?

wavinwayne · Jul 21, 2005

I recently bought a set of Motorcraft spark plugs for my wife's '97 Expedition 4.6L with 113k miles. I had planned to install them myself, but it's just too darn hot outside.

How much SHOULD an independent mechanic charge me to install the spark plugs?

Thanks in advance.

medic · Jul 21, 2005

In that vehicle, it's not cheap. At the same time, it is a PITA to DIY. I can't remember what it cost me the last time for my 97 F150, but it was worth every penny.

wavinwayne · Jul 21, 2005

I just called a local shop that does a little work for me from time to time. They gave me an estimate of $140(labor only), to install plugs & wires that I will provide. Does that seem reasonable?

JHZR2 · Jul 21, 2005

thats what? 2 hours labor?

Chances are they have to remove two tires, creep around under there in tight quarters, etc.

Snaking wires around correctly can sometimes be a pain as well...

JMH

Drew99GT · Jul 21, 2005

That's 2 hours of labor. I'd call around and get a few more estimates and see if they also give it 2 hours. Most shops will just bill you the standard book time x their hourly labor rate regardless of how long it takes them. Must be a real PITA if it takes that long. Isn't it an OHC engine?

wavinwayne · Jul 21, 2005

Drew99GT,
I have to claim ignorance. I don't know if it's an OHC engine. I think it is, but.....

Drew99GT · Jul 21, 2005

I was just thinking that......well, I guess it'd have to be a double overhead cam engine for the plugs to be on top of the heads instead of on the sides. If they're on top like DOHC engines, I'd think it would be petty easy to change. You may need a stepladder!

drive it forever · Jul 21, 2005

The 4.6 in standard form is a SOHC engine.

TxGreaseMonkey · Jul 21, 2005

I would guess at least $185. Do the easy-to-reach plugs yourself.

drive it forever · Jul 21, 2005

The plugs can be in the middle of the head like a DOHC engine, the honda civic 1.6L SOHC engine is like that.

Matt_S · Jul 21, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by drive it forever:
The plugs can be in the middle of the head like a DOHC engine, the honda civic 1.6L SOHC engine is like that.

What an awesome design, too. 10 minutes to change. I wish all cars were like that.

JohnBrowning · Jul 21, 2005

I agree I4's with Hemi like head designs rock!!! My Camry is a 5 minute job 10 minutes if you include picking up, sweeping up dirt from car and washing your hands!

My wifes 1997 Buick is a PITA! THe rear cylinders require me to remove the OEM strut tower brace and lay across the engine. My lumber jack forearms get cut to heck!!!

medic · Jul 21, 2005

I spent 2.5 hours changing plug wires in my F150. The plugs go in through the inside (intake manifold side) of the head and go straight down. I was thinking it cost me about $100 to have the plugs changed, icluding plugs, but I can't be sure. That was also a few years ago, and hey, don't forget, oil prices are up at WalMart

wavinwayne · Jul 21, 2005

Thanks for the info, guys. I think I'll pay to have this done. I'm just not willing to work on the thing for 4 hours in 95°F heat.

y_p_w · Jul 22, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by drive it forever:
The plugs can be in the middle of the head like a DOHC engine, the honda civic 1.6L SOHC engine is like that.

I don't think that's necessarily a DOHC/SOHC issue. It's more of a 3/4/5 valve/cyl thing where the plug is centered between the valves.

Yeah - I drove an '89 Integra RS where the plugs could be replaced in 10 minutes. My '95 Integra GS-R took about 12 minutes because I had to take off and put back on the plug wire cover. I also learned to use a torque wrench after busting a bolt by overtightening a plug wire cover nut.

Whimsey · Jul 22, 2005

For the work involved in changing plugs and wires on your '97 4.6 in the Expi the $140 labor only charge is well worth it. But make sure they change ALL the plugs, ask for the old ones back because your "interested" to see how they looked after 113,000 miles. Hopefully they will torque the new plugs properly. Too tight will strip the threads, too loose will allow the plugs to rattle loose and blow from the head. This destroys the head in most cases.

Whimsey

benjamming · Jul 22, 2005

Why are you changing the wires?

wavinwayne · Jul 22, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by benjamming:
Why are you changing the wires?

Because they are the original wires. They have 113k miles on them. Do you not think I should replace the wires?

97tbird · Jul 22, 2005

I had my oem Motorcraft wires replaced at 80k miles on my 97 4.6L sohc (I just thought that was good time change them, they weren't giving any problems). They charged me $125.00 to do that at the dealer (labor). I got the parts somewhere else for pratty cheap.

'Tard · Jul 22, 2005

$140 sounds about right, which is why I have done it myself.

I have changed the plugs on my '98 4.6, and although daunting, it can be done. The first time I changed plugs it took me 4 hours. The next time (I side gapped a set of plugs) it took me 2.5 hours.

HERE is a how to.
Make sure you blow out the wells that the plugs live in before you remove them. When the plug is out spray some cleaner (WD40 is fine) into the well to clean off the threads to help avoid cross threading.
I changed my wires at 70k and it made a huge difference.

Labor $$$ to install spark plugs?

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