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Joined: Jul 2003
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Check engine light on. The code is number 2 cylinder mis-fire. The machanics pull the spark plug out and there's a HUGE gap between the point, twice the size when a replacement is called for. The car is just getting to be 100k. A quick check on the manual also calls for a tune-up anyway. Needless to say, it needs new plugs, for sure.
A few days later, the shop calls back and gave me an estimate, of ~$200. That includes spark plugs, spark plug wires and labor. It seems rather expensive to me. So my question:
1) What's the indication for changing spark plug wires? It's not on the manual but seems some people think it should be done when the plugs are changed.
2) Is the cost reasonable for the parts and labor (for a V-6)?
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Hard-core CEG'er
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i feel its unreasonable
plugs: $25 for autolite double plats
wires: FMS wires $40
a good mechanic should be able to do it pretty quick.
im not a good mechanic, but i can do mine in under 20min
Russell
Oval Port 3L Nearly Done
MTX75 w/ Homebrew Zetec FD and Torsen Complete
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Well, the actual stock replacement wires are pretty expensive like almost $120. So, if they're going by that then I don't think it's unreasonable at all. However, you may want to pick up the lesser expensive wires and give them to them to install.
I live in Detroit, I couldn't give a **** how good my car is in the "twisties."
"I could use a hundred people who don't know there is such a word as impossible."
~Henry Ford
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Joined: Jul 2003
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1) How do I tell if I need new wires in the first place?
2) Do different wires make any difference in performance or durability?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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If you have 100k miles on the original wires then it is definitely time for them to be replaced. Especially if you are having problems with misfires. Typically when wires go bad the spark can jump between wires or other things. One way a lot of people look for bad wires is to open up the hood when it is very dark and look for sparks.
A lot of people seem to be in agreement that Magnecore wires are the best. I think they are 8.5mm I think they run around $85. Not sure if they fit in the wire holders.
Ford Racing (FMS) wires can be had for $40-50. These are 9mm wires (stocks are 8mm)and altho they are a direct replacement they will not fit in the stock wire holders. Also some people have had issues with these wires going prematurely. I have them and have no problems.
If you let your mechanic do it with the stock OEM replacements you will be happy with the results. You will not be getting ripped off either. It's just you could go a different route and have it done cheaper. The choice is yours.
I live in Detroit, I couldn't give a **** how good my car is in the "twisties."
"I could use a hundred people who don't know there is such a word as impossible."
~Henry Ford
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Actually, the cheapest I got the Magnecors for was 128. They fit in the stock holders.
99 SVTC, T-Red, #652/2760-12.8.1998
Mother#@%@!* did I sound abstract?
I hope it sounded more confusin than that!
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Joined: Sep 2000
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Originally posted by Russell:
i feel its unreasonable
plugs: $25 for autolite double plats
wires: FMS wires $40
a good mechanic should be able to do it pretty quick.
im not a good mechanic, but i can do mine in under 20min
You usually can do things for less if you are willing to do it yourself. If you are paying a shop to do it, they must make a profit on both parts and labor. As long as the parts are of reasonable quality, $200.00 is very reasonable. Parts alone could easily cost this much.
I too, would usually do it myself.
About the need to replace the wires. When the plugs are that badly worn, it is very rough on the wires. That would be reason enough to replace them with the plugs. I changed my plugs at 60,000 miles and again at 120,000 miles. The wires were still fine when I changed them at 160,000 miles. I had a new set of red Ford Racing wires that I just had to install. The originals would probably still be fine, but they don't look as nice.
Change your plugs more often, and the wires should last longer.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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You have a Tuffy auto service shop by you????
-Fuel filter
-PCV valve
-Spark Plugs
-Air filter
-New Spark Plugs wires
-O2 sensor
-Fluids topped off
-Oil change
$510
excellant deal only $510 for all that
the reason plugs/wires are so expensive is Contours can only take "Platinum Plugs/Wires" those are expensive as hell to make
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