How difficult is it to tune up an '01 Ford F-150 with a 4.6 litre engine?

Question

The mechanic said that he would do it for around $200. Is it worth that? Is it that hard?

Answer 1

Gearbox is correct. It is definately worth the money to have it done. This is one of the more difficult spark plug changes to do. Especially the last plugs on each side. A 1/4 inch drive low profile universal jointed 7mm socket will prove to be a big help when trying to remove the coils, and a 3/8 drive 5/8 in. universal jointed spark plug socket will be helpful in removing the plugs. Especially on the driver's side rear where the fuel pressure regulator interferes. If you attemp yourself, try not to put too much side to side pressure on the plugs when tightening, the ceramic will crack. Also the Motorcraft plugs from the dealership are second to none, and are the best for replacement. I wouldn't want to do this job twice.

Answer 2

Yes, its every bit of 200. I assume you mean specifically the spark plugs? The back 2 mainly are terribly hard to get to. If you check it out for yourself you will gladly hand over a couple bills. Make sure that your mechanic is insured and will cover it if he strips out the threads in the heads. Firestone wouldnt even do mine b/c of these occurances. I will work on most anything but refuse to touch the plugs on my 150. Why are you changing them if you dont mind my asking? I have 120k on my original plugs and it runs like a top. It probably could stand having them changed but im not ready to buy heads yet. Good luck.

Answer 3

It's usually a 3 1/2 hour job... Instead of plug wires, there are coil packs that have to unscrewed (7mm heads) and pulled out just to get to the plugs .. add to that removing the wiring bracket on the body between the battery and the engine to make getting to the back plugs easier, plus fighting the heater hoses on the right bank.. removing the power steering reservior .. the left side is easier...

Oh and don't forget to tighten those plugs right.. have had a few people who had to pay for new heads when the plugs blew out of the head when they undertorqued them...

So yeah it's that hard.. I've got special ratchets (small body) and a extra long spark plug socket to make life easier doing a 4.6/5.4 2v in a f-150

Oh and figure on double platnum plugs... Ford dealer sells them for $8/piece and is about the best in a Ford....

Just thank god you don't have a 5.4 3valve..... unless you follow a special TSB to take the plugs on that one, you are almost guaranteed of yanking a head

Answer 4

It is definatley not worth $200 if you can do it yourself. But when you include parts and labor it is not too bad. Just remember if you do it yourself the mechanic will charge $400 to straighten it back out!!

Answer 5

Gearbox and Yugi are both right. Dont do it yourself because all you will end up doing is burning down your poor little Ford and swearing at it. The back plugs are a B*I*T*C*H to get at.

Answer 6

its not that hard to do,basically all you can do to one now days is change the plugs,and wires and cap,,then change the air filter and oil,and you have done a good basic tune up on it,he didnt price it to high considering parts are really high right now but if you have the know how you can do it a little cheaper you also need some good tools to do it with,and a lot of patience,,other wise you could do it,,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 7

its easy if you know what your doing. if your not sure, maybe ask some friends or relatives that might know how and they can show you. that will much better than paying $200

Answer 8

if parts are included thats not to bad but if they aren't look somewhere else.

Answer 9

whats the matter cant find the spark plugs and no wires????.......hehehehe