NGK Plug change, and don't go to Ford to have it done.

[Combatvet]

So my dealer states that they have to drain the coolant system in order to change the plugs. I've never heard of this, you merely just need to unbolt the coolant line bracket and move the lines out of the way.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Cruising68]

So my dealer states that they have to drain the coolant system in order to change the plugs. I've never heard of this, you merely just need to unbolt the coolant line bracket and move the lines out of the way.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Book might say to remove the coolant lines but it is definitely not necessary. You just have to unbolt the assembly and move it a bit.


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[2020FordRaptor]

It’s definetly not necessary, try another dealer.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Yeah, if I decide to do it—and I’m still not sure I will—I’ll just have the same shop that installed the RSB handle it. They’d also be the ones doing the springs.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Book might say to remove the coolant lines but it is definitely not necessary.

Interesting question for tech/service writers.

If they quote the job with labor/cost associated with draining the coolant, and the tech just moves the lines to the side, do they still bill for that service even if they don't do it?

 

[Combatvet]

Now that I'm back from picking my vehicle up, here's the story:

A month ago I contacted several Ford dealerships in my area to get a quote on just a Spark Plug change, I wanted the dealership that I bought my vehicle from to do the work, but needed to get the most accurate price. Mac Haik Ford quoted me $289.00, I contact Covert Ford (purchasing dealership) and he initially quoted me $800+. I asked him to check again because another dealership quoted me much less, he returned after a brief hold and stated it would be $285.00, so I agreed and set the appointment for 5 January 2026. I set up to use their concierge pickup for 0915 this morning, and they arrived on time. It's customary for me to tip the drivers for that service which I did.

So, at 1028 I get this email:
Tech did just come to me, we will have to disconnect the coolant lines and drain the coolant per Ford's workshop manual in order to perform the tune up properly. Because the vehicle is high performance I would recommend we do a mechanical flush of the system using our flush machine to insure no air pockets. This would run $194 additional to the $285.00 we originally discussed. Please let me know if you would like to proceed.

Inexperienced Tech decided that he'd rather do it the easy way by disconnecting all of the coolant lines, then the little bit harder way by just unbolting the coolant lines from bracket, and fishing around them to get the the plugs. Houston Speed Freaks has a great video on this BTW.

Here's what I think, inexperienced Tech that doesn't want to put in the work on the Monday after New Years. I have a video but it's too large, where the Tech exclaims that "who does a plug change at 5000 miles", and huffs and puffs about it.

I know, cool story bro. It still sucks that a young Tech tries to pad the bill because he's used to making the molehill a mountain! I chose to pick my vehicle up, and have it done elsewhere!

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Interesting question for tech/service writers.

If they quote the job with labor/cost associated with draining the coolant, and the tech just moves the lines to the side, do they still bill for that service even if they don't do it?

Depends on the dealer.

 

[Cruising68]

Interesting question for tech/service writers.

If they quote the job with labor/cost associated with draining the coolant, and the tech just moves the lines to the side, do they still bill for that service even if they don't do it?

Depends on dealer. But thats how many shops make money. Any good mechanic can find short cuts. I know thats how the collision business works. Insurance pays book rate.


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[LuxST]

absolutely ridiculous, these dealers are a joke. I have seen a way but would require to remove wipers, wiper cowls to reach the back. 4 of the 6 are pretty straight forward.

 

[UNBROKEN]

absolutely ridiculous, these dealers are a joke. I have seen a way but would require to remove wipers, wiper cowls to reach the back. 4 of the 6 are pretty straight forward.

There’s absolutely no reason to remove any of that to swap plugs. Take the two 10mm bolts out of the hard lines on top of the engine to make a little more room and a swivel and you’re good to go.
On top of that if you remove the plastic wiper cowls you only thing you’re gonna find is the metal below them. You won’t have better access to the plugs.

 

[EDWYER]

So my dealer states that they have to drain the coolant system in order to change the plugs.

What a bunch of bullshit.

 

[LuxST]

There’s absolutely no reason to remove any of that to swap plugs. Take the two 10mm bolts out of the hard lines on top of the engine to make a little more room and a swivel and you’re good to go.
On top of that if you remove the plastic wiper cowls you only thing you’re gonna find is the metal below them. You won’t have better access to the plugs.

I’m just saying there’s another way, didn’t say easier. If you take everything off this is what it will look like. More than one way to skin a cat. Smarter? Probably not, but you would have more room.

 

[Caster]

Better yet - Change your own plugs and save a lot of wasted money paying someone else to do a rudimentary task. It's not hard to do, only a bit of a PIA from working space limitations.

**Now I did pay a dealer to change plugs in my truck one time but that was only because Ford tried to reinvent a wheel and make plugs that breakoff in the heads.. with Ford, if something isn't a problem they sure will make it into one!

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I get that, but nowadays I find good shops. I worked on mechanical equipment for years, and my wrists are shot. I'd rather pay a reliable person.

 

[Cruising68]

I get that, but nowadays I find good shops. I worked on mechanical equipment for years, and my wrists are shot. I'd rather pay a reliable person.

I still do all my own work but i totally understand that. Not to mention as i get older i realize my time is worth something as well. But i still do brake jobs for my daughters that are over 30


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[UNBROKEN]

I’m just saying there’s another way, didn’t say easier. If you take everything off this is what it will look like. More than one way to skin a cat. Smarter? Probably not, but you would have more room.

This is absolutely pointless. I can do the whole plug swap before someone can strip the car that far. It’s a sub-30 minute job.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I still do all my own work but i totally understand that. Not to mention as i get older i realize my time is worth something as well. But i still do brake jobs for my daughters that are over 30


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Yeah, that is where I am at lol. What is my time worth, whereas being younger and forced to, because I was limited on funds? I cut down a tree recently, and got out there with an axe yesterday and split it for my fireplace rack. My thought halfway through the axe usage was, why in the **** didn't I just get my buddy to come over with his splitter, and give him beer lol.

 

[ConspicuousConsumption]

My thought halfway through the axe usage was, why in the **** didn't I just get my buddy to come over with his splitter, and give him beer lol.

At least you got a good workout