spark plugs: dealership or does it matter?

[puckluck]

I'm changing my spark plugs and wondering if it matters where I buy them from. Dealership wants about triple the price for their brand. I should clarify that I'm not changing them at the dealership just buying their genuine part. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Traditional_Ale]

Dealership=stealership.

NGK plugs from Auto Value start at $2.50 per.

Make sure you do the plug wires at the same time, too.

[Sliver]

I find it odd that you know how to change your own sparkplugs, but don't know that the dealership is a dumb place to buy them.

[burn_this_city]

Typically the OEM plugs are just repackaged after market ones.

[Hevishot]

If its a 2004 F150-2008 I would suggest the dealer because if you break one and dont have the means to get it out you will not be amuzed. If not than do them yourself.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Hevishot

If its a 2004 F150-2008 I would suggest the dealer because if you break one and dont have the means to get it out you will not be amuzed. If not than do them yourself.

A 99 Expedition (5.4L) I had was next to impossible as well. haha

[gordo67]

Originally Posted by Hevishot

If its a 2004 F150-2008 I would suggest the dealer because if you break one and dont have the means to get it out you will not be amuzed. If not than do them yourself.

Agreed, do not attempt yourself.. Stupid, stupid spark plugs. I have a buddy who works for a dealership and was in there for a routine maintenance, he asked if I had my spark plugs done. Told me about the breaking problems so I had them replaced. 7 of the 8 broke coming out and without my discount it would have cost me a bundle (it cost way more as it was).

[WilsonFourTwo]

Any general automotive store will provide better (or at worst, the same) parts.

*Zero* reason to go to the dealership.

[Pinner]

What is breaking on the plugs ?? Make sure you wash the engine first and properly gap the plugs and don't F/U the wires.

I'll get the dealer to do mine, 16 plugs and the wheel well liners need to be pulled....

[speede5]

Originally Posted by Pinner

What is breaking on the plugs ??

This is confusing me too. Are you talking about the ceramic breaking? sholdn't make it hard to remove the plug as the base is metal and can be grabbed easy with a magnet. I've had plugs break before and it's not a nightmare.

Oh ya, and to the OP buy anywhere but make sure they are the same spec. If your vehicle uses premium platinum don't go buy cheap champion plugs at CT.

[burn_this_city]

The heads are aluminum and the plugs are unusually long. They seize in the heads because they are steel and the ceramic breaks.

[Jackpot_Smooth]

if you can reach them, i'd just do it yourself. spark plug wires generally don't go unless you notice one failing, i'd leave them. just look up the torque specs so you know how much to tighten them.

[Pinner]

If the porcelain breaks it shouldn't make the plug any harder to remove.

2x the torque wrench suggestion

[puckluck]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I find it odd that you know how to change your own sparkplugs, but don't know that the dealership is a dumb place to buy them.

Changing spark plugs is one of the easiest things to do...if you can reach them. my brother is actually doing them for me in his mechanics class.

[Northendzone]

i used to find that my 1983 tbird ran better on Ford plugs than any other brand (which surprised me a bit as I would assume that some company like Champion makes ford's plugs).

Now I get my FIL to purchase from Ford as he gets the trade price and the difference in cost is not much (when comparing platnium plugs).

I was surprised at how easy replacing the plugs on our 2004 taurus was (although I did need to use a hand held mirror to see two of the back three plugs) - am am not sure what the heck is in our 2009 explorer - but i doubt i could do the job myself becasue there appears to be some type of "rail" assembly over the top of where the plugs should be.

Don't forget to put a little dielectric grease in the boot of each plug wire before putting wires back on the plugs.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Changing plugs on a 2.8L in a Pontiac Fiero, is a test of my constitution. Talk about an awkward placement. Come to think of it, doing anything on that Fiero is e-v-i-l!

Changing plugs on a 1.7L in a Honda Civic, was a dream in comparison.

[normtwofinger]

Stop being and and just change them. Easy as pie.

[Jackpot_Smooth]

Originally Posted by puckluck

Changing spark plugs is one of the easiest things to do...if you can reach them. my brother is actually doing them for me in his mechanics class.

People who own GM 4.3 V6's (S-10/S-15/astro) or 2.8L-3.1L (J-body) say FALSE. worst engine bay to work on ever.

[BlackArcher101]

Originally Posted by Jackpot_Smooth

People who own GM 4.3 V6's (S-10/S-15/astro) or 2.8L-3.1L (J-body) say FALSE. worst engine bay to work on ever.

I had a 4.3L S-10 and thought it was a bit difficult, but not downright impossible.

Until I tried to help change sparkplugs on a 2.5L Subaru STi engine. Good god, now that is the worst engine bay to work on.

[burn_this_city]

I had a 96 Firebird and it took 8 hours to change the plugs. They are near impossible at the back of the motor without a hoist.