Yep, it's about $5-700.00 USD to tune up a motor like this. I have an '01, same engine. The good news is that you only need to do it every 100,000 miles. Unless the intake manifold leaks. My intake manifold just sprang a leak and took out a coil. That'll be $1,200.00 USD thank you very much.

The spark plug, is under warranty.

Too bad you didn't live closer. I'd do it for $600 and still would have stuck you way to hard! (But yet I wouldn't feel too bad since you thought you would have to pay $1200)

Most likely you would only need the seal put in, one coil and spark plug, the O2 sensor on that side and then a simple trouble codes reset done. Under $400 if you know the right people! All Ford parts too!

I know. I used to work on my own vehicles. My age and the newer vehicles' complexity have made me realize that I am no longer capable of maintenance of my vehicles. So, I just bend over and tell them to fix it.

Cheers.

This is a letter I received a few years ago about leaking manifolds. They might be a warranty issue since they seem to be common problem.

It scanned rather badly but in essence a class action suit was settled specifically for 4.6 engines relative to cracks in nylon manifolds. I would check with Ford corporate customer service if the dealer isn't any help, especially if they don't even know about the settlement issues above, regardless of engine size, since the modular engines share basic design.

Okay, how about I fly you out here, have you do the job and I still save about $300.00? LOL

Sorry I do only my own stuff.

If you can fly a guy half way across the country and get some thing done for considerably less than what the local shop charges I think you seriously need to find one of the guys who's an independent mechanic. Your shop is making way too much profit!

Around here we have half a dozen or more certified independent mechanics who jumped ship from the big dealerships and went independent while still keeping their full factory certifications. They are way cheaper, guarantee their work and parts (often for longer than the dealerships do), and still live like kings! So what does that tell you about vehicle servicing prices?

The down side is most independents like these guys don't ever need to advertise in the phone book or other media though. Word of mouth keeps them as busy as they ever want to be.

It may take some asking around at the local parts supply centers to find one in your area. But in the end some foot work and friendly chat with the chain auto parts store counter guys will likely pay off!

The distributer and plug wires are still there. They have now painted them with invisible paint to make the engine look more modern. Try lightly spraying "glow in the dark" paint at night with a black light on. Do not do this with the engine running, and not too much as the paint will act as a conductor for the energy from the distributer.

C. O. P. = Coil Over Plug -- JHF