plugs AND wires necessary? and radiator opinion

[blackout881]

Im bringing my truck in to the dealer tomorrow to have a little work done..bought it about a year ago and have no clue whats been done to it since '98. Thought about having them change the plugs and wires, then i saw the cost for the motorcraft wires and i dont really have close to $200 to spend on them right now. The wires on my truck look fine, truck idles ok but i think could be smoother. Im imagining that the original plugs are still in there, only 81k on the dash. So my question is, would it be a waste to have them replace the plugs and not the wires also? Or should i have them do the plugs and use the old wires, then when i can afford them do the wires myself (having the pain in the ass changing of the plugs done for me).

Also-- my radiator is on its way out. When i got the truck i didnt look in the coolent resevoir and when i did it was all brown, i drained the coolent ran some cleaner in there and washed the system out (didnt flush). Coolant stayed a nice green for about 8 or so months. Now its back to a thick, disgusting smelly brown. Cant even see the bottom of the resevoir when i look in. I can also smell a strong coolant smell when i walk by the front of the truck after its been run. Radiator isnt leaking, yet. I imagine its badly rusted inside. How much longer do you think it will last?? Should i even bother to empty the system again (before winter) and put fresh fluid in there? Just looking for some tips before i head into the winter here in NY.

 

[James909]

If you don't want to do the wires now that's fine, with only 81K miles they're probably still fine anyway. If the plugs have never been done then those should be done. The truck will benefit even if you don't change the wires at the same time. There are plenty of other good brands of wires besides Motorcraft. You can get a good set of wires for about $60-$70. And I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but I think you can handle doing them yourself to save some money. Just something to consider.

Does it look like rust in coolant reservoir? If so I would try flushing the cooling system. It's not oil in the reservoir right? If it is then there is a bigger problem at hand like a cracked head or blown head gasket. Are you losing any coolant?

 

[marragtop]

I suggest getting the water system pressure tested to look for signs of a leak or bad gasket. Personally, I wouldn't have a dealer do this type of work as they do like to throw new dealer parts at everything which could be quite pricey. Try and find a local repair shop that you can work with. Just my opinion...

 

[gijoecam]

Motorcraft wires should not be $200 for the parts... Installed? Maybe, but not for parts alone. The wires are around $35-$50 depending on the source.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd try and find an independent shop to do your tune up. The dealer mechanics will be looking for expensive parts to replace, and anything they do will be much more expensive than a "regular" mechanics.

 

[blackout881]

yeah it looks like rust. im pretty positive the gaskets are fine, i change my own oil and im not losing any, and its been like this for over a year. Not losing any coolant at all. The oil coming out looks fine when i change it. the dealer did tell me he saw some seepage around the radiator...that was about 8 months ago. Still not to the point of dripping or losing any fluid. Looks like there is some silt looking stuff in the bottom of the resevoir, like rusty ****. How hard is it to change the radiators in this truck? Im pretty sure i could do it, along with a little help and the right tools. And thanks for the advice, ill change my plugs myself i guess to save some money.

Does anyone have a problem with snowflakes or water coming through the defrost vent??? I thought i was bugging out last winter when i saw snowflakes come out on to my passenger side dash. just a couple. once in a while i get a drop or two of water come shooting up too. weirddd. This truck has its quarks, but i sure do love it. Seems to have a strong engine and tranny, at least.

 

[techieman33]

Motorcraft wires should not be $200 for the parts... Installed? Maybe, but not for parts alone. The wires are around $35-$50 depending on the source.

Actually the wires for the 5.0 run around that much at the dealership. I paid $108ish from fastpartsnetwork. It's insane, but that is what they cost.

If you have any tools and a little bit of mechanical knowledge the plugs are pretty easy to change on the 5.0 all you have to do is take off the front tires, and remove the flap attached to the innner fender liner (held on with christmas tree clips) and the plugs are right there.