'98 Expedition #4 coil bad - need help

[bluejay164]

The #4 coil is bad on my expedition, however, I bought the part but the 4th coil is burried and I can't even see it! How do I get to it and what is safe to remove from my way to get to it? Any help greatly appreciated!

[bluejay164]

well there was no way for me to get at it. Took it to Pep Boys. They told me it would be $50 for the labor and another $50 for parts. Well the boot, the rubber boot was stuck on the plug, they needed to get some pliars and twist and pull, so they charged me $73 for an additional hour and a half to get the rubber boot off, yes, it took someone that long to get a boot off. Couldn't believe it.

My word of advise to anyone who reads - stay away from Pep Boys they obviously have boobs working there and they will do what they can to overcharge.

Why do I say they have boobs working there? Because if it takes someone an hour and a half to pull off a rubber boot, well I shouldn't need to say more except yes they had plenty of room in there after they ripped out just about everything in the nearby area!

[rivguy]

sorry bluejay - I work on these every day - it has happened to me - people don't maintain their cars and then it's been so long since the coils have been out that they glue themselves into the holes - very common on these ongines - and #4 is not in a good location - try doing it yourself if you think they took a long time - bet you would be happy to pay them next time

[ExPo_99]

Man, i was at my uncles shop not long ago and replaced all 8 spark plugs. All i can say that it is FREAKIN difficult to get to the rear spark plugs. You have to manuver your hand around hoses, wires, and tight spaces. It took over 2 hours to change all eight. That was a long night.

[Samw]

I agree. As a fleet mechanic for the Sheriff's Department, I get to see these things all too often. Since I'm the only one who's experienced(re: dumb enough) with replacing plugs on them, I have nobody but myself to blame. As stated earlier, the spark plug boots can and will weld themselves onto the spark plugs. It's a pretty good bond, too.
Don't think the guy at Pep Boys was a "boob" because he couldn't get the boot off. I've seen professional Ford Techs spend half a day doing the same damned thing. You should try it yourself, some time, before you go around calling somebody incompitent, 'cause it took him so long.
My first Expedition plug change took 10 hours. Fortunately, I've managed to get changing plugs down to less than 4 hours, unless something "comes up" like a bonded-to-the-plug boot. Actually, you got off easy, at Pep Boys.
Most dealers charge $250 to change a coil assembly.