general maitenance

[worden18]

I was wonder what it should cost to have your plugs, distrubuter cap, battery, and an oil change should come to. I have a feeling that my mechanic is overcharging.

[jsmiddleton4]

I would call your local Jeep dealer and see what they'd charge for that kind of service. If your mechanic is more than the dealer, you probably should think about switching to a different mechanic.

I use my neighborhood Goodyear shop. Their prices are about 10 percent less than the dealer. And when they send out coupons via bulk mail I can even do better than the 10 percent difference.

[I6whitejeep]

Do it yourself. Its cheaper, you'll get a better idea of costs, and you'll learn something new.

All the things you questioned about can be done on a weekend morning..

[scuba4321]

oil change at my Jeep dealer is 16.99, battery 50-60$ a 6cyl "tune-up" about 60-80 and a new cap about 30 w/rotor. Now, the battery most will not charge install. The spark plugs a.k.a tune up, will only take a tech 3-4 minutes and about 8.00 in plugs, If you can work a socket do it your self and save big$$$

[jsmiddleton4]

Just experimented with plug change. Local auto parts store had the "truck" champion spark plugs on sale for 1.99. Already gapped to 0.035. 45 minutes total, and I mean get the tools out, put the tools away, total.

While I was doing them I sure could've had the oil draining to change at the same time. Probably would've only added a few minutes, under the jeep to pull oil plug, then filter, filter back on, plug back in, letting oil go in while finishing plugs.

Jim

[scuba4321]

ditto JS
If the engine is not too hot, I can change the plugs in under 5 minutes..the cap is easy too, that is the best thing with these 4.0's is how easy they are to do maint on, the hardest thing is the belt, mine (1993) uses the ps pump to adjust, other than that these things are a do it yourself dream car

[I6whitejeep]

Originally Posted by scuba4321

.... the hardest thing is the belt, mine (1993) uses the ps pump to adjust....

Aint that the truth. The worst part is the 1/2in bolt that is on the bottom backside of the pump. Not only do you not have any room to loosen it, but the damn fuel line is in the way.. Pisses me off.....

Of course it makes it harder when your Jeep has a lift on it..

[scuba4321]

I found you can gain alot more room if you remove the air box, thank god The belt lasts for a while