95 TC Runs rough, Injectors,

[pjw73nh]

I am writing for a friend. He inherited a 95 TC from a deceased family member. It has (showing) on the odometer approx 65 k miles on it. It had these miles on it as of early 2000. No telling how far it has been driven since as the original owner was ill during that time.

The car started running rough a few weeks ago. CEL came on too. The owner took it to a local garage (not a dealer) and they pulled 3 codes from it. Number 1 & number 3 injectors were indicated, as was a lean condition (which the mechanic said was due to the injector issue. It seems to makes sense to this backyard mechanic(me).

What concerned me is they estimate $850 for the repair. $325 of it is for two injectors. Admittedly I have not seen the car, nor have I ever worked on a Lincoln, so I have no idea what labor is involved in R&Ring the injectors. I have replaced many injectors on other vehicles before, and it was not that difficult. Perhaps they are in such a location that makes them impossible to get at without a lot of disassembly. But I did a cursory look online for injector prices and for the most part they are all well under $100 each. I can understand a "reasonable" markup for parts from a service establishment, but this seems kind of high. Maybe not.

On the outside, an hour labor max for the dx (pulling and researching codes), then the rest of the labor for the installation of 2 injectors.

Any thoughts on this repair or dx? Is the owner being taken advantage of?

Thanks.

P.../NH

[junk yard doggie]

It's very easy to change these injectors. If I charged prices like that in my town, I would be run out and possibly never heard from again. I would replace the fuel filter and check the fuel pressure at the rail before changing the injectors.

[Towncar]

I agree with Mike.. those injectors just about fall out when you look at them.

Something to note.. there's a mesh filter on each one, they might just be clogged a bit. Two o-rings seat each injector. I have your 1995 FSM somewhere if you need it.

[pjw73nh]

Mike and Steven, Thanks for the replies. It appears as though the number 2 & 3 plug wires were bad. (My mistake I thought he had said #1 & #3.) It was 2 and 3. But still $850+ for a job like this seems a bit high. No? See attached.

What's your opinion? I think he should've swapped wires before going in to all of the rest of the troubleshooting. At least the 2 wires in question. Swap them with another one that is laying around. Swap with a known good one from another cylinder.

Maybe I'm way off here. I am a troubleshooter by trade (Computers, IT, Networking, etc). I do most of my own auto work as well. I always go for the "low hanging fruit" first to either rule in or rule out specific variables.

Thanks.

[Towncar]

I agree with you friend.. unfortunately when you own a shop and buy all that expensive diagnostic equipment, you have to make others pay off the loan.

The rates calculation isn't as simple as man hours Maybe in an old timers shop where the overhead is low and the loans are all paid and the guy bases his rates on the fact that he's making 90% profit.. you may get a better shake.

Personally, I don't take my TC anywhere tyhat would require them to pop the hood if I can avoid it, and then I watch 'em like a hawk.