Ugly Plugs....

[USAF Sarge]

We picked up our 2006 Expedition Ltd after both our Jeeps were totaled by the insurance company after Hurricane Michael kicked our backside.

In the glovebox of the Expo was a invoice for work done at a shop local to where we picked it up. The previous owner had it in for maintenance and one of the items on the invoice ticket was the plugs having been changed. This was at about 12,000 miles under the then current mileage. We've put around 10,000 on it since we got it in Nov 2018.

Check engine light came on yesterday and when we pulled the codes, we got a misfire on cylinder 6. My wife took it into the shop today for the work. My medical issues make it hard for me to do certain things now, which sucks, as we have always done the vehicle maintenance ourselves.

I can't fantom plugs looking like this at 22,000 miles, and after seeing the pictures glad I didn't do the job, as I would still be out there making up new curse words.

 

[whtbronco]

i certainly agree that doesn't like 22k mile plugs. They look more like 220k miles plugs along with being extremely dirty. Plugs on these is not terrible, but it's not the easiest by any means. I bought a ratchet that has a flex head and another joint like 4" back. Makes the 2 passenger side rear plugs pretty easy to do. I can all 8 in about an hour now.

 

[USAF Sarge]

i certainly agree that doesn't like 22k mile plugs. They look more like 220k miles plugs along with being extremely dirty. Plugs on these is not terrible, but it's not the easiest by any means. I bought a ratchet that has a flex head and another joint like 4" back. Makes the 2 passenger side rear plugs pretty easy to do. I can all 8 in about an hour now.

Agree I didn't want to come straight out and say it in my original post above, but it leaves me wondering if the shop charged her (Original owner) for work, they didn't do!

 

[mbtech2003]

Be thankful they all came out with out breaking.

 

[USAF Sarge]

Be thankful they all came out with out breaking.

Mechanic that did the work said the same thing, and was prepared for that to happen and was surprised none did. So he was happy about it, but was amused by the terminal stud breaking off on two of the plugs.

Edited to add: The mechanic told my wife he went with a three step removal. Pre-soaked them with a penetrant, applied heat, and did something else.

 

[USAF Sarge]

I tell you what, with those ugly plugs changed out, the Beast runs like a scalded ape now. I swear CINC Household is going to get a speeding ticket if she isn't careful. Still need to deal with some little projects on it, but nothing that keeps it from running.

Awesome to be mobile again that is for sure.

 

[ChuckEQY]

Oh, my God, this is so bad. This is so annoying.

 

[USAF Sarge]

Oh, my God, this is so bad. This is so annoying.

What is so annoying here.....? Plugs go bad!

 

[whtbronco]

Most likely that is just spam.

 

[USAF Sarge]

Most likely that is just spam.

Ah, okay, that makes sense!

 

[mbtech2003]

Mechanic that did the work said the same thing, and was prepared for that to happen and was surprised none did. So he was happy about it, but was amused by the terminal stud breaking off on two of the plugs.

Edited to add: The mechanic told my wife he went with a three step removal. Pre-soaked them with a penetrant, applied heat, and did something else.

Pray. That’s the last thing. Lol

 

[Mike Norrell]

Agree I didn't want to come straight out and say it in my original post above, but it leaves me wondering if the shop charged her (Original owner) for work, they didn't do!

If you went back to the same shop and same mechanic, maybe he can/will answer that question...or the shop owner will. I ONLY use a mechanic that I KNOW and TRUST.

 

[Vincent Vega]

Yeah just by looking at those plugs, not sure that they were actually swapped out 10k miles ago. The Ford stealership did that to me recently on some warranty work on my Escape. Good thing you swapped them out, they were ready.

 

[USAF Sarge]

If you went back to the same shop and same mechanic, maybe he can/will answer that question...or the shop owner will. I ONLY use a mechanic that I KNOW and TRUST.

Wish I still had the paperwork from the previous owner. If I did, I would know the name of the shop and would definitely ask them. I looked through it, made notes of when and what was serviced and shredded it.

 

[USAF Sarge]

Yeah just by looking at those plugs, not sure that they were actually swapped out 10k miles ago. The Ford stealership did that to me recently on some warranty work on my Escape. Good thing you swapped them out, they were ready.

It's sad that there are some mechanics or shops that do that, and if not caught early It's hard to prove they did. The more they get away with it, the more they do it. One day someone might lose their life because of BS like this.

Our current mechanics went to school with our kids. They actually tell you what is wearing out, and let you know IF the repair can wait if needed. They also send pictures of what they find etc. That's where the pictures came from. I've gone to them with simple jobs and not been charged.

 

[whtbronco]

Sounds like you found a good shop to do business with.

 

[Jb14]

@USAF Sarge First thank you for your service (side note my son will be joining the Air Force this year) I think all is correct those plugs look original so sad when shops are not honest

 

[USAF Sarge]

@USAF Sarge First thank you for your service (side note my son will be joining the Air Force this year) I think all is correct those plugs look original so sad when shops are not honest

I wish your son luck in his future Air Force journey. What AFSC is he shooting for?

As for my service thank you, it was an honor and privilege to serve this country and I would do it all over again without hesitation.

I agree it is sad when a shop stoops to this level of dishonesty. I'm thankful for having a honest shop doing our work, and thankful they came out without breaking.