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ken56's avatar
ken56
Explorer
Jun 15, 2023

Engine tune ups

I have a 2016 GMC 2500 HD and just did a 'tune up' on it. Tune-ups today consist of new spark plugs and wires ($175) and sometimes new coils ($145). I started my little project at about 1pm and by 5pm I had 5 of them done...OMG, you can't see a spark plug hole to line up the new ones to start the threads. The engineering is not self-maintenance friendly at all. This morning I did the last 3 that took another 2 hours.

I am sore, cut up and bruised from the contortions needed to get in position to reach the plugs. Is it any wonder why tune-ups at a dealer or other shop are 500 bucks? After a new air filter the total was $205 and change. Ah yes, the satisfaction of saving 300 bucks and now I actually can tell it runs better. The last new plugs were at 100,000 miles and its at 148,000 now. The plugs were visibly worn (NGK's). Put in AC Delco iridium plugs. (12 bucks each).

Oh yeah, don't forget to do the injector cleaner service.....another 289 bucks.
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  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 15, 2023
    Personally I'd pay for the plugs. The other stuff isn't so labour intensive.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 15, 2023
    Never thought LS engines were terribly difficult to access spark plugs. But haven’t changed them in a newer pickup.
    But it’s a good reminder how much $ you can save by doing the simple stuff like a tune up, yourself.
  • Valpo_Camper's avatar
    Valpo_Camper
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2023
    Youtube video says to put it on jacks and take off the wheels to remove the inner fender liner for access.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFp2WQsf4qY
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2023
    Valpo Camper wrote:
    Youtube video says to put it on jacks and take off the wheels to remove the inner fender liner for access.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFp2WQsf4qY


    That would be nice if I had a lift to put it up on. Having to disassemble the front end to change spark plugs is a bit over the top IMO.
  • msmith1_wa's avatar
    msmith1_wa
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2023
    For those old enough to remember the Chevy Monza. To change the driver side plugs on the V8 model It was recommended to remove the motor mount bolt on that side and jack up the engine for access.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2023
    I had to take the throttle body off of this little jewel the other day. What fun it is working on a Ford van! I never thought I would wind up a a Ford mechanic.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 16, 2023
    ken56 wrote:
    Valpo Camper wrote:
    Youtube video says to put it on jacks and take off the wheels to remove the inner fender liner for access.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFp2WQsf4qY


    That would be nice if I had a lift to put it up on. Having to disassemble the front end to change spark plugs is a bit over the top IMO.


    Don’t need a lift….but yes that simple task of removing the fender liner may have saved you hours of work.
    For the ole folks here. That’s one of the pluses of newer vehicles with the plastic fender wells. Almost universally, they remove easily and make life a lot easier working on the side of an engine.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 16, 2023
    Turtle n Peeps wrote:
    I had to take the throttle body off of this little jewel the other day. What fun it is working on a Ford van! I never thought I would wind up a a Ford mechanic.


    Lol, we all doo things we’re not proud of sometimes….glad you have the courage to come forward and share your shameful experience with the group….
    Haha cheers man.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2023
    Diesel doesn't look so bad after all. Fuel filters, oil and air filters and oil. OH yea that's maintenance. Tune up, what's that????????

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