I have a 1993 SC-2 that just passed 100K. I took it into my mechanic to get some other work done, and he suggested that I replace my spark plugs and spark plug wires (for $400) and the accessory drive belt and tensioner (for $350). These prices seemed to be excessive, especially for the plugs and wires. Can anyone help me out with how hard these jobs are and whether a reasonably handy person could tackle them on his own?
Thanks in advance.
"MPost" typed until their fingers bled, and came up with:
$400??? Do yourself a favor and find a new mechanic!
plugs are easy - you just need a 6" extension to get to them.
and the accessory drive belt and
drive belt - 14 or 15 mm wrench (depending on the year), and maybe 15 minutes (included in the time if you do the tensioner). Tensioner is a bit harder, but not much. 2 10mm bolts after you've removed the belt, but it is a tight space there by the frame rail - I tend to put a jack under the oil pan, and remove the top engine mount so I can lower the engine to get easier access. figure 30 minutes.
Foo.
Plugs - $5 and ten minutes. I use Champions. Plug wires - $15-20, same ten minutes Belt - @ $25, maybe five minutes Tensioner - @ $75 and maybe a half hour to 45 minutes; the two bolts are rather difficult to get to.
I've done all except the belt in the last six months on a '95 SW2. The parts are instock items at AutoZone, PepBoys and O'Reilly's.
You'll need feeler gauges, a pair of needlenose pliers, a plug wrench with 6-8 inch extension, a 14mm open end wrench and a 10mm socket wrench. Don't forget antisieze compound for the plugs and bolts.
And shoot the mechanic; he's ripping you off bigtime.
$400. for a tune up? you seriously need a new mechanic, he is ripping you off. $350. is a bit around or over what a Saturn shop will charge for a belt and tensioner (parts and labor). A serprntine belt is typically $200. to change fyi.
marx404
"marx404" typed until their fingers bled, and came up with:
A serprntine belt is typically
Um, No. it seriously takes 15 minutes. I wouldn't pay a shop more than 30 minutes labor for it.
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