How to go about this VCG Issue?

[hpman247]

So I had my spark plugs and coils all replaced about 3 months ago. At the time, I was told they noticed some oil in the spark plug wells, but I told them to go ahead and replace the coils and plugs because I had a trip coming up and didn't want to deal with another coil going bad while i was out of town for a few days.

Now I'm planning to buy the VCGs on Amazon and take them to the local Ford Dealer to do the work. They quoted me $545 while the place I took to get the plugs/coils replaced wanted to charge $1300 for the same job.

My question is this? When I get this work done, do I need to tell the dealer to clean out the spark plug wells that currently i would expect have excess oil that had leaked back into them? And if so, would it be best to replace all of the coils and spark plugs again as well?

Or would I be ok just getting the VCGs replaced and waiting until the next COP failure that I would think is certain to come at some point?

 

[1LoudLS]

decide after it has been taken apart and inspected.

 

[joegr]

...My question is this? When I get this work done, do I need to tell the dealer to clean out the spark plug wells that currently i would expect have excess oil that had leaked back into them? ...

There is no way for the any oil not to drain out of the wells when the valve covers are removed.

If you are getting the dealer to do this, why not let them source the gaskets? If you supply the gaskets - little to no warranty. If they supply the gaskets - probably lifetime warranty.

 

[1LoudLS]

hell I'm surprised that a dealer would even use anybody elses parts...

 

[FDR]

Yeah, make sure the dealer will use any external parts. Many independent shops won't, either.

I don't see a reason to replace the coils after only 3 months, provided you used proper Motorcraft/Visteon coils or did the Accel conversion. Leaking oil has been disproved as being the cause of dead coils.

 

[els]

Leaking oil has been disproved as being the cause of dead coils.

I don't doubt you, but I haven't seen this information clearly presented. I've read the main cause being epoxy breakdown, but it's always been highly suggested to change VCGs as it could be a contributing factor.

I only ask because I'm doing an Accel conversion this weekend (hoping to clear up a slight misfire) and I'm mentally prepared to change these if I see oil in the plug wells. Your comment has made me doubt the necessity of doing this in the Winter and waiting another month or two when its warmer.

 

[joegr]

A little oil seepage in the wells, even for a long time, won't hurt anything. Oil pooled in the wells needs to be corrected. Over a long time, it will cause some deterioration of the boots and maybe even the coils. Oil in the wells for just a few months on new coils shouldn't do enough damage to warrant replacing the coils, as long as there are no signs of misfiring.