Threxx

I'm sorry for posting this in the wrong forum but I need an answer within the hour ideally and in the maintenance forum it'd take a day or two. And I can't find any good results with the search function, either.

The dealer has recommended to my friend that while they are replacing his 1999 GS400's starter for $1100 parts & labor, that for an additional $670 they should replace the spark plugs and "adjust the valve timing".

I thought only Hondas and some other cars required periodic timing adjustment?

The timing belt on this car was changed at 35k miles when the original water pump was replaced under warranty due to a leak. The plugs have never been changed and the car has about 85k miles on it.

Any advice on price and advisability of getting this done would be appreciated.

LexFather

I know on the GS there is one spark plug that is just a pain to get too. Not sure about the timing adjustment, I have not heard of that before.

Threxx

OK he called back for clarification and they said they were checking/adjusting the timing of the valves and that it wasn't something that had to be done but they typically did it when they changed the plugs.

I wonder if this is just a BS excuse for them to charge more for a simple plug change or what?

I'm reading on the forum that it's taking most people here about 1.5 to 2 hours to change the plugs and quality plugs costing 80 to 100 bucks for 8 and they want $670 to do it? Man....

mkorsu

To me, the $670 sounds like BS. First, the GS4 should come with Platinum plugs from the factory. They have a life of roughly 100,000 miles. So right there your friend still has 15k left. Not a bad idea to change them as maintenance though.

Also, like you said, $100 bucks for plugs, $570 for labor?? No way!
The valve timing thing sounds a little suspicious to me too!

My advise.......run for the hills!

ff_

$100 for plugs? The plugs I'm used to cost $1.25

Threxx

Well thank you for the suggestions, I have passed the info to my friend and let him make the call from here. If this thread needs to be moved to the maintenance or 2GS Engine forum, that's cool.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

670 bucks to change plugs? they can kiss my ***.... maybe 200 max imho...

and valve timing? somehow i remember reading that it's not really necessary

Mazinger

Dosent the 1UZ-FE come with Hydraulic lifters that need no adjustment?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

changing spark plugs on the GS400 is EASY. 1 hour at most if you're taking your time.

OEM plugs are iridium plugs, which is why they cost so much. $670 is a load of crap.

baddis es

iTrader: (3)

1100 for a starter is crazy too...

mkorsu

Base model, PepBoys in house quality plug. Quality platinum or Irridium plugs can be $100 for 8. I myself use OEM quality platinum plugs and pay roughly $4-$6 each.