High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax. That
if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great engineering on
the part of Hyundai!

Tom

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
crying out loud.

That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
to check out the new models on a trade in.

This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
at you) definitely has an advantage.

Tom Wenndt


"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
crying out loud.

That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
to check out the new models on a trade in.

This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
at you) definitely has an advantage.

Tom Wenndt


"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
crying out loud.

That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
to check out the new models on a trade in.

This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
at you) definitely has an advantage.

Tom Wenndt


"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Rev. Tom Wenndt wrote:
> Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
> makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

Yes, my minivans are a real pain to access as well. I'll take my Chevy
pickup with the V-6 engine oriented the way that God intended! I can
just about stand between the engine and wheel wells in that truck.


> There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
> manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
> make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
> any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

Yes, that is nuts also.


> I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
> models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
> the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
> crying out loud.

Fortunately, I've not had a vehicle that poorly design, but my Jeep
Comanche required you to remove the AC compressor from its mount in
order to access the front spark plug and that was an inline 4, not even
a V-6.


> That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
> mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
> timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
> impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
> to check out the new models on a trade in.

Well, on the new Hyundai engines, the timing belt is no longer a
concern. I have no idea how hard the spark plugs are to change, but
those on the 4 cylinder didn't look too bad. I think the manual suggest
having the dealer do the plugs on the V-6 so it must be a bear.


> This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
> at you) definitely has an advantage.

True, and that is one reason I buy 4 cylinder vehicles where it is
practical and V-6s where I don't have a choice (my minivan and my
full-size pickup). Fewer parts to replace during maintenance and just
cheaper and easier to work on all way around.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Rev. Tom Wenndt wrote:
> Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
> makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

Yes, my minivans are a real pain to access as well. I'll take my Chevy
pickup with the V-6 engine oriented the way that God intended! I can
just about stand between the engine and wheel wells in that truck.


> There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
> manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
> make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
> any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

Yes, that is nuts also.


> I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
> models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
> the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
> crying out loud.

Fortunately, I've not had a vehicle that poorly design, but my Jeep
Comanche required you to remove the AC compressor from its mount in
order to access the front spark plug and that was an inline 4, not even
a V-6.


> That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
> mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
> timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
> impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
> to check out the new models on a trade in.

Well, on the new Hyundai engines, the timing belt is no longer a
concern. I have no idea how hard the spark plugs are to change, but
those on the 4 cylinder didn't look too bad. I think the manual suggest
having the dealer do the plugs on the V-6 so it must be a bear.


> This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
> at you) definitely has an advantage.

True, and that is one reason I buy 4 cylinder vehicles where it is
practical and V-6s where I don't have a choice (my minivan and my
full-size pickup). Fewer parts to replace during maintenance and just
cheaper and easier to work on all way around.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Rev. Tom Wenndt wrote:
> Unfortunately, the way they build a LOT of these cars with the transverse V6
> makes a job like changing spark plugs an absolute bear.

Yes, my minivans are a real pain to access as well. I'll take my Chevy
pickup with the V-6 engine oriented the way that God intended! I can
just about stand between the engine and wheel wells in that truck.


> There are a lot of cars anymore where you have to take off the intake
> manifold - hence the new gasket. But whether you do or don't, that doesn't
> make the job of replacing those three spark plugs on the back of the engine
> any easier. Often that is a job only Gumby can do.

Yes, that is nuts also.


> I have even seen cars (GM's were notorious for this) where, on FWD V6
> models, the only way you could replace those three back plugs was to loosen
> the engine mounts, and tip the whole engine forward. FOR SPARK PLUGS, for
> crying out loud.

Fortunately, I've not had a vehicle that poorly design, but my Jeep
Comanche required you to remove the AC compressor from its mount in
order to access the front spark plug and that was an inline 4, not even
a V-6.


> That is what makes you really think twice when it comes time for the 60,000
> mile service on their 100,000 mile warranty, especially for cars with a
> timing belt. You add the impossible cost of a timing belt AND the
> impossible cost of replacing spark plugs on a V6, and well, maybe it's time
> to check out the new models on a trade in.

Well, on the new Hyundai engines, the timing belt is no longer a
concern. I have no idea how hard the spark plugs are to change, but
those on the 4 cylinder didn't look too bad. I think the manual suggest
having the dealer do the plugs on the V-6 so it must be a bear.


> This is one case where a 4-cylinder (with all four plugs on top and looking
> at you) definitely has an advantage.

True, and that is one reason I buy 4 cylinder vehicles where it is
practical and V-6s where I don't have a choice (my minivan and my
full-size pickup). Fewer parts to replace during maintenance and just
cheaper and easier to work on all way around.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Intake gasket is a tune-up item?
"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Intake gasket is a tune-up item?
"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Intake gasket is a tune-up item?
"twfsa" <twfuksa@qwest.net> wrote in message
news:T0m9g.59583$IZ2.44601@dukeread07...
> 04 Sonata V6 one intake gasket, 6 spark plugs + labor $349.00 + tax.
> That if all it takes is spark plugs and not some sensors. Great
> engineering on the part of Hyundai!
>
> Tom
>

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Darby OGill wrote:
> Intake gasket is a tune-up item?

It sounds like you may have to pull the intake manifold to change the
plugs. Seems hard to believe, but that is how I interpreted the post.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Darby OGill wrote:
> Intake gasket is a tune-up item?

It sounds like you may have to pull the intake manifold to change the
plugs. Seems hard to believe, but that is how I interpreted the post.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

Darby OGill wrote:
> Intake gasket is a tune-up item?

It sounds like you may have to pull the intake manifold to change the
plugs. Seems hard to believe, but that is how I interpreted the post.


Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:D0u9g.8723$lb.793817@news1.epix.net...
> Darby OGill wrote:
>> Intake gasket is a tune-up item?
>
> It sounds like you may have to pull the intake manifold to change the
> plugs. Seems hard to believe, but that is how I interpreted the post.


I have to pull the intake on my 95 Ranger 4 cyl. to change the plugs. Its a
real pain in the rear.

Rob


>
>
> Matt

Re: High Dollar Sonata Tune Up
 

"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:D0u9g.8723$lb.793817@news1.epix.net...
> Darby OGill wrote:
>> Intake gasket is a tune-up item?
>
> It sounds like you may have to pull the intake manifold to change the
> plugs. Seems hard to believe, but that is how I interpreted the post.


I have to pull the intake on my 95 Ranger 4 cyl. to change the plugs. Its a
real pain in the rear.

Rob


>
>
> Matt