In a message dated 8/15/06 11:38:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
Kinderlehrer@comcast.net writes:
<< Or design engineering - The garage wants $100 to replace the radiator hose
on my wife's '98 Sebring convertable. I just took a look and it seems that a
good portion of front body metal has to come off to get at it. (still a rip
off). Replacing spark plugs requires the intake manifold to be removed.
Maintenance is not designed in.
Bob >>
And the garage is at fault how? ( calling them, " A rip off " )
They didn't build it.
They didn't buy it.
They didn't break it.
A quality garage is going to have a $ 60 per hour labor rate. Figure 1 hour
, add in a $ 20 hose, some antifreeze and $ 100 isn't excessive.
As for removing the intake for rear plug access, only the upper plenum needs
to be removed and that isn't difficult. Modern platinum plugs are safe for
60,000 miles ( regular plugs can go 30,000 with no problem )
So here is the question. Does the designer compromise intake and hood
clearance design for a plug replacement that might occur 2 times over the life
of
the car? Remember, the design compromise will affect the performance, style
of
the car over it's entire life and not twice for just a few hours.
Besides, don't be so quick to fault Chrysler, take a look at who actually
built your car. ( Hope you like Japanese cars, Mitsubishi specifically )
Another example is a engine that is built so heavy it runs for ever (
International Scout 304 / 345 / 392 V8 ) . Problem here is the motor takes
forever to
warm up, is hard on fuel, is physically large and heavy.
Compare this with a Chevy 350, Ford 302/351 Windsor, Chrysler 318, 360.
These are light weight motors that are reasonable on fuel and of small physical
size. While they won't last as long as the International motor, the vehicle
they power is likely to be worn out by the time the motor is worn out.
The choice here is take a fuel penalty, more frequent cold weather oil
changes for a motor that outlasts the body or use a motor that is good on fuel/
oil
but wears out about the time the body does. Bottom line is cost per mile.
Harold
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