I just had the valve cover and intake manifold gaskets replaced on my 2003 Mazda B-2300 4 cyl truck.

Last weekend I replaced the spark plugs with NGK Iridiums from Advanced Auto Parts using their TRT30 for 30% coupon.

On the #4 cylinder (3rd from the front of the engine) I found the threaded portion of the spark plug to be covered in oil, and even the white exterior coating of the spark plug to be stained from oil.

Hmmm. That doesn't look good! My wife is going to kill me since I just bought the truck about 1 month ago!

Hit the "net", and learned that the 2.3L 4 cyl engine suffers from bad gaskets on the valve cover and O-rings causing the oil to "pool" in the spark plug hole. That's better than bad piston rings or something.

So I started to call around on getting this problem resolved:

1. Sandy Springs Ford (Atlanta) wanted $675.00 to replace the intake and valve cover gaskets.

2. NAPA centers wanted about $425 and a couple of other indie shops wanted about $375.

So I called a prominent Atlanta truck sales retailer and asked them who they used. They stated they spend between $150,000 - $200,000 per year with this shop:

All Pro Automotive - Kennesaw, GA.

Their quote: $232 and they knew exactly what the problem was before I could finish explaining it to them. They only use Motorcraft OEM parts although their invoice did not explicitly state that. Hmmm.

Clint is the owner, and Jimmy did the work on my truck, and as far as I can see, there is no problems.

Mind you, their "waiting room" is nondescript and ugly to put it mildly. Their lot is filled with domestic vehicles/trucks and Clint is "busy", and dare I say: "blessed" to have that kind of business even though he doesn't have a web site.

This is a drop and leave location. No sitting around the big screen with a free java in hand. There are a few "stiff" chairs, and that'll get you about 30 minutes before you'll want to leave

Bottom line: Clint is a stand-up guy who spent over 15 minutes talking with a previous customer about his vehicle while I stood by. That's customer attention. I spoke with Jimmy the mechanic, and he was polite, and very confident in his work. He told me it would take about 1 hour for him to complete even though the "book" says 2.7 hours.
I like that. "He's done this before."

Anyhow, I do not know Clint nor Jimmy on any personal level. I have only been there one time., But they know their trucks and you'll be in good hands with them. Trust them is what I will now be doing.

All Pro Automotive - Kennesaw, GA 30152