I had a major oil leak which I was forced to goto the dealer with (other shops couldnt find the problem or couldnt fix it). Apparently the leak is coming from the timing head cover and the Oil pressure switch. Ok, fair enough, but he's also telling me that I should replace my drive belts, my left cv boot, and my water pump (preventative maintenance since he's already in there). I have a feeling he's trying to burn me. All i really need is the oil leak fixed. Any mechanics or people knowledable in the area know how much it should cost to fix the Timing head cover and the oil pressure switch? I was quoted about 1300 at first, without the 'extra's he thinks need to be done..Does that sound reasonable for something along these lines?

Please help..they need an answer with my car tomorrow.

Thanks

Could you tell exactly where the oil leak was coming from on the timing cover? If the oil is only coming from behind the underdrive pulley then it is most likely the crankshaft oil seal leaking. If it was leaking from the crankshaft oil seal then that is not a big job since it can be done without removing the timing cover. I really don't think the cover would be leaking from anywhere but the crankshaft oil seal.The seal is about $10.

I had to change my water pump recently at just over 60K miles and according to the haynes manual, you can change it without removing the timing cover. I found that impossible for me(probably din have the tool to pull it out) so I had to remove the cover. That was one hell of a job so if the mechanic must remove the timing cover to fix the oil leak and you're close to or above 60k miles then I would suggest getting the water pump changed. The pump should only cost about $80-100.

The oil pressure sensor is also a very simple job that you could do yourself. It's basically unplug electrical wire-> unscrew sensor->screw in new sensor->plug in electrical. It's located towards the back of the oil pan under the engine. You may have to drain the oil or at least catch the oil that run out between removing the old sensor and installing the new one. Sensor is about $10.

Inspect the drive belts for chipped out pieces or cracks running along the groves. If you don't see these and only have small cracks running across the groves, then you don't need to change your belts...besides, changing the accessory belt is a relatively simple procedure that you could probably do yourself.

If you are seeing alot of grease splashed in the left side wheel well, then most likely you will have to change the cv boot but that is a completely unrelated problem. The boot should cost between $20-40.

I really can't give you an idea about the labor cost in the states considering a mechanic where I live only charges $80 to do a transmission swap
All I can say is that if the timing cover has to come off, that job will take about 4-6 hours maybe more depending on the mechanic. In any case 1300 seems outragous.

I have the same problem with my 96 MAX. The dealer told me $1200.
I don't have that right now so I make sure I add oil once a week until I can get the leak fixed. I might even sell the car before I can it fixed.

I'd usually take my car to the dealer if noone else can find the problem. Once the dealer has identified it, take your car to another reliable mechanic and tell him what it needs. I'm sure you'll be paying way less for the same work the dealer was trying to screw you for. Dealer service reps usually get their information from the computer which tells them what your car needs replaced at certain miles. Most times the dealer will tell you to replace things that is totally irrelevant to the problem you want them to fix in the first place. And most times, alot of the work they are telling you about is mainly preventative or not even crucial at the immediate moment. People who are oblivious to anything with car maintenance and repair usually get screwed over by the stealers (dealers).