Hey guys, I have a fairly severe oil leak coming from the timing chain cover. I took it to a local shop which explained that the engine would need to be pulled for them to replace everything.

It's a full timing chain overhaul from what I understand, so new chains, water pump, seals/o-rings, guides, and whatever else is included in the timing chain kit.

The kit price they quoted me was $550 (Claimed to be OEM Nissan parts), and the labor to do the job was around $1150.

Does this seem a little outrageous? Or is this typical?

I'm mechanically savvy, however, I do not have the tools or time to pull the engine. I can do the job if I can keep the engine in the car. Any input as to how involved the job is?

I got ahold of the FSM, and it didn't say anything about pulling the engine... hoping to get some experienced input.

 

the price for the parts seem ok-ish, but thats a lot of money for labor

 

Correction, 550 for timing chain kit, 160 for the water pump-- so $710 in parts.

 

alldata says almost 12 hours, so it would be a little on the high side. 160 seems a bit high as well just for a water pump.

Also you can do the timing without pulling the engine.just a PIA. Much easier doing it pulling the engine imo

 

I'm currently doing about the same thing. Only reason is I have the old style timing chain tensioner and guide so I'm pulling the chain cover to do them as well as the water pump etc… Now, I am also doing the RMS so the trans will be out and therefore I can move the engine back a little to have more room for the TC cover. The lip seals on mine are gone as well so I will have the pans off in case I drop something in the process. As you state, I am mechanically inclined as well and am doing this without pulling the engine. I've rebuilt the 5spd on my other max and its still together, so I figured what the hell right?

 

hmmm... They said if I brought them a clutch they would just put it in for me, no charge since they have the motor out.... So I think I might just have them do that. Warrantied for 12k miles too, both parts and labor.

Time to start saving lol. Thanks for the input guys.

 

If you pull the trans anyway, why couldn't you just change it yourself? It's ridiculously easy. The hard part is getting to it. But if you want to spend the money on the labor, thats your choice, right? Plus the warranty if they screw it up or don't get something re-sealed properly.