well i have a really bad oil leak right now. i need to fill up my engine oil like every week or so. took it to 2 mechanics and the dealership so far and no one knows what it is. dealership said its most likely the timing cover and or the chain. he qouted me $1,600 just for labor and another $400 or so just for parts. does this sound right?!? anyone else have this problem or know a good cheap mechanic in so. cali near LA? would i be better off selling the car instead of paying 2 grand to fix a stupid oil leak?

 

well the timing chain cover brand new cost around 400 from the dealership, and the junk yard around 120. The chain i dont know how much. If you do it yourself it will take you around 4 hours to do and you will get your hands dirty very dirty. If that what the deal said then prob thats what it is, so those are your options. Do it youself for about 120 and might as well change the chain and tensioner while your there. Prob. spend about 200 doing it your self or pay 1600 elsewhere

 

cheaper to do a engine swap, find an engine with low miles on ebay or car-part.com

 

A few places that can develop leak:

Transmission and engine linkage via Rear Main Seal
Intake & Exhaust valve cover gaskets
Cam seals around the timing chain
or
headgaskets

or just engine oil drain plug.

 

$2000 ..?!?!?!....he's trying to screw you. a full timing chain replacement from my dealer was quoted at $1100...including parts. i did it myself over a weekend. You have to take a lot apart to do it though. There is no reason that timing chain cover should be cracked that I can think of.

i would look at the oil pressure sending unit....its screwed into the back of the oil pan, just below the drive axle on the passenger side....they are prone to leaking.

go to an autoparts store like auto zone or advance auto...there are dye's you can add to your oil and check with a UV light to find the leak.

good luck,
JB

 

I had a wicked oil leak on an older Ford and used the dye pack. This method works well to actually find the leak or leaks.

If you do it, make sure your engine is somewhat clean before putting in the dye, especially if there's a lot of build-up where the supposed leak is. One moron tech told me I needed a new head gasket @ $1500! After driving for however long the package said, I took a UV lamp and looked under the hood. The dye glowed bright orange, and I found the leak. It was in-fact the timing chain cover gasket, which was still pricey to fix.

Anyway, good luck.
TOM

 

engine swap will be cheaper. Smart choice