KevinES300

i have 1994 es300 CEL is ON reading from auto zone is ((EGR valve excessive flow)) some members here believe this problem is related to an exhaust leak at the rear side of the engine(which i do have) the mechanic wants to charge me 350$$ just to fix it i am not sure how hard to get to the rear exhaust pipes and change the gasket,is this a fair price and will fixing exhaust leak will fix my CEL problem.

donbryce

If its just the gasket where the front pipe fits to the manifold flange, that can be changed in under 1/2 hr, 2 nuts, loosen 2 more at the front pipe, drop it down and replace gasket. I just did this, having had to to access the oil filter mounting, and on a '93 ES300, which may differ from yours significantly.
If its the manifold gasket, then I believe the engine/transmission would have to be lifted up to get at the bolts/nuts, remove and replace manifold, hence the hours of labour quoted. I may be wrong, and I've not done this particular job, so please take advice of others who have experience here.

KevinES300

It is the exhaust pipe on the back side of the engine near the fire wall it is very hard to get to.
the mechanic said that he will have to remove the cold intake manifold completely and loosen the lower engine mounts and tilt the engine forward in order to have enough room.
i am not sure if that is the proper procedure or if there is an easier way to do the job.

nine3es

iTrader: (3)

like the op said, if its the gasket between the manifold and the flex "y" pipe, its only a couple dollars and takes less than 20 minutes. if its the gasket between the manifold and head, it will require much more time and possibly tilting the engine.

find out exactly what gasket and we can help you much better.

KevinES300

it is the upper one,and they are not sure if it is the gasket or if one of the three intake pipes has a hole in it,

nine3es

iTrader: (3)

ok wait, you went from an exhaust leak to a hole in the intake. is the problem on the intake or exhaust?

KevinES300

sorry, my mistake the problem is in the exhaust pipe or the gasket on the back side of the engine compartment near the firewall it is hard to determine the exact exhaust leak location because of the very little space but it is very noticeable due to the sound of it.
ultimately if i decide to pay the mechanic the 350$ which i believe to be too much i will make him change the ((Y)) gasket.
but i am thinking that the car is starting to break down and it might be time to put it as a down payment for something newer and pay the maintenance bills that i am expecting towards a car loan.

donbryce

FWIW, let's say the labour rate in your area/garages is $80.00/hr.. The manifold gasket, 'Y' pipe gaskets, and intake gaskets would be around $30.00 (all required to do the job regardless of whether the leak is a cracked manifold (very doubtful IMO) or a leaking gasket). So, 4 hours to disassemble, replace gasket or weld leak, re-assemble plus parts isn't out of line. This is a ***** of a job too.

I'm just answering your original question "...i am not sure how hard to get to the rear exhaust pipes and change the gasket,is this a fair price and will fixing exhaust leak will fix my CEL problem." I can't comment on the CEL, but if the leak is as you describe, it must be noisy and annoying. It could also torpedo a potential sale or reduce the price by at least that much. My advice is get it done, then decide if you want to keep the car....just my 2 cents.

KevinES300

Thanks for all the members who helped me,and commented on my post.and as (( donbryce )) basically said
(i have to pay for fixing the car or drop the coast from its selling price) it is a lose lose situation so i will look for a better price from another mechanic.

then i will start looking for a newer car in the near future.because it is becoming more and more expensive to own this car; last month was 700$ (for EGR Valve,O2 sensors and new cat converter) plus it is not easy on fuel.
thanks anyway and i hope this will be the last fix i had to make before getting rid of it.