RMLGS

Hi all,

Took my Lexus into the dealer for an oil change. I have 86,000 miles on it. The dealer said my "Front Cover" is leaking pretty heavily and they said it will cost $3,461 to repair because they have to drop the engine and significant labor is involved. I need to call around all though I don't know of other reputable shops in my area that will be any more affordable. I assume I need to bite the bullet and get this repair done at some point.

Any advice?

Thanks

Gs3500

What is a front cover? Of what? Is it the Head gasket leak??

MX73

It's pretty involving. I had my done a couple months ago. They will reseal the oil pan, front timing cover, new seals, new valve cover gasket, and coolant and some other things.

Maybe take it to and independent Lexus shop. 3rd party shop may not use the same "gasket in a tube" that Lexus uses.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Was the engine ever rebuilt for the carbon issue? If so maybe the tech didnt seal it up thoroughly.

Front cover? I would go back to the dealer and tell them what exactly is leaking. Theres a timing belt cover, behind you would have crank that has a seal to it, camshafts, water pump etc.

I may suspect the front crankshaft seal

burny

timing chain cover leak is what requires the engine to be lifted

rnb4life

I got the same problem(i have the same year too), timing cover leak, cost CAD 4000, and they said they could offer me a discount.

But to be cost effective though, i just top up once between a oil change so i don't have low engine oil problem, i don't think it's worth spending that much for a small leak unless you're planning to drive the car for another 10 years....especially when it's known for carbon build up

Just spend the money for a new gs 2-3 years later

burny

when they did that cam recall, if they did not seal the cover properly then there would be a leak.

RMLGS

It's the timing cover. They said it's what holds the timing chain. The engine has never been rebuilt. My car is in very good shape and well maintained only 86,000 miles. So frustrating. I am going to check an independent shop. They said it's leaking pretty heavily (whatever that means). So will see what the independent shop says.

burny

Remove oil filter access cover under car and look up on passenger side of engine with a flash light. you can see it pretty good from that perspective.

telmz1

iTrader: (1)

@RMLGS - do you have an update and quote from the independent shop? I was just informed that i have the same problem.

Doublebase

I'd take it to a high quality independent that deals with Japanese vehicles, they should have experience with these sorts of issues. And like someone else said, if it isn't leaking too badly, I'd just let it go and check the oil level frequently...then trade it in a couple years down the road (or sooner).

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Maybe try this and some higher grade viscocity oil. Also if your running synthetic run regular oil and change your oil more often.

https://www.amazon.com/BlueDevil-Pro.../dp/B000OAEN7C