vleong1

I have a small oil leak at the timing cover for some time now and want to get it repaired.

I was quoted by a dealership for $2900 + tax. He also recommended doing a head gasket repair ($4800 + tax). He stated:

"Technicians often recommend a head gasket repair as many of these timing cover leaks can originate from a head gasket oil passage near the timing cover."


Can anyone confirm that these timing cover leaks can stem from a head gasket oil passage?

This doesn't sound right to me and after some quick googling, I've only found timing covers re-sealed, NOT the head gasket..

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

Tell your SA he is a freaking idiot! The reason we have leaks on the timing chain cover because of the bad design and some issues at the production line. I have leak on my 2006 IS350 and they want $4300 to fix (vs. Indie shop of around $1800 i think). I didn't get it fix and the car is still running fine since then with almost 20k miles now. I am monitoring the leak and it doesn't seem to get any worse. For that kind of money, i might as well get a used engine with low milage or a rebuild with good warranty.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Yeah, you can get an IS350 motor for <$2k! LOL

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

Where did anyone say you could get an IS350 engine for less than $2k. Please read the OP post carefully ($2,900 for the timing chain cover plus $4,800 for the head gasket plus sale tax of I think somewhere around 12% if I am correct). Yeah, LOL alright! I could get a really nice engine for that kind of money.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^What I'm saying is for the price of the timing cover FIX at that price, you can get an entire motor. That is all.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

I haven't seen any 2GR's for that cheap, but if there are any that cheap I may be interested in one. Was that just from a local yard Gville350?

Jeff

toyoman29

Here you go 2008 IS350 engine and trans....$2200 http://greenville.craigslist.org/pts/4908066975.html

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Yes, perhaps I must expand my search beyond areas near me.

In any case, this is getting a tad off topic. Replacing the engine is nearing the same level of labour/effort as resealing the timing cover, so I don't know how great the suggestion really is, considering parts is a small fraction of the cost and most is labour.

Jeff

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Funny, that is the SAME guy/ SAME car I purchased my replacement NAV unit from to cure my '06 NAV unit failure. I randomly asked him how much for the entire drivetrain, and he offered me it all for $2k at the time. Totally legit AND a cool "Russian" dude.

Yeah, I was being sarcastic. But really, those timing cover fixes are MOSTLY labor; so it REALLY hurts seeing the new timing cover gasket/seal is what (total guess here), $60-80?

Sceanzo

Its not even a gasket. Its a reseal. They use FIPG, or "liquid gasket"

vleong1

Thanks for the input everyone!

Now I don't want to bring my car into any dealership...
1st dealership did a repair for rattle at startup (left a bunch of plastic clips on the cowl panel, minor but still..)
2nd dealership did vvt cam gear recall + few minor recalls (did not mount one of the engine cover brackets properly so only 2 of 3 mounts clipped in properly, minor as well; fixed myself)
2nd dealership took over a week to figure out where my oil leak was coming from and even then I had to point out where the oil was leaking from them because the tech couldn't see it.
3rd dealership telling me that the timing cover leak can be the cause of the head gasket.

My dealership experiences =

Has anyone attempted to do the repair themselves? I wouldn't mind tackling it if I don't have to pull the engine.

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

See post number 7. Maybe you could contact that member and get more information.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...over-leak.html

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Well, I do know that the entire front end (radiator core support) can be unbolted from the chassis. So if you wanna tackle this repair, I'd say you're best bet is to remove the front end to get at it.

Didn't know liquid gasket was used on the timing cover, but it makes sense.

Sceanzo

You can leave the engine in the car. You will most definitely need a lift to do so though.

xhackr

My experience has been similar with my local dealer... and my summation and trepidation, the same. First, make sure it's not the timing chain tensioner cover leaking. That sits on the timing chain cover and is easy to fix. Clean that area of the engine well... drive for a while and then check the leak. If you're good turning a wrench, you can see and reach it underneath the car easily.