xinkid

I'm having the timing belt/water pump and crank seal replaced right now at the dealer.
I figured 1250 incl tax is fair.

I also wanted to see if they can do the valve cover gasket, spark plugs, spark plug tubes and the thermostat while they're at it. But they gave a separate quote of 910 for all of that, which to me was a shock. I was also told that doing the timing belt would not save me any labor for the above. I'm holding off on it and thinking maybe I should order some parts online and take it to my toyota dealer who will work on lexus'es. Is that a fair quote from the lexus dealer?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yes the dealer is correct, the labor is separate from the timing belt job. the only thing common would be the thermostat since the housing needs to be removed for the water pump replacement. the valve cover gaskets, plugs, etc are all on top of the motor as opposed to the front where the timing belt/wp reside.

i feel $910 is a bit steep for a simple plug change which can be done on the driveway with basic tools. plugs are $60 from autozone/pepboys and they are the exact factory brand. the VC gasket i have never done, so it could be more demanding on labor.

xinkid

are you saying the thermostat is almost no labor if doing the water pump? I kind of figured it would be the case but the service guy at the dealer is only quoting me separate from the timing belt job. When I asked him if the thermostat is less labor with the timing belt job, I didn't get a straight answer. It's a strange feeling I'm getting, lol...

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i find that dealership tend to quote separate but YES the thermostat housing removal is part of timing belt/wp job. it resides on top of the water pump itself.

xinkid

thank you very much for the info... I will see if I can get them to replace it while they're at it.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

you should really tell us what year your car is...

IIRC the texas subforum has some quality independents you should hit up.

xinkid

it's a 1998. It turned out to be too late. they already put everything back together by the time he called me back. Then he gave me a 200 discount because the cam seals are not maintenance items on the LS and they were left alone. I will take it, lol... thanks for the tip about the texas forum. didn't think about that.