I work as a sales manager at a vehicle repair shop (in Las Vegas). I have some free time during the day, and wanted to offer this free service to all CL members...

Basically, I can look up just about anything in Mitchell, Dealer list pricing, Labor times, wiring diagrams, even troubleshooting some issues. It also has preferred fluids and quantities.

If anyone has a request, post it here, and I'll get back ASAP...

For instance, if you have a 93 SC400, and you need the rear main seal replaced, I can look up and see that it lists:

5.5 hours labor (includes R&I trans/transaxle)
Part # 90311-A0002: $27.09 dealer list
and if needed, the oil seal retainer is part # 11381-50020: $74.83 dealer list

Certain parts I can get exploded view diagrams and post as well...

Keep in mind these prices are subject to change, but it's a good starting point so you know what the dealer should be thinking when you get there... (I liken it to knowing the book value of a car before talking to the salesman) Also, certain parts have labor times and warranty times, in which if it's under warranty, it's charged less labor time for some reason.

 

never mind....just saw where you resonded to my thread. thanks.

 

I try.... anytime

 

97 es 300, 156K+, purchased rear main seal as well valve cover gaskets. whats the mitchell time for this (rplc rr main seal and 2 valve gaskets), im assuming the tranny will need to be dropped as well. BTW, great info and assistance youre offering!! im certain most will appreciate your effort greatly!!

 

Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal (includes R&I Transmission): 8.6 hours labor
Valve Cover Gasket: Left Side: .6 hours, Right Side: 2.3 hours, Both: 2.8 hours
(plus an extra .2 hours for Spark Plug Tube Seals)

If you have the gaskets, the only thing else you'll need is oil and trans fluid to replace what came out when the lines were disconnected and the seal was pulled...

 

Thanks Cody for your time. I will not sticky your thread, but I will keep an eye on it and I will bump it up to the top so your thread will be notice.

On the side note you almost don't need oil or trans fluid when do the rear main seal because only a few drop of oil will come out when you replace the seal and if the tech block off the trans cooler lines you may lost another 2 oz of fluid.

 

thanks for the research. having the ol friend/mechanic do the work tomorrow. i know he HOPEFULLY will hook me up, but hes also known for getting over on you if he thinkgs he can. GREATLY APPRECIATED ( calculating times now)
BTW, got the parts free from Lex parts dept. our shop does all their body rprs!

 

no problem... I run a shop myself and know how frustrating it is when people are misquoted... I see way too many people get screwed over just because something was way easier than it was made out to be....

 

I need labor times for the following:

timing belt
water pump
thermostat
front lower ball joints
outer tie rods
Daizen Control Arm bushings
Daizen Steering Rack bushings
rotors (front and back)
brake pads (front and back)
change brake fluid (recommendations?)

If I can find a knowledgeble mechanic in the Nashville area I will be paying them a large chunk of cash. Any takers?

 

timing belt
4.8 hours (includes tensioner and idler pulleys)
t-belt: 13568-09070 $56.56
idler pulley (left): 13503-0f010 $78.48
idler pulley (right): 13505-0f010: $78.14
tensioner: 13540-50030 $49.70

water pump
(add .5 hour to timing belt)
16100-59275-83 $131.02

thermostat
.8 hours
90916-03100 $16.69

front lower ball joints
1.6 hours for both
lower left - 43340-39415 $76.85
lower right - 43330-39535 $76.85

outer tie rods
1.2 hours for both
outer left 45470-59015 $68.73
outer right 45460-59015 $50.83

Daizen Control Arm bushings
R&R both lower control arms - 6.5 hours *gasp* plus an extra .1 hours for every bushing

Daizen Steering Rack bushings
R&R steering rack - 2.6 hours

rotors (front and back)
brake pads (front and back)
1 hour per axle (rotors are no extra charge)

change brake fluid (recommendations?)
just pick a good brand name fluid, Motul, ATE, whoever...



keep in mind, these are hourly times mitchell quotes, and part numbers/prices are subject to change, or may be inaccurate... prices listed are typically dealer list...

 

mitsuguy.....thank you very much.....again!

sure hope I can find someone that can do this for cash at less than the going shop rates. 20+ hours at any rate will be expensive.

 

bump.... i thought it would be helpful for those looking for labor time.

 

I'm have the dreaded P0446 code on my CEL (`98 GS400). So I'm looking to get an idea of the labor to 1) investigate/analyze the problem (thinking smoke test or leaks) and 2) labor and part cost if it's the charcoal cannister. I hear it's labor intensive.

Thanks in advance.

 

Diag fees are arbitrary. There is no set labor rate and each shop will charge something different. Our shop charges $89, the local Ford dealer charges $160. Some places use the diag towards repair if needed, some don't. We charge 1/2 hour labor rate on top of diag, if needed.

Evap control canister is the only listing I see, will have to check tomorrow for sure (I have limited access to Mitchell at the house)... Anyways, 1.0 hour for the work, and I show part number 77740-30261, list $270.61

For some reason, I can't access the repair module of Mitchell right now - but there are other things (other than the charcoal canister) that set that code - like a valve out of voltage range... anyways, I'll get diag info tomorrow for ya...

 

jz4203: send me your e-mail address and I'll hook you up with diag procedure...