chris7245

Hey Guys....I have a 1997 Cab with 90K miles that is leaking oil. I don't drive it much anymore...about 2K per year now. The leak isn't bad, but it appears to be getting worse. I took it to a shop in the area (not the dealer) and they said the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced. They recommend taking out the engine to do the job. It that's all it is, and they find nothing else, then it's about $2,800. I do plan on keeping the car.

Any thoughts on the price? Any recommendations on another shop/mechanic for another opinion?

Thx,

Chris C

911F1

Don't need to remove the motor for valve covers. Shop around more. Did them myself in my garage. If you're DIY handy so can you

paulkromz

AOW Speed Shop in Ellicott City, MD

chris7245

Thanks @911F1. Didn't think it would be a DIY job. I am handy, but likely not at your level. I'll research the level of effort required.

CC

chris7245

Hey Paul...google didn't turn up any info for "aow speed". Do you have a number, or some additional info to do a search?

Thanks
CC

97c2s993

Definitely not an engine out job. If it's only the bottom valve covers (most common) then a straight forward DIY, especially for an amateur mechanic like me. If the upper valve covers need replacing too, then a bit more cumbersome but still very doable without removing the engine. It only really starts getting tricky once you decide to do something like change the spark plugs but many, myself included, have done it with the engine still in. Given your mileage, I expect your mechanic will surely start suggesting other things to do 'while he's in there' (read: an obvious opportunity to charge more!) i.e. spark plugs, spark plug cables, valve lifters or even more.
If it's really just the valve covers and you're not going to do them yourself, run from this mechanic to one that won't pull the engine. At the same time get an honest opinion of what you should consider doing given your car's mileage (if it has not been done already).

P-daddy

Another vote for AOW Speed Shoppe!!

pp000830

And some folks here still think it is silly to be buyer beware when shopping for service, soon someone will get an engine-out quote for an oil change. Changing just the one valve cover gasket that is leaking should cost $300 or less.

P-daddy

Years ago before learning todo valve cover gaskets myself, a local indie quoted me $7-800 for 2 lower valve covers (without engine removal obviously). Wondering what going rate is now.

paulkromz

Hey Chris - @AOW162435 is the local 993 guru. If you ever need references I know a few hundred people that can vouch for him.... Please shoot Andreas a message.

Best,

Paul

Magicscott

Now another vote for AOW Speed Shoppe! Very meticulus shoppe! Was there this past weekend!

Magic

chris7245

Thanks guys! Sounds like I should really take a hard look at the LOE required for doing the lower valve cover gaskets. I am handy and the car is seldom driven so I can take my time.

chris7245

Thanks Paul. Will do!!

CC

AOW162435

Chris,
PM received - will send my thoughts tomorrow if that’s ok.



Andreas

chris7245

Thanks Andreas. Looking forward to your opinion.

Chris C