It was recommended on my last bill that I should have several things addressed:


1) Repair leaking lower timing chain cover

2) Repair cracking accessory belts

The car is a 1996 C4S.

Just want to start to budget for these repairs and am curious as to the approximate costs might be.

 

How bad is the timing chain cover leaking? You can do it with the engine in the car, but it's labor intensive. It doesn't hurt the drivability so if it's not too bad I wouldn't worry about it for the time being.

The belts are easy to do - 30 minutes in your own garage. Well under $100 for the belts IIRC. 2 of them are in the teens, the other one is pricier. It's been a few years since I've purchased belts so prices may have changed.

 

Thanks Ilko. Not sure of the severity of the leak however there are no oil drops on the floor (engine cover removed). How many accessory belts are there?

 

Lower timing chain cover?

Are you sure they didn't mean lower valve covers?

 

• Cooling fan belt
• Alternator belt
• Air conditioning belt
• Power steering belt
• Dual distributor belt

The first three are out in the open that you can see when you open the engine lid.

 

I'm sure they're talking about the first 3.

 

Not sure but the repair order shows "lower timing chain cover", so I'm guessing thats what they meant.

 

I was just going to say that. I've recently had the power steering belt and distributor belts replaced!!!

Thanks for the replies fellas!!!

 

Well I've never seen an "upper" timing chain cover on our cars. Give them a call and ask.

I take it you don't do any work on your car....just so that we know what kind of advice to give.

 

on my PPI they recomended the same + more - chain covers, lower valve covers and front crank seal.

BUT FIRST! I am going to spend some time degreasing and cleaning up the oily baked engine to see where the leaks are really coming from. Im doing plug wires + distributor and will drop the exhaust, so easy acess while im in there.

Some people have just changed the bolt seals on the chain covers and that did the trick.. my lower covers were done 10k ago before i bought, so think its something else or sloppy (overtightened) bolts.

I let mine sit for 3 weeks over the holidays and had 1 small drip. main rule is to keep your eye on oil levels - check every time you gas!

phil.

 

I will thank you!

How did you guess??? Yes you are correct. I wish I could but just don't have the know how unfortunately!!!

 

Seems like I would ask the mechanic that suggested the repairs for an estimate?

 

Get the OEM Porsche belts from Sunset. They recently charged me 34 USD for all 3 belts compared to 59 USD list price. Add some lower valve cover gaskets and bolts plus gaskets for the timing chain and you are good to go in case there is a leak.

 

I did but am just waiting for him to get back to me. Just curious what his estimate would be compared to what you guys tell me!

 

Hey Derek,

When we do your Walrod bushings, I will have a look under the back of the car, will be able to tell you very quickly where the leak is.

If it is the Lover Valve cover, it is a relatively easy fix and not much in parts, if it is the timing chain cover, that is a different story. If the leak isn't bad (as you said no drops of oil) i would leave it alone.

Belts are an easy one, they run about 25 to 30 each (at the local stealer) , i would replace all three at once.