cost for replacing main seals
 

Around how much am I looking to spend on replacing all the main seals at a dealer? Is this something I should be able to get done at any local machanic? The car has 150000 miles and I just purchased it and I noticed oil and crud under the intake manifold right on top of the motor and on the sides in the front of the motor. It looks like its coming out of the bolt holes. I'm sorry I cant be more descriptive and exact but this is my first 6 cylinder and I'm not use to the setup. I also think something is leaking on to the exhaust becase after the long trip home after I parked I had smoke coming from under the car in the front around the exhaust piping. What could that be?

my valve cover seals...
 

I just got my valve cover seals done at my dealer here in California...it cost me somewhere between $700-800 (can't remember exactly what) That didn't include the cam seal which I believe should be replaced with the timing belt. :/

In order to get to it they need to take off your belts, AC compressor, timing belt covers, the timing belt, etc. It's a pita. Hence, lots $ for labor.

- Rob

I had my front main seal done along with timing belt, water pump, and oil pump for about $1k at the dealer. Front main seal or cam seals will cause leaks from the front of the engine - mostly leaking out of the big black plastic cover - the timing belt cover.
Valve cover gaskets should be under $100 for parts and you can do those yourself. They do not require as much work - if yours are bad the oil will be leaking from the valve covers on the sides of the engine - not the front.