120K work - opinion$ plea$e

[STORMINORMAN]

I'm getting ready to have some non-routine (at least for me) work done on my SVX @ 120K...

Have a bid from a reputable (non-stealership) shop to do the following:

replace the timing belt
replace all front seals (cams, crank, etc.)
reseal the oil pump
replace the waterpump (and the two little hoses)

$850 for parts & labor with an 18 month, 18K mile warranty

Does this sound reasonable & competative to y'all?

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

p.s. they will install my new radiator while they are in there

[Chiketkd]

Personally, I would say yes. Especially sinnce that price includes the parts which will probably run at least $200.00 - 250.00 (new water pump and timing belt can be pricey).

-Chike

[STORMINORMAN]

Thanks Chikedkt!

Now, for the rest of you: is circa $600 in labor about right, reasonable, in the ball park, outrageous, crazy, or what????

I don't have much experience with having work done on my vehicles by dealers or shops: I try to do most of it myself and it takes however long it takes to get it done right. This work may be well within my (albeit limited) mechanical capabilities but I don't have a lift or a shop or the special tools, etc.

HELP, PLEASE! Your knowledge and experience is much appreciated vis'-a-vis' your opinions!

Stormin

[alia176]

Sounds reasonable to me. If you're not absolutely comfortable with this project then farm it out. I wonder if they'll pull the whole engine out or do the job in the car? Just curious.

As far as special tools, I don't see the need for anything other than a torque wrench. Maybe a tool to hold the cams in the same position while the belt is being installed. But, you can make up one on your own. Since winter is approaching, you may not want to use up precious garage space while working on this project for a couple of weekends! It helps to have the car on a set of ramps to help with access to the thermostat, water pump, tranny hoses, etc and not to mention easy on the back!

Ali
'92

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by alia176
Sounds reasonable to me. If you're not absolutely comfortable with this project then farm it out. I wonder if they'll pull the whole engine out or do the job in the car? Just curious.

Why would you pull the whole engine???

Norman, if you're comfortable enough to work on your other cars, I wouldn't be afraid of the SVX.

[STORMINORMAN]

"Never apologize, never explain: it's a sign of weakness..."

Actually, I'm sad to say I'm just not that familiar with timing belts and cam seal replacements, I'm even willing (even as cheap... Well, THRIFTY! as I am) to pay an expert to do something that could so dramatically affect the life of my engine (which I plan to drive at least another 120K)!

Anyway, no real need to remove the engine for any of this work, to my knowledge, especially since they are going to pull the radiator out to begin with...

As Clint Eastwood used to opine:

"A MAN'S GOTTA' KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS!"

Norm

[alia176]

Norm,

I did a writeup on the Legacy seal replacement that's in my locker. Should give you a decent idea of what's ahead.

Clint was right, one should know one's limitations!


Mr. Pockets,

How do you replace the rear crankshaft seal w/o pulling the engine? I gotta do this project next year and need to hear all of the tricks.

Cheers.

Ali

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by alia176
Mr. Pockets,

How do you replace the rear crankshaft seal w/o pulling the engine? I gotta do this project next year and need to hear all of the tricks.

Cheers.

Ali

Ahhhh, therein lies the confusion - he didn't say he was replacing the rear crank seal. He said 'all front seals.'

Anyway, if I had to replace the rear crank seal I'd drop the transmission instead. Fewer wires, no AC to mess with, etc.