Scotty, my 80 year old neighbor was quoted over 8K to repair small oil leaks coming from the valve cover and head gaskets. His mechanic told him the engine has to be removed to do this. The Lexus has less than 80,000 miles and is otherwise in pristine condition. I hate to see him get ripped off like this. The dealers estimate was even higher! Was he told the truth? Were there manufacturing defects on this particular engine? Shoud he get rid of it? Love your Youtube videos, they have helped me immensely. Thanks!!!
What kind of shop initially quoted the job? How bad are the leaks?
To add to what Chuck and Hixter said, the 3.5 engine is known to develop leaks from the timing cover. Often the leak is small and you live with it because the engine has to be pulled to fix it. The repair calls for about 20 hours of labor, the parts are negligible. The Car Care Nut has a great video about this Good luck.
small oil leaks coming from the valve cover and head gasketsTiming cover leaks can be costly to repair as they are labor intensive but $8K ? Go elsewhere and get a second opinion.
Shoud he get rid of it?
KBB says that car's worth at least $18,000. In that price range your neighbor could spend 4-6 K more and still not buy a better car than what he owns now.
I would suggest he have a different mechanic verify the issue and advise him on what might need to be done.
