Need to replace gasket covers on '95 LS 400 with 140,000 miles. Any thoughts on having the timing belt and water pump replaced while gaskets are being done? One mechanic didn't mention water pump, another did for an extra $400.

Also.. Does $1,000 sound reasonable for both gasket covers?

 

That's a bit high. Valve cover gaskets right? I've seen $600 quotes for them. Timing belts from $1100 from the lexus dealer to $1400 from some independents around here. I bet your lexus dealer is cheaper than who ever gave you that quote plus they give a loaner.

 

I thought that sounded a bit high. The dealership wants $1,000 for the gaskets and didn't mention the belt or water pump.

My independent guy said to do the belt and water pump while everything was broken down and already in there. That's what got me up to $1,300.

Does that make sense? Timing belts usually need to be replaced around 100,000 miles or so? That makes some sense but water pump..not sure about.

 

Yes.. Valve cover gaslets

 

I've never had my car at a shop/dealer, but $1,000 for just valve cover gaskets sounds insane.

BTW, doing the timing belt and valve cover gaskets at the same time doesn't really save much work. But definitely do the timing belt & water pump at the same time, don't just do one or the other.

 

Any shop that does any work on it has to warrant the work for a given amount of time. That means if they change some gaskets and it leaks again with in the time period they get to pay the tech and cost of parts, that is the reason for the "a bit high" cost. Oh and at the dealer that would mean a free loaner for each time at least here anyway. Valve cover gaskets are no picnic on these cars, especially if who ever does it plans on getting the wire loom bolts back in at the rear of the right side head, and saying nothing about hoping the gasket is still in the cover in that same area. Working on some areas of the engine it would almost be easier to remove it.

 

That sounds on the very HIGH side for valve cover gaskets.

 

Now that we are talking about this it doesn't seem the two, or three are really related. At least,the gaskets and the water pump. And, with the gaskets being so complicated it might make more sense to go to a dealer. Are these the more complicated of Lexus engines? I see quite a few of these models still on the road so they must have some durability. Thank you for your advice and I want you to know that I appreciate it.

 

Definately get the water pump and timing belt done at the same time as the valve cover gaskets. My 2000 LS just got the same exact service yesterday and it took a day and a half to get the job done. Apparently its a huge job and they have to take a lot of components apart. My mechanic recommended to me that they do the water pump and timing belt since everything is taken apart already and its easily accessible. For timing belt, water pump and new valve cover gaskets I got the job done for around $1700.

 

And some will think that's way too high. Just read some of the DIY stories, yes for a DIY that is truly a mechanic that really knows what to do, still it is no cake walk to do everything correctly.
Its easy to goof up the interference engines, that 2000 has other extra fun things that add complexity to the job as well.

 

Still too high. Any competent shop can do either of these jobs if your not a DIY type of person. The dealer will mark up the prices on all the parts and charge you a $100 and hour. I suggest you buy you OEM parts from Amazon, Sewell or Lexus of Atlanta online and find a good shop or mechanic friend if you know any. The TB and water pump job has nothing to do with the Valve cover gasket job so you really can't save any money doing them both at the same time. With a 140k on the clock I would bite the bullet and do the TB & water pump first and do the valve covers when money permits. The leaking valve covers are a common issue and wont affect performance other than the smell from it dripping on the exhaust depending on how bad of a leak you have but most times it's very minor.

 

like what? I almost want to say it's easier on the vvti motors because no distributors to take off, but I've never done a pre-98.

I don't really agree with this. There are only a few easy to remove parts in common to both jobs..