valve cover gasket and timing belt

[shivanibr]

I have a 2002 toyota avalon and both the valve cover gaskets need to be changed since its leaking oil. Also its about 85000 miles so my mechanic has suggested me to change the timing belt too at the same time (so as to save labor time). In addition i will be replacing my transmission fluid too. So in all he is quoting 400 dollars including parts. Is this a good deal? Also, how critical is it to change the valve cover gaskets and the timing belt?

Thank you,

[pmesfun]

That is an excellent deal. I would replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals also.

[kegunder]

That's a great deal indeed! Have him replace the spark plugs (and spark plug seals) with the exact same kind. They are pricey (maybe over $20 each) but most people find it very hard to replace the back three plugs. It will be super easy for him to do it when he removes the back valve cover.

If you need to save $, ask him to only replace the rear 3 plugs. Anyone can change the front 3 plugs in 15 minutes time.

[shivanibr]

Hey guys,
Thank you so much. I appreciate the quick responses. Three more questions though. 1) Are the spark plug tube seals same as the cram and crank seals? if not, is it critical to change those seals as well? 2) is it neccessary to replace the timing belt tensioner and the water pump as well? 3) How much of the additional cost am i looking at to include all these?

I am sorry if these questions are lame. I am not very well versed with car mechanics.

Thank you all.

[brainpause]

Holy cow, those aren't lame questions at all! Better than asking what color LED's should you get for your undercarriage.

I've heard that changing water pump when changing timing belt saves on future labor. I'm just not sure if it is necessary at only 85,000 miles. I'll plan on doing it when I do mine at 160,000 miles. I don't think it has ever been done.

[pmesfun]

Originally Posted by shivanibr

Hey guys,
Thank you so much. I appreciate the quick responses. Three more questions though. 1) Are the spark plug tube seals same as the cram and crank seals? if not, is it critical to change those seals as well? 2) is it neccessary to replace the timing belt tensioner and the water pump as well? 3) How much of the additional cost am i looking at to include all these?

I am sorry if these questions are lame. I am not very well versed with car mechanics.

Thank you all.

No, they are different. Yes I would have the Crank and Cam Shaft seals replaced. You will save the labor if they starting leaking later down the road. The spark plug tube seals should come with the valve cover gasket kit. As far as the tensioner, have your mechanic check if it needs replacement, if so, replace it. I would also do the water pump, might charge extra labor, but the again, you would rather pay now, then pay again to have it changed later. I'm thinking an additional $50-$100 to have the water pump and spark plugs replaced.

Discounted Priced OEM spark plugs could be found here at Toyota Parts Zone.

[shivanibr]

Hey All, Thank you so much for all your prompt replies. I highly appreciate it. You guys are awesome!

[bobflood]

I agree - those are excellent questions. And the answers you have been given are spot on. The timing belt interval is 90K miles and is a critical item; you are close enough to go ahead and change out now. I agree that you should have the water pump, crank seals and cam seals changed at the same time, as you already have the front end of the engine apart. Good advice from pmesfun re the tensioner; and the spark plug tube seals will come with the valve cover gaskets. The price sounds almost too good to be true; make sure the guy is using good parts, and always get your old parts back.

[ChiTDI]

Glad you said that about the price and parts quality. Labor costs vary across the nation, but that's close to giveaway. IMHO
Nothing wrong with a couple competitive bids!

[kegunder]

Back to your original question, the VC gaskets and timing belt probably are not critical at this point. I assume that you can check the oil level yourself, and add oil if needed. (If not, forget everything I say, and get it all done now!) You can probably get by for months before getting it serviced.

I also think getting the water pump replaced at this point isn't necessary IF the coolant is changed regularly. Mines working fine at 170K, but I change the coolant myself. So, its a tradeoff. Some people can't or don't do anything themselves, and don't replace fluids at regular intervals. Those people should get new coolant and water pumps with each timing belt. But, if you have had good coolant in the car the whole time, you're buying extra life out of your cooling system, so don't waste the money replacing parts early.

(I will replace my my water pump at 180K when I replace the belt though. My bravery does have limits... and I like to be able to repair my car at the time of my choosing