I have a 2004 and its at 61000 miles is this a common thing to happen with only 61 on it. If so should i be ready to fix the other side too? On average how much should this run me? I dont have the ability to do it myself so has to go to a shop. If anyone knows roughly how much something like this should cost I would be greatful.

Thanks in advance

 

this is not a hard project at all, you will need a ratchet with extension, and two new gaskets (one fore each side). i think you can get the new gaskets as a pair or individual. i would be shocked if you end up paying more than $20-$30 for them. let us know what you decide to do.

 

Well, I am stationed in Colo. Springs and dont have access to tools or anything and my days are quite busy, so I am going to have to take it to a shop. I am just wondering if I should buy the parts first and have them replace both sides at the same time or just do one and hope for the best on the other side. Or should I let the shop buy the parts and labor and see what kida bill i get. Thats my other ? how much should this really be i mean if its a easy fix as you say should only about 1 hour of labor fix it? Just trying to get a better idea of what Iam getting into with shops doing the work instead of me.

Thanks in advance

 

I don't know the labor time but a good way to go is to look around for the gaskets yourself and price them out then call up a few shops and ask them how much they would charge for parts and labor and then only labor. Usually if you buy your own parts it's cheaper but you never know...

 

My 5.9 didn't have exhaust manifold gaskets.

Don't get the cheapest paper gaskets you can find, get good ones. You're looking at probably 2 hours of shop time (about $170) plus parts, that would be my guess. Will it take them 2 hours? No. It probably would take 30-45 minutes to do both, but that's the difference between book time and actual time. Shops claim that's where they make their money, as if $85/hr isn't enough.

 

$85/hour?!? who the hell are you going to? labor on my superbike is only $65/hour. a shop should never be charging more then $50/hour. if they are, go somewhere else. also, 2 hours of shop time seems a little much even for book hours. if you are going to take it to a shop, let them provide the parts. the gaskets are cheap and they wont be making any money off of them either way. call ahead to see if they have them in stock. if they don't, tell them you will find them for him and call up some auto parts stores and see if they have them. keeping a friendly relationship with someone doing work under your hood is always a good idea. since i was a motorcycle mechanic for some time, i know that a 6-pack of beer is always a nice tip!

 

It's hard to find a good mechanic for less than $70 an hour here in NY but that's because the cost of living is so high. If you live in a relativly cheap place $55 should be the norm. I paid $75 an hour for my tranny to be rebuilt and that was at a wholesale price because I have a warranty (that only covered a little more than half of the job, cheap dirtbags) it is normally $85 an hour for an Aamco in the city... Just shop around you'll find the right place if you keep your ears open.

 

tell me about it! i live in orange county, ca. aka take your pants down and bend over for an oil change! or better yet, the sales people out here always wear masks because they are robbing you!

 

You can't find a shop that works for less than $75/hr here.

$65 is a pipe dream, and $50/hr is after several hours of snorting lines.

It's reality. Typically shops also mark up their supplied parts by about 30% over retail. You guys have it easy if they're taking a loss and only charging $50/hr.

 

i need to start going to the shops you are going to!