Timing cover gasket replacement?

I recently had an oil change at the dealer with a coupon so it was "cheap" (yeah I know)
In their normal multipoint inspection they indicated that there is a gasket on the cover around the timing chain that is leaking oil and needs replacement.
They already had it off the lift. I can't see anything right off the bat in my driveway.

They are quoting almost $1400 to fix it?

Has anyone had this issue and how did you resolve it?
At a minimum I'm planning to get a second opinion and quote from an indi shop.
Thanks

 

This goes back to the whole "weep, seep, or leak" question. Are you in a place where you can see fluids leaking on the ground where you park? Are there oil spots? If you crawl under the truck, is the bottom of the engine dry?

It's possible that you just have some seepage, where the gasket in a certain spot may be a little wet with oil and the timing cover or the block may have a bit of oil staining on it. If this is the case, you may be able to wait five or ten years to fix it. If they are going to pull the timing cover off, go for new timing chain guides and tensioners while they are in there.

On the other hand, if you have the fairly common cam tower leak, that is something that will progress to leaking all over your engine and will make a big mess and should be addressed.

 

To answer the questions as I can.

Dealer says it is a leak that should be addressed.
I can't see any oil anywhere, but I'm not sure exactly where to look either.
No drips on the driveway when parked.

This is the timing chain cover on the front of the block... I was under the impression the cam tower leak would occur on the back of the block on the firewall side?

 

Well, the information gets passed from a tech to a service writer, then written up, so you'd have to look at the estimate and the parts they are specifying to be absolutely sure.

If you don't see drips on the ground and the bottom of the engine is dry, I would definitely get a second opinion!

 

If your truck has a skid plate, you may not see oil dripping as it could be collecting in the skid.

You can pull the skid and check, or an easier method would be to check the oil every few days and see if you are in fact loosing enough oil to be concerned.

 

I do not have a skid plate.
I guess I need to get under there with a bigger flashlight first.

 

Just had this happen to me last time I was at a dealer for my ‘13 5.7l…. Said that they were going to watch it for next time
Worst thing was that they quoted me $4000

let’s just say I’m watching myself and getting another opinion

 

wow

 

I am not surprised because it’s a lot of work, did it myself while doing the engine rebuild.

You better clean everything first and then check out where it’s coming from, could be cam towers, wich are less work then the timing chain cover or maybe a simple seal/o-ring from something else arround there …

 

They usually leaking where the block meeting the heads and front cover. It’s very hard to see from the top. Your Best chance is from the side. Pull out front rubber splash guards. Clean it and watch it. It may be long term mess with little seeping happening.

 

Can you send along photos of the leak the dealer found?

 

To be honest. If it ends up being the towers which means that cover is coming off. You might as well go ahead and check chain tensioner,chains, etc . I just done that back in Dec, and there is no way I'd do it again if I wasn't replacing the other stuff. You get anywhere over the 150k mark. You might as well take care of the other stuff that's bound to go in the next 30k+ miles.

 

@DVCNick is the leak coming close to this? Mine is leaking in this area and I just left it. I don't see too much leaking oil. I. Monitored my oil levels. I am not losing any significant oil as well. So I just left it.

My truck has 285k miles though as well. No point of changing it at this time. I just monitor my oil and change every 5k miles.