work overpriced?

[Camaroingfool]

so i have a bad intake manifold gasket, I talked to my mechanic and he said that he would replace it for about $200, plus materials, how bad of a price is that, i mean hes a friend and i dont think he'd try and cheat me. I'm pretty sure i could do the work myself but right now i just dont have the time. So am i getting cheated?

[BobbyZ72]

Re: work overpriced?

My mechanic, also a friend, told me 400. But i did it myself, its very easy, just takes a while

[slow6]

Re: work overpriced?

if you lived by me, I'd do it for $50
how do you know its a bad intake gasket? cylinder leak down test i guess?

[Camaroingfool]

Re: work overpriced?

there is coolent on top of the heads, and i can literally see it bubling out from between the intake and the block. another question real quick is there another gasket between the upper and lower intakes? cause i picked up the lower intake gasket today, what else will i need?

[slow6]

Re: work overpriced?

yes, of course there is a gasket between the upper and lower intakes.

We still dont know if your gonna do it or your mechanic!
If your doing it: you would need a torque wrench, and make dam sure you dont like to overtighten bolts like I do :)
Also, a star/hex screwdriver set(for getting MAP) off.
I could tell you more tips if youre gonna do it, like getting a Chilton's/Haynes manual. Its easy stuff.

good luck! hope you get it fixed!!

[Camaroingfool]

Re: work overpriced?

yeah i got the haynes manual, and it doesnt look like its that dificult, i only have limited knowlegde on engines, but i think i could do it, but like i say i just dont have the time. So i figure I'll just pay my friend to do it, he is the manager of a merchant tire store, and knows very much about engines. by the way, any idea what the name of that gasket between the upper and lower intake is called, i need to go pick one up for the job.

[slow6]

Re: work overpriced?

its called an intake plenum gasket or upper intake gasket.
Oreillys sells em
On the lower intake gasket, some come with a blue gasket and that thing is CRAP! I dont like it at all, it doesnt fit into the dowel pin/rod holes like some of the other gaskets I've gotten (completely black ones).
I can take pics if ya'll want.

[Camaroingfool]

Re: work overpriced?

Ive looked at advanced auto and i cant find the plenum thing, any idea where else has them, ( no orieliey's in VA)?

aslso ive read that its a good idea to put that Red RTV sealant near the corners, it that a good idea, should i tell my friend that?

[slow6]

Re: work overpriced?

you dont need to, but i sometimes do

[BobbyZ72]

Re: work overpriced?

I had no problems with the blue gaskets. Maybe your bolts are loose, try tighting them and see it that helps stop your leak. When replaced my gaskets, all the bolts were pretty loose.

[slow6]

Re: work overpriced?

nah, mines not leaking, I just dont like the blue gaskets that go perpendicular to the regular lower intake gaskets. The old black gaskets had dowel pins/rods that fit into the block, these blue ones dont.