Well, Dealership Experience!

[SickWhip]

Whats up Guys,

Well, I took my car in today for it's Tune up, and Tranny fluid change. I'm told it went good. I haven't picked my car up yet. However, the mechanic told me the following.

1). Need new tires (thanks Genius)
2). Small Leak develloping in Timing cover Gasket (*****)
3). Small differential fluid leak.

So... What do I do. I'm guessing the Timing Cover Gasket is the most important. They want $800 to fix it... I can't afford that man. What do you guys suggest I do about this? As well as the Differential leak? I'm guessing that's a seal leaking as well? I'm not sure how to go about it. My Dad is a mechanic, however, he hasn't worked on any SC's other then mine. ANy help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

[Ryan A Harris]

I had a guy at one ford dealership tell me that my timing cover was leaking, $800 seems ok, cause they told me $1,300! SO you guessed it, I told them where to take that price. That could be a weekend job, I've doen the front main seal on my '95(which is a little different) in that amount of time, minus the other hassel I was running along the way. Were do you live again, in the summer we could try to plan a fix for that.

As for the rear diff leaking, I would expect that from a car that is getting up there in age. Most people don't ever change it. I would get a shop to that one, a little to messy for me.

Tires, well that one explains it self.

What did your tune up consist of? I'm just wondering as to what they looked at or maybe even missed anything(hope not) Once you pick it up let us know if it's running any better.

[Paul93SC]

With regard to the differential leak...

Check to see where the leak is coming from first. Ford issued a TSB on the differentials leaking fluid from the threads on the pinion (the nut that holds the companion flange on).

It's not a leak exactly... more like slow weeping. It does tend to "wet" the entire companion flange, U-joint, and front of the housing over time, but it looks way worse than it is. Mine has been weeping since I bought it in 95, however the rear end fluid hasn't dropped at all!

Their fix is to remove the nut and use teflon tape to seal it up, but IMO this isn't worth the cost. Ask to see the leak for yourself before you decide to spend the money.

BTW, My local dealership points this out to me almost everytime I get some service done, but they clam up fast when I point out this is a known problem and suggest it should be a free "warranty" repair! :p

[SickWhip]

Whats up Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Im looking at my invoice now. The tune up consisted of them pretty much lust looking around to see what they could bend me over for. They went ahead and changed my plugs, and they said that my wires were fine, no missing. Then he told me about the Timing Cover leak, and the differential. How worried should I be? Is this is a hard task (Timing Cover Gasket)? Like I said my Dad is a mechanic, but the 1st SC he's worked on has been mine. I live in Windsor, about 1.5 hours from London. The total cost that they milked me for was $443 including taxes, that was for the tune-up, and Trans fluid change. What a rip off. But what do you expect from the Ford Stealership? See my problem is... I get a little paranoid about alot stuff concerning my SC. Which may or may not be a good thing! I just like to fix stuff, when I can, sorta preventative maintenance! I see that you guys meet alot, and I'm hoping to come down to meet you guys when the weather gets nicer. I'm just a rookie looking for some guidance, and you guys always help me out! I appreciate that. Meeting up sometime, would definetely be a great idea, we'll keep in touch for sure! Thanks Man!