[Rex Tombs]

Hello, new owner here of a 1997 AWD EXT Astro van with 120K miles. I was getting a slow and steady oil leak coming from the timing cover. Brought to mechanic to replace cover and seal, job cost around $1,400. Leak persisted after job was complete and they took it back in and said they replaced defective cover with another new cover. Leak re-appeared after a few months of light use. I got underneath the engine to verify where the leak was coming from and found this. It looks like when I brought it back the second time they just slathered the seal with some type of caulk. At this point I feel like I was ripped off and lied to. I Also found a black cable management hose with wires that have no connector just floating loosely un-terminated in the same area (visible in the photos). Bringing it back in next week and looking for some input in case this is normal or if anyone has any experience or advice with this issue. Any help much appreciated.
-Rex

 

[sixsix]

Yes... and it is par for the course.
Money back - then look for a better, honest mech.

"Stealerships" generally charge the most, but generally fix your car right. Mostly...

The 4.3 V6 in these Vans is not exotic or "Old"... just ask Mercury Marine and Kohler Corp.
I see them in farming, BU generators - cell towers and High-End Chippers - Asplundh.

 

[Rex Tombs]

Yes... and it is par for the course.
Money back - then look for a better, honest mech.

"Stealerships" generally charge the most, but generally fix your car right. Mostly...

The 4.3 V6 in these Vans is not exotic or "Old"... just ask Mercury Marine and Kohler Corp.
I see them in farming, BU generators - cell towers and High-End Chippers - Asplundh.

Thanks for the response, I figured as much. They seemed like a trustworthy local family shop here in Long Beach, CA. As time will always prove, talk is cheap. Will give an update after returning this week for a refund.

 

[kenk]

Thanks for the response, I figured as much. They seemed like a trustworthy local family shop here in Long Beach, CA. As time will always prove, talk is cheap. Will give an update after returning this week for a refund.

if no luck on the refund, turn them into the state

 

[Rex Tombs]

if no luck on the refund, turn them into the state

Thank you Ken. If this is the case, how would I go about doing that?

 

[kenk]

Thank you Ken. If this is the case, how would I go about doing that?

in any state a mechanic has to be licensed by the state to work on your vehicle, if they get too many complaints or they are ripping people off, the state will cancel their lic, and or fines, you can start here Welcome to the BAR Online Complaint Form - California Department of Consumer Affairs but try and resolve it first

 

[Rex Tombs]

in any state a mechanic has to be licensed by the state to work on your vehicle, if they get too many complaints or they are ripping people off, the state will cancel their lic, and or fines, you can start here Welcome to the BAR Online Complaint Form - California Department of Consumer Affairs but try and resolve it first

I appreciate that info, will update with developments after I go in.
-Rex

 

[95AstroLT]

Wow, for $1400 you should have gotten a really first rate job. The timing cover is the same as any small block Chevy engine. It's not like they're having to pull the cover off a late model OHC engine, but they're charging about the same labor. An then not stand behind their work but tell you a story and try a cheap patch job!!
Give them a chance to do the right thing, but this where having a friend who is a lawyer would come in handy. One phone call or letter and 99% chance it'll be fixed right or you'll receive a $1400 check. (They're counting on you not hiring a lawyer bc that would probably cost more than $1400.)
Try Consumer Affairs as mentioned above. Or small claims court (look up the process for your state). Or if nothing else, tell your story on social media (be sure to stick to the facts).
Good luck!

 

[CopperFiremist]

It is almost impossible to get them not to leak there, new oil pan and front cover with the proper silicone placement per FSM is the key, they did leave the factory with silicone visible between the pan and the front cover FYI. We won't even do that job without replacing both and won't guarantee it won't leak at some point.