Replacing valve seals cost

[Jdiddy2k4]

So my car is at mitsubishi for the ball joint recall and I told them to check on the white smoke coming from my tailpipe. I got a call today and he said it would be $1322 to replace them seeing as how they have to take off the cams, timing belt, etc. Does this seem like a high price for this job or is this about the going rate to get valve seals changed. I know it is a dealership so of course it is high, but is it REALLY that much higher than a shop? I'm in san antonio so if you have any shops that you could suggest that would be good also

 

[DGajre777]

What you need to do is take it to a shop that doesn't tell you that they are going to take off the entire timing belt to replace the valve stem seals. Here's how you do it - http://www.roadraceengineering.com/instructions/caminstructions.htm

http://www.jnztuning.net/services.php charges $275 for a camshaft replacement and about $450ish for a head rebuild (which includes seals), so I wouldn't pay more than $400. You could always just find someone to help you and do the work yourself...

 

[TrboANTsi]

I was quoted 400 from a local mechanic beforei decided to do it myself. if you know how to do timing do it yourself. The hardest part i had was when those little half moon caps would fall out of place.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

I don't know how to do timing and don't want to risk messing up the engine trying to do it myself. I'll just try and find a shop with a reasonable price. Thanks for the help.

 

[TrboANTsi]

well just think about this first. theres more then enough info on this site to learn how to do timing. if anything im sure theres a local dsmer in your hood that could help with that. i had a guy come to my house and set my timing for 40 bucks in the middle of winter in ny. it took him 15 min. so seriously how hard could it be.