Timing Chain Cover Help

[3mw]

Hey guys, I have a 96 Lumina 3.1 with about 115,000 miles. About a month or two ago I noticed a coolant leak on the passenger side (timing chain cover). Now the leak is very bad. I called a local shop and they told me 5.5hrs labor at $70 per hr, gasket, oil change, and coolant for approximately $450.00 . Is this a fair price? Also, this car is on it's last leg, so I really don't want to dump this amount of money into it and I was thinking of doing it myself. Has anybody performed this task before? I checked out two Haynes manuals and one states that "Step 17: On 1995 through 2000 models, remove the right side ball joint and the lower control arm, then remove the suspension support... ".
I also noticed "Step 14: Remove the oil pan. Note: the front cover can be removed with the oil pan in place, but the pan must be removed for a good installation to seal against the bottom of the front cover." Are these two steps a must? I live in a community that I would never hear the end of it if the job is this involved. I guess I'm asking for the easiest way possible. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks .

[Blue Bowtie]

Yes, the lower timing cover seal is nearly impossible to install correctly with the oil pan in place. It may not have to be completely removed, but should be loosened and lowered, since it is the oil pan which clamps against the lower TC seal, not the other way around. And space there is very limited.

[jeffcoslacker]

You're leaking coolant from your timing cover??

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

You're leaking coolant from your timing cover??

Never mind...brain dead today. I forgot what they look like...

[3mw]

jeffcoslacker, now you got me thinking...uh oh. The leak is coming from behind the timing chain cover (front engine cover) on the lower side that is closest to the firewall. It is possible for coolant to be leaking from here...isn't it? Just making sure. Thanks.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by 3mw

jeffcoslacker, now you got me thinking...uh oh. The leak is coming from behind the timing chain cover (front engine cover) on the lower side that is closest to the firewall. It is possible for coolant to be leaking from here...isn't it? Just making sure. Thanks.

I'd think it was leaking from higher up, and following the edge between the cover and the engine before dropping off...but hard to say without seeing it...internally there shouldn't be coolant in that area, no. I'd take a good look around and use a mirror, see if it's not just coming from the intake (a lot more likely) and following the cover down...that'd be a nicer repair to do....look down behind the P/S pump, etc...