The Major

Do the engine out yourself. You'll learn a TON, and won't be afraid of the car ever again.

 

I have a similar leak. I think it was a factory option for anti-corrosion. Especially important in cars that sit between majors.

 

Sounds like you have a relationship with your local indy shop. Give it a go.

If you get in too deep, they can always step in and finish it up.

As Ernie states, you will learn a lot about the car and take away that magical maintenance shroud all non believers are afraid of

 

Feel around the corners of the CAM covers - my bet is that is the leak location

 

I am a few years from doing a major. So long as Fchat is still going strong, I will make it my winter project.

 

This

 

If you have the space and time, do it yourself.

Mine's in the shop right now having it done by a tr512 on FChat. Next time around I'll tackle it myself probably.

 

Colin,

We have been so busy that I've not had time to build any stands. Remember, drawing download is free. I'll see what the next month brings

 

First, you cannot hold the last mechanic responsible for a missing exhaust nut, five years after the service.

Second, do it yourself, so next time you see a missing nut, you can blame yourself.

 

I'd be suspicious if the prior shop at $15K was the last to lay hands on the manifolds. Really odd for exhaust nuts to just work their way off within 2500 miles. No exhaust ticking/hissing noises or rattling? Also strange that the flange has no difference in color where the nut should have seated. Like it's been missing a while. Hmm...

 

I guess I won the bet

Those are not powder coated - they are wrinkle paint and we are working on getting the proper materials to offer this service but not sure when we will have it up and running.

You are welcome. We will build some - hopefully later this year.

 

Since you're even considering doing it yourself that tells me you're somewhat mechanically inclined. Ultimately, you'll do a better/more detailed job than anyone else so I also say go for it.

 

If you plan to sell the car within 3 years, let your indie do it. Otherwise the potential buyers will always be weary.
If you plan to keep it, first read into the subject. There is a lot to be found over here, helped me through my major. Make sure you make lists of what has to be disconnected , and be sure to check those when done. Otherwise a small mistake is made easily.
But in the end it indeed are just 20 bolts...
And it gives huge satisfaction if you can rectify previous mistakes of others, like that missing nut...

 

If that's a concern then just have them do everything. You're only saving what, 1-2k by dropping and installing the engine yourself? Seems like you have a few other cars in the garage, I'm sure they'll need something so there's your hands getting dirty

 

Colin - beautiful garage.

I like your plan - better yet - ask your tech to come over (at a fee) to your place to check things out. Personally, I would not worry about the resale - just document your work.

Attached is a sample report I use for my service work I do.
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Save the money do it yourself. Document the heck out of it and when its time to sell it will depend on the buyer.

You can allways factor in a new service.

I dont know about others but for me as a buyer ai would look the mechanicals over the most and usually you can tell if they took car or not.

A lot of people put a great deal amount into how the car looks I tend to look at mechanicals more and cosmetics a little less.

Thats just me and like I said depends on the buyer.

The longer I own it the less people I trust to do the work. Only a few trusted shops and people I can count on 1 hand so far.