hi everyone.

Today I took my car to Satan to get the recall replacement done. I had found an oil leak on the back side of the engine before, but I still asked them to check it out.

So here's what they found out.

Bad head gasket, leaking from front of the engine. $907.00 +tax estimate

Bad Transmision input shaft seal, which is leaking the trans fluid. $1122.00 +tax. estimate. :(

Satan said that they have to dis-assemble the tranny to replace the seal. Do they have to take the whole engine/tranny assembley out to fix it?? or just the tranny?

If they've to take out whole engine/tranny assembley, do you guyz think its a good time to throw in the JE pistons and Rods?? (for future turbo)?? since they are gonna remove the head for the headgasket anyways. I also have my timming belt to get replaced and AF/X UDP put on.

Satan also told me to keep checking the tranny fluid regularly, and if its low then fill it up (cuz of the leak). What tranny fluid do we use and where to get it from?? (don't wanna use any thing other than the stock fluid, Just cuz I think it's cheaper for now)

any help? input? advice?
thanks.

sorry for the long post :(

ENKEI RP02 17" x 7"
AF/X UDP (still have to install:))
K&N Filter
springs/coilovers (still searchin' :D)

It's broken :(




Junoon
97-RS
automotive/industrial design student :-)
Michigan

Sorry to hear about all that, that really sucks. I hope you don't lose hope like I did...replacing the head cost me 450 in labor, so I think the dealer estimates are too high. The gasket itself is 32 bucks, plus other misc parts, figure at most 150 in parts...

eclipse804@hotmail.com
http://www.importvenom.com
Import Venom

If you can do a timing belt you can do the head gasket easily. I did 2 neons. Piece of cake. Satan is always going to be higher. Also for 1100 bones you could yank out your own tranny have every seal and its mother done (assuming that you auto) for less than that. In short, get a second opinion.

hmm.. interesting Erik.. why would you assume that I'm an auto?? I've 5spd. Do you think that satan is planning for a big ripoff??

ENKEI RP02 17" x 7"
AF/X UDP (still have to install:))
K&N Filter
springs/coilovers (still searchin' :D)





Junoon
97-RS
automotive/industrial design student :-)
Michigan

Hey Junoon -

I don't know if you read the email from before you left for vacation, but I mentioned that I would be more than willing to help you take the head apart and work on the car with you. I'd love to get the experience, and with 2 people, I'm sure it wouldn't be nearly as bad.

In regards to the tranny, I would recommend getting a few other mechanics to quote you for at least an idea. It sounds like the dealer is really trying to rip you off. $2000 for about $150-$200 worth of parts (motor & tranny combined) is ridiculous.

Also - I'm sure you thought of this already... but aren't you within warranty (60K mile drivetrain motor/tranny warranty)? Or are you above 60K?

Let me know if you want to work on it...
Later man,
Aaron

Well knowing that you have a 5 sp. that changes a lot. Blocking rings(synchros) are about 5 bucks worth of metal --meanwhile satan will only sell the synchro assem. for 250. Bad news on the seal. First find someone whos has done one(good luck) and make sure he has somewhat of the jig to press them out. Head gasket; just have hand tools and an accurate torque wrench. I don't know if we have torque-to-yield bolts but be sure to check it out before you start.

LAST EDITED ON 12-Jul-01 AT 01:22 PM (PST)

Hey Junoon!
I'm having a bad day too :-( ...
What state do you live in?
Because i found a really good mech that does side jobs in NJ..
My overheating problem that i have? he found it..
Cracked head.. not going to cost me nearly as much to replace as it would an independent mech or SATAN, most of the cost is parts.
OH! BTW.. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET 96' ECLIPSE 2.0 420a HEADS CHEAP? I PREFER BREND NEW BUT THAT DEPENDS ON THE COST...???? :-(

S**T i say just replace the whole damn tranny........go to the junk yard and find a 5spd that was rear ended or get one they have alreadly pulled out. and if you want pistons you gotta yank the block to get it bored 20 over to fit the je pistons

thanks for the support guys. Yeah My friend's bud is a mechanic and has his own shop, so I'll find out in few days for about what he'd charge.

thanks Aaron, I'll email you.

ENKEI RP02 17" x 7"
AF/X UDP (still have to install:))
K&N Filter
springs/coilovers (still searchin' :D)





Junoon
97-RS
automotive/industrial design student :-)
Michigan