Why does he want to replace the 'valve cover' - or does he just mean the gasket there, too?
Find another mechanic.
First best answer to Motorhead. I am also concerned you don't mention a check engine light, which is common with intake manifold gasket air leaks. Your description of the symptoms makes me think of the EGR valve hanging open rather than an intake manifold gasket. Definitely a second opinion on this one, and do not mention the first opinion until you get an unbiased opinion.
Those are sort of intake manifold leak symptoms, but it should not even cost $100 to fix an intake manifold leak. Get a second opinion. Often you can seal a leak with externally applied sealants, for $3. This is not hard to locate and deal with. But it could also be the PCV, EGR, Purge valve, or even just a loose vacuum hose. That is too much and it is too easy to fix. You find it by listening through a length of rubber tubing.
Both answers correct. Your gunna get jibbed. You could use grease to find the leak too. Smear it around the suspect area and start the engine. When you start it the grease will be sucked in if there is a leak and leave a hole in the grease film you just smeared. I would be trying to replace it yourself or get a friend who is handy too. Again it may be a vacuum hose not a gasket
Okay, the check engine light does come on intermittently. I had it checked and my mechanic said it was a bad Cam sensor. I don't know if that would help at all?
So I just took my 99 saturn sl2 into the shop, and was diagnosed with leaking intake manifold gasket. The mechanic said it needs to be replaced ASAP, and that it would be about $600-700 as he would replace the valve cover as well. Before I take it to him I wanted to see if it could be anything else, and if that estimate was fair.
My symptoms are:
1)it has a rough idle, almost sounds like something is misfiring if idling.
2) When I stop at a stop light, car almost sounds like it stalls, but it doesn't, just the engine goes silent.
3) there is a small oil leak.
4) sometimes the car has a hard time starting. Could just be because it's older, but it never has not started. Just takes a extra turn.
I'm not trying to self-diagnose, just trying to see if it could be anything else.
Also is the price fair??
Thanks for any help!!
