Car Repair Advice?

Question

In Nov I had the catalytic converters replaced on my 98 Buick. The service engine light came on in Feb. I took it to the dealer. They said the converters need to be replaced (no prob, I have the warranty for them). They also said that the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the Lower Intake are leaking. The FPR would cost $264 to fix, and the intake would be $1,150. They charge $150/hour just for labor, and say the lower intake will take 6 hours.

Is this a bunch of BS? How soon do I need to get this stuff fixed? The local place I've had stuff done before doesn't do that kind of stuff, so I don't know how much it would be at a mechanic that isn't the dealer. Any ideas on what parts and labor should be? (I'm in Chicago)

Thanks very much in advance.

Answer 1

First thing, stop going to a dealer, their parts are INSANE on prices, and you can get parts that are just as good or better at most part stores. $150 an hour for labor is crazy, I mean just absolutly crazy. Forget that nonsense about how a dealership is familiar with ONLY GM vehicles and they are therefore better. A good mechanic is just as familiar with your vehicle as a dealership, in some cases, alot more expirenced. Bear in mind I said a GOOD mechanic, be careful where you take your vehicle, before handing your vehicle over to a shop, look for ASE certification, and ask around to see who has had any good/bad expirences with that shop. Also check www.bbb.org to look for a list of shops with complaints against them in your area.
I, as well, would suggest minimal time dely on having the repairs checked out, but do not hand the vehicle over to a shop and ask them to do the work, tell them what the dealership has told you, and ask them to check it for themselfs. Most shops will charge a diagnosis fee of about $50, and this fee is usually waved if you have the work done there.
Good Luck with that, and like i said, stop using the dealership, its alot of wasted money for exactly what you could get at a good mechaninc elesewhere.

Answer 2

You should get it fixed as soon as possible. GM intake gasket failure is on of the most common things I see every day. If you have a 3.1 or 3.4 the lower gaskets will need to be replaced. If you have a 3.8, the plenum (upper intake manifold) is made of plastic and the EGR gasses flowing through it crack and warp it. The 3.8 requires a new plenum and lower gaskets. Have the fuel pressure regulator done at the same time, it will be rawing fuel through the vaccum port causing the engine to run too rich. When the Cat was replaced was it an aftermarket one that was welded into the existing pipe? I've had no luck with universal Cats on any post 96 GM product. I generally sell a rebuilt OE style convertor and they work great. You may want to get the intake/pressure regulator done first because the excess fuel from the regulator could be causing false readings from the Cat. I do dissagree with Rakel on one point. As an independent tech I have fixed many cars that the dealers couldn't. If you use and independent just make sure they are good. Check around.

Answer 3

I'm not familiar with GM products, but I would say that sounds about right. I know that on a '96 Windstar, the labour to replace the lower intake gaskets is exactly 6 hours. I do know that on some GM engines (the 3.1/3.4 V6 which your Buick should not be equipped with), are notorious for lower intake gasket internal leaks, which is something not to be taken lightly, I would not delay on having this problem fixed, before coolant mixes with the engine oil and wipes out your bearings. If that happens, it's bye bye engine at about $3500 plus labour, give or take. The higher price you pay at the dealer gives you a tech that is familiar with ONLY GM products, and will narrow down complex problems more quickly without having you spend money on unecessary parts, the way an independent mechanic, not as familiar would. I do know that the labour rate per hour tends to be more expensive in the city, where operating costs are substantially higher. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Price the parts out at the dealer and parts stores in the area. Then go to shops around the area and ask how much it would be for the replacement of the parts and labor in a detailed estimate have them list the labor and parts seperately. That's the best I can tell you since I'm not from the area.

Answer 5

se ive never seen hourly rates of any thing over 75 dollars/hri would definately stay away from the dealership and call out of town if you have to.

Answer 6

Talk to several other repair shops for their pricing.