Name: Front cover oil leak repair
Brand: AutoGuru
Rating: 4.8 (8 reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you fill out your details, you’ll be shown the ‘search results’ which displays instant fixed-price quotes from local service providers that can be booked online.

Yes. Once you have entered in your vehicle details and location, you’ll be able to browse through available repair tasks or inspections that you would like a quote for.

Car servicing, inspections and minor repairs such as brakes can be instantly quoted and booked online. For complex repairs, we’ll get local service providers to give you a personalised quote.

Nope! Customers who book with AutoGuru pay no fees.

AutoGuru can provide servicing and repair quotes for the majority of passenger vehicles on Australian roads. If you don’t see your vehicle listed, we’re really sorry but at this time we don’t have sufficient details on this vehicle type to provide you with quotes. Please try us again in the future though, as we are always updating our vehicle listings!

Yes. For the work included in the quote, the price you’re quoted is the final price you’ll pay.

Instantly priced quotes for servicing and repair work via AutoGuru.com.au include parts, labour and GST. Note: Quotes for inspection and diagnostic jobs do not include pricing for parts.

Service providers are advised to contact you directly in order to discuss additional work that is not included in the initial quote.

Inclusions for basic and logbook services can be found on the search results page or the booking finalise page under the ‘What’s included?’ button. Find out more

Yes! You can book with a mobile service provider that can come to your home or workplace. Find out more

No. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) states that any certified mechanical workshop or mobile mechanic can service or repair your car without voiding your New Car Manufacturers Warranty. Find out more

Yes. For logbook services, the service provider will sign and stamp your logbook to meet manufacturer requirements. If the service provider has not stamped your logbook, please contact them directly to arrange a time for them to stamp your logbook.

Yes. Please click the 'manage my booking' link on your booking confirmation email. If you need help email contactus@autoguru.com.au.

If you booked through AutoGuru and your booking has been confirmed, you can reschedule to a new date or time. Simply click the 'manage my booking' link on your booking confirmation email. If you need help email contactus@autoguru.com.au. If you cancel or don't show up and don't reschedule (and you have prepaid in advance), a $20 cancellation fee will apply.

If you’ve booked with a workshop, the service provider will usually require your vehicle for the entire day due to scheduling. If you’ve booked with a mobile provider, you will only be without your vehicle for the time it takes to complete the job. Find out more

Yes! Some service providers can offer a loan car depending on their availability. Find out more

Most service providers also offer either a drop off or pick up service, where they can drop you off at or pick you up from a location within a 5km radius of their business, or a $10 Uber ride voucher. Find out more

For servicing, inspections and select repairs, we can provide instant quotes. However, some tasks require a quote request to be sent to service providers. You will usually receive at least one quote within 24 hours.

If you have sent off a quote request to local service providers through AutoGuru, you can expect to receive up to five quotes back.

Didn’t receive a quote? No worries! Email contactus@autoguru.com.au and we'll see if we can help.

Booking your car service or repair through AutoGuru gives you access to these convenient payment options:

1. Pay upfront and online using your credit or debit card or PayPal
2. Flexible payment options with Afterpay, humm, Zip or PayPal
3. In some instances, you can choose to pay the mechanic when you pick your car up and the service and/or repairs have been completed

Yes, all service providers should provide an invoice when you pick up the car. Find out more

How much does a front cover oil leak repair cost?

The front engine cover, also known as the timing cover or timing case, is designed to protect the timing chain/s and tensioners on the front of the engine. It also allows the engine oil to lubricate and cool the timing chain components.

The front cover is usually made of metal and is sealed to the engine using either liquid gasket or a pressed metal gasket with rubber seals to prevent oil and coolant leaks. Over time, these gaskets can fail and oil can leak out from where the front cover mounts to the engine.

When this happens, it's time to have the gasket replaced. Unfortunately, having a front cover oil leak repaired can be costly as the front of the engine must be disassembled to remove the cover. Repairs can start from $400 and increase to $1500 and above, depending on the vehicle and engine fitted.

What is a front cover gasket?

The gasket that seals the front cover to the engine is made up either of metal with rubber seals, or a silicone-based sealant known as RTV. If an oil leak is present, replacement of the gasket material is the only way to rectify this problem.

It is highly unusual for the cover itself to leak but if this is the cause, a complete cover replacement will be needed.

Symptoms of a front cover oil leak

Oil leaking under the vehicle
Low oil level
Oil smell or smoke coming from under the bonnet

How is a front cover oil leak repair performed?

The engine oil and coolant will be drained from the engine
The engine will be disassembled to allow front cover removal
The old gasket will be removed from the engine mating surface and the front cover inspected for any damage
A new gasket will be applied to the front cover and the cover refitted with new seals as needed
The engine will be reassembled and filled with fresh coolant and engine oil
The engine will be started and brought up to operating temperature to check for any leaks
The vehicle will be test driven to ensure repair has been carried out successfully

Tips to remember

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the engine may need to be removed to allow access to the front cover of the engine. If this is the case, there will be many components that need to be replaced during the repair, such as bolts and fluids
The front cover of a vehicle fitted with a timing belt is usually made of plastic so does not require replacing unless damage has occurred. If there is an oil leak from behind this cover, the timing belt will need to be replaced and the camshaft and crankshaft seals inspected for leaks

How important is repairing a front cover oil leak?

If the engine oil level inside your engine is low, oil overheating and premature failure of internal components can result. If you have noticed an oil leak under your vehicle you should have it rectified as soon as possible to keep your engine running as smoothly.

While a front cover oil leak repair can seem costly, an engine replacement cost is far higher and may be required if the oil leak is ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Front cover oil leak repair