Hi,
I have a Celica GT4 RC and it has a couple of oil leaks from the oil pump and at the other end of the engine. I’ve been quoted about 18hr’s labour to fix both. Is there anyone who really knows their Celica’s near Hertfordshire who I could approach for a quote for the work? I’m also thinking that if I’m having that much stripping down done there are probably a few sensors and possibly pumps that have a finite life span that could be replaced at the same time to pre-empt work in the future.
If anyone has any recommendations I would be grateful.

Louise

The labour largely depends upon where the oil is leaking at the gearbox end of the engine. If it's crank seal then it's engine out, these are rare however. It's more likely to be distributer or cam cover leaking at that end at the back.

Leaking from the oil pump gasket is common, the oil pump bolts work loose and the gasket then lets go. It's a sump off, cambelt off, oil pump off job to do. I always reccomend nipping these bolts up when changing a cambelt.

I would say 18 hours would be a worst case estimate for someone familiar with the cars and kitted up. This should cover dropping & refitting the engine and changing oil pump gasket while out.

I've heard good reports of Japex at Kings Langley but no personal experience.

_________________
If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Fensport is probably your best bet in terms of distance from Hertfordshire, heard good things about Japex too, but Fensport is essentially a household name when it comes to performance Toyotas.

Failing that bomb it down south have a long weekend by the charming Hampshire coastline and get South Coast Workshop to solve your woes.

_________________
I like the tuna here! https://www.facebook.com/southcoastworkshop

Japex in in Hertfordshire. Fensport are miles away in Fenland.

_________________
If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Defiantly speak to Stuart at japex, but be aware that he is reluctant to take on new GT Four customers due to being messed around.

It may help if you mention my name and that I've recommended him to you.

There are also a couple of MR2 turbo specialists in the area - one at Luton and one at Junction 9 of the M1. As it sounds like and engine related issue, the engines are virtually identical.
Have a look on www.imoc.co.uk for MR2 recommendations

Thanks again for the help, sorry for not replying sooner as I was unwell over Christmas and have been catching up on things ever since.

I had a chat with Japex, but they said they wouldn't do this type of work on a Celica as they don't have anyone who could do a sufficiently good job with the head skim to get a good seal. They recommended Tim at TBDevelopments, however he hasn't replied to me yet and is not exactly local.

The oil leaks on hold at the moment as I currently have the starter motor out following a couple of starts where I've had an unpleasant graunching noise, hopefully it's just something sticking and a strip and clean will sort it.

Once things are sorted I can try Fensports, I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks again,

Louise

If you're going to travel, I would suggest BEK down near Portsmouth or MK autos in Blackburn.

I get the impression Tim at TB has a large backlog.

_________________
If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.