How long should it take a mechanic to replace a water pump on a 96 dodge intrepid ES with a 3.5L engine? I was given a estimate of 6 hours does it really take that long? at 100.00 a hour I'm not sure my car is worth fixing
it does take some time... 4hr max... $100 a hr is a rip... call around someone will do it for under $400
I would do 1 for $100 period $100 an hour means that your mechanic missed a house payment
I work on all different types of cars but just hearing you mention this one makes me be able to recall what a nightmare these cars really are. The water pump on these cars are driven by the timing chain, yes timing chain. Whats really different about this car is when the water pump goes out, it leaks water but since the pump is under the front cover it can't leak water into the oil pan so they put in what they call a weep hole. When the pump starts to leak you will get dripping water out of the left side of the block which is different but normal in this case. The fact that the timing chain drives this pump says this repair is going to take alot of time I believe standard book time on this job is around 6 hours.
Well I have a 97 and the water pump was 80.00 installed by me. It has the 3.3 V6, very simple to do oil changes spark plugs air filter It is a very well built car. Replacing the timing belt would be a very stupid idea - that guy knows nothing about cars at all. As long as you stay away from the 2.7 litre engine you will be fine. Mine is now at 165000 miles original engine/trans I just replaced the front wheel bearings and struts. Totalling 275.00 - I installed. Then 40.00 for the alignment.
YES! It's driven by the timing belt so make sure they replace that too! edit: everything bill b said is true.....but he's thinking of the 2.7 motor. not the 3.5. Thank you. Your welcome. The labor rate in my shop is $95.00 an hour. Most all basic jobs are rated into a labor time data log by auto manufactuers and used world wide! These labor times stand up in a court of law!!! If it calls for 6.0 hours of labor, and you know I charge $95 an hour, that's $570 plus parts. Some shops charge less per hour and use cheap parts and leave bolts out and your constantly having problems. Some try to charge 8.0 hours for a 6.0 job just to rip you off. Some shops never worked on one and some shops are on there 3rd set of special 3.5 cam holders for doing water pumps and timing belts if you know what I mean!! Always get on the phone and shop around. Call the dealer and ask for the labor time for a particular job if you feel the need to.
