Coolant leak between timing chain and something

[Kewowskata]

Hello,

I have a 93xlt with 120xxx on it. Bought the truck a couple months ago. It hasn't had any problems besides some minor little fixes like the 4x4 and door hinges. I'm still a rookie when it comes to being mechanical. So here is the problem! The other day I got home from work, came back out to the garage about an hour later and noticed a puddle of coolant. So the next day I filled the radiator and drove to work (10 min), and checked for a leak when I got there and there was nothing. Lunchtime comes and I check again and notice a smaller puddle than the day before. So the longer I drive it, the more pressure builds, and the more it will leak right??? I took it to a radiator shop-they did a pressure test and all the hoses are good, the mechanic said it had somthing to do with a gasket and the timing chain from what I can remember. He gave me an estimate of 900-1200$ and it's a 8-9hr job. I did some research and double checked what he was talking about with the leak, and it's source, an it is in that area. So what I'm asking is if this all sounds correct to you guys- with the time and cost for the job and if it all sounds right. Do you really have to take the whole engine out to replace this? Just want to make sure I'm not getting jipped.

Thanks in advance,
the rookie

 

[surf]

If it is the timing cover gasket that is leaking it is possible to replace it with the engine in the car but the preferred method is to have the engine out because you can not remove the oil pan with the engine in the car and the timing cover is bolted to the pan and it is possible to develop an oil leak if you don't install the timing cover gasket first and then bolt the pan to the engine. I did it with the engine in and developed a slight oil leak which could probably have been avoided if I used more RTV on the location where the pan mates with the timing cover.

 

[Tony H]

Make sure it's not the intake manifold leaking just above the Thermostat housing and dripping arounf the Timing cover/ Waterpump.
When these intake manifolds leak.. and they do, that's where they leak from...just in front of the Heat Sender, above the Thermostat housing.

It looks like the leak is from the chain cover. so look closely

 

[Kewowskata]

Thanks for the advice, greAtly appreciated. I will check it out tomorow!!!!