So, I am relatively well versed in this problem but mine seams somewhat specific. I am comfortable doing about anything on my 97 monty sport (3.0) except for messing with the timing belt, crankshaft seal, etc. (hard enough on my motorcycle).


-This will be the 3rd alternator (first one since i have had the car)
-Car will jump start fine and run fine with all electronics functioning in P or N.
-Car will start to stall and all lights go dim and turn on on dash when in D. and Eventually turns off.
- Car leaks oil on passenger side near the front of the motor
-I have already replaced rear cam seal o ring on passenger side.
- Some oil seams to be coming from manifold seal.
- Oil also seams to be blowing up from somewhere all over the
alternator which Im sure killed it.
-Heard this could be a oil cooler line or front crankshaft seal causing
oil to hit the fan and fly everywhere. Or from valve cover gasket
(but don't think it is bc i cant see oil coming from that region.
- some people say there are front "cam seals." DO THESE EXIST?

PLEASE HELP ME, I am out of ideas here?
-I don't want to replace the alternator before fixing this damn oil leak

 

oil leaks on montero are VERY common. the one that usually kills the alternator is a leaking cam seal. (bank 1) passengers side. the pcv usually clogs shut and the pressure drives oil out of that seal for whatever reason. again VERYcommon on montero. valve cover gaskets also can leak into the area. i recommend replacing both cam seals while you have it torn down. (t-belt has to come off). pretty big job. be sure to replace pvc as well. if you havent changed the t-belt lately, replace it as well. good luck!!

 

So it was the passenger front cam seal leaking that killed the alternator and i was due for a timing belt anyways (135,000) got it done about 9 years ago at 65,000.

Shop is doing:
-Timing belt kit:water pump, t belt, tensoiner,etc...
-both front cam seals and crankshaft seal
-pcv valve passenger side
-new alternator
- all work and parts are warrantied, figured this way if it starts leaking again from any of the three seals or the alternator dies again they will have to fix it their $.

Cost $1600 total. Reasonable? Sounds a little high to me but not outrageous. What do you guys think, am i getting ripped off?

p.s. i know all shops are a rip off but is this particularly bad?

 

actually sounds a little underpriced. make sure you get that warranty in writing.