The V12 timing cover leak

[M1AGM]

Hi all,

My car (‘14 DB9) has had this for a few years. The indy’s I have used all say they all do it, and it usually gets gradually worse over time. It started as a feint misting and now a few drips make their way on to the coolant hose conveniently located right below it. At my last service I was advised it should be done next year at a cost of approx £2500 (indy). I agree.

I guess most V12 owners have had this, and if so is that about the right money for the job? And secondly, does the fix (i.e. new seal/gasket) permanently fix it or does it return after a few years again?

AM Performance in Macclesfield mentioned he is trying to sort out a non corrosive coolant hose pipe replacement as the coolant hose failing would be the biggest issue.

Any thoughts/experiences with this issue?

[shuzzy]

Think this was mentioned as an advisory in a previous service on my current DB9. However it was also noted on my previous DB9, so likely a common V12 issue. Never had any further details with regards to repair costs. Like you say not sure how critical it is or whether you can just 'live with it'.

[LPH]

My V8V does it. Very common apparently. It's just enough to get a 'mist' of oil on the cover. Clean off at service time and it's usually back again a year later. Specialists that have seen it say don't bother fixing unless it's dripping oil on the floor. Mine never does so I've left it.

[4Q]

It was picked up on mine at the service I’ve just had at AM Nottingham this week. They quoted £3520 although I’m not sure if that’s + vat or incl.

[BiggaJ]

AHM told me this was something to look out for when buying my V8V. They quoted two days work and said they replace the seal but also another small part as if they've taken the cover off then it's good practice to replace other wear items at that time. Think they quoted me around £2500 for the work.

Mine appears to be OK for now but I'm sure it will start to show signs of seapage as they all do over time, so I'm told.

[john ryan]

My 07 V8V had it done by the dealer when nearly new, and I did it again last year in my reasonably well equipped garage. The subframe wraps closely around the front of the engine, preventing the timing cover being removed - hence the huge labour cost, Going carefully (removing the subframe), it took me 3 days. I used a pit, and I think you could do it on the ground though some of the fixings are difficult to get at. The sealing land is very narrow, and I presume that heating and cooling allows the seal to wriggle over time - possibly the sme for a V12. So far, bone dry.