ok guys, i know i ask alot about my car so heres another question. Why does it cost so much to get a head gasket fixed,i have a 1.5 engine in a 91 dodge colt. i was told that it would cost 700 to put a $20 part on, was is that. I live in ky and knowing nothing about cars so i'm looking for someone cheap but good to put it on. the most i can do is 500 for what i was told should be one days work. what do you guys think about this and can anyone living in ky help me out.
2006-06-17 12:10:01 · 7 answers · asked by jason h 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is a very labor intensive job
2006-06-17 12:15:06 · answer #1 · answered by Jill&Justin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is so expensive because there is a lot of time involved and machine work. When replacing a head gasket, the head surface needs to be "cleaned up" or machined, then the block surface needs to be checked for warpage. While the head is off, the water pump and all the belts should be replaced at the same time, otherwise it will be a never ending circle of repairs and fix-its. For $500, you probably could find an independent mechanic and negotiate the price, or go to a community college or high school and seek out the auto shop class and have a student do the work. Trust me, I know what is involved with the dodge colt head work, I used to race one in SCCA showroom stock. And if you can find head gaskets for the colt for $20, let me know where you are getting them, because a FelPro head gasket alone for the colt is $55, and that doesn't include the other gaskets and bolts(the head bolts are "stretch bolts" and will need to be replaced) to do the job.
2006-06-17 12:23:14 · answer #2 · answered by rex_rrracefab 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your previous answers are all good: Lots of labor usually involved to get to heads to get them off. Definitely a good idea to check the mating surfaces on head/block. Not sure about suggestions to replace a lot of other stuff while doing head work - depends more on mileage and age(since it is a 91 and if you have never had some of these replaced - might be good preventive measure). Have not found a head gasket for $20 for ages(long time)?
Some good answers above. Good Luck!
2006-06-24 02:37:46 · answer #3 · answered by 63vette 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labor is the answer, sorry. That why people who can work on their own cars save a Bundle. Look at Front Brakes, do it yourself for $15-25 depends on how nice of brakes you want. Look at what a shop charge, only takes about 30 minutes when you have everything.
2006-06-17 12:16:15 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the head gaskets are very important to your engine. if you want to keep the car you need to get the work done. you have to take half the engine apart to put the head gaskets on. the heads have to be resurfixed. after you get them done it will last for some years.
2006-06-17 12:22:30 · answer #5 · answered by nanny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engines are so complex and compact it takes time to repair. Easy to work on engines are a thing of the past. Aluminum heads and blocks are easy to ruin. Sometimes headbolts cannot be reused. New ones are very expensive since most are imports even if they wear American Name badges.
2006-06-17 12:15:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labor ! they gotta "PULL" the heads, as well as move the hundreds of tiny things bolted on the motor out of the way to get to the heads.
2006-06-17 14:09:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋