He says that it will cost a bit and even at that it may not last, unless i get lucky! I dont think i trust him!
2006-08-09 08:07:54 · 21 answers · asked by zd_sr1 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The cylinder head must be removed and probably resurfaced. This is a big job with a lot of labor involved. All mechanics say that this repair may not last, but if he is a good mechanic with the right facilities he can have the head checked when it is off and if everything is within specs the job should last.
2006-08-09 08:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a few people have pointed out the head Gasket forms a seal between the Cylinder Head and The cylinder block of the engine, as long as u dont allow the engine to overheat and you keep the coolant level topped up u should be ok for a while but get it done fairly soon because it can cause a total engine faliure. If you pay over about £400 or £500 you've been well and truly ripped off!!!!
Depending on the engine size and type ie number of cylinder (4,5,6,8,10 or 12) and how they are arranged ie In line, V, or Flat (sometimes called a boxer.) It can be a fairly simple job to do (V and Flat Cylinder engines have more than one cylinder head and gasket so both will need to be done)
I have done dozens of these myself including two on my own cars, a mechanic will remove the cylinder head and check if it has warped by using a spirit level if it hasnt he will change all the gaskets on the engine and replace the oil and water and away u'll go, if the cylider head has warped it'll be sent away to be skimmed and pressure tested.
2006-08-10 07:13:44 · answer #2 · answered by michael2k_18 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at your oil. If it's grey the water and oil are mixing. If the oil is OK and he car is running - get a second opinion. You may be able to change the gasket yourself. It's a sort of seal between the head and the engine block. Drain the oil and water before you start! If the car has just got little power and fumes are leaking around the head - the gasket is on it's way out. Try and find a company that will "skim" the head before you fit the new gasket. That'll make it fit better and raise your compression. Mine also went like the clappers after the head was skimmed! lol
2006-08-09 17:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by Mike10613 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is really bad if a head gasket is split. It means that you eventually will have oil and coolant mixing in your engine. The engine block can overheat and crack IF the radiator doesn't go out first. In any case, it causes damage to the engine. My last car had that problem and I didn't take car of it. I paid the money to have it fixed and the car died later because the engine had overheated enough that the engine block cracked 2 months later in the summer. The car is dead now.
My new car had the same problem, but it was fixable since it was noticed right off the bat. I don't know the exact cost. My dad is a mechanic so I only had to pay for the parts to fix my car when the damage was done. I got a tune up at the same time.
2006-08-09 15:10:53 · answer #4 · answered by kinspirit01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most engines main two components are the block (large lower section that contains the pistons) and the head(s) (larger upper section(s) that contain the valves, spark plugs, intake/exhaust ports etc.). The 'Head Gasket' is a gasket that fits between these two main components and is used to 'seal' them together. Head gaskets themselves are relatively inexpensive (<$35 generally) but the labor to replace them is extensive. Plus replacement includes replacing the oil and coolant as well. A 'blown head gasket' is a serious engine failure and while there are products out there that claim to be able to fix it with out having to do a 'tear down' of the engine, these products seldom work and if they do only extend the life of the engine for a few hundred miles or so.
Cost to replace head gaskets range based on vehicle age, model, engine size, etc. If you don't think your current mechanic is being truthful about the problem nor the price, then take the vehicle to another shop for a second opinion.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-09 15:16:35 · answer #5 · answered by wrkey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its caught in time, and you have a competent mechanic, replacing the head gasket should last quite a long time (but possibly not as long as the original from the factory.
If its not been noticed, and you've driven for a long time with the fault, then you may have caused damage to the head / block / oil system / cooling system, which will be difficult to fix, and the repair may not last.
However, don't do nothing - you will cause more damage.
2006-08-10 07:11:21 · answer #6 · answered by Neil 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to keep the car, then it's worth the money to do it ! If they use a GOOD gasket and do the job properly, it'll last a LONG time..all you need is a good mechanic. (they cost a lot of money to install because they have to take so much junk off before they even get to the head).....
2006-08-09 15:19:29 · answer #7 · answered by MIGHTY MINNIE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have some added feature on your car like turbocharging or a blower, you should not have a big issue with your head gasket lasting at least as long as this one has. If your mechanic doesn't seem too sure about it, I'd take it somewhere else.
2006-08-09 15:17:48 · answer #8 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe It's right at the bottom part of the engine, so they've got to lift it all out just to fit a bit of thin cork-like material in, then put the whole damn lot back again!! It's the labour that costs. The gasket costs about a fiver.
2006-08-09 15:16:22 · answer #9 · answered by copperyclover 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The head gasket maintains the fluids that transfer between the block and heads, ie, oil, coolant, in separate channels. Also, the head gasket ensures that your combustion pressure does not escape.
2006-08-09 15:15:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋