About the head gasket?

Question

Based on the answers I got, i have checked and found that there are no leaks, the oil looks congealed. How much would it cost to get a head gasket changed? I am now certain that water is leaking into the engine.

Thanks for all the answers. It has all been helpful. My car is Toyota Karina, petrol 1.6 litre

Answer 1

It depends on the car and on the mechanic. The gasket itself is not that expensive, probably around $30-$60. But it may take a while to get to it, and there are other gaskets that may need to be replaced (like the valve cover gasket). However, if you are ok with wrenches, nuts, and bolts, you could do it yourself. Most cars don't require that you remove the engine, and it shouldn't take more than 3 hours even if you're inexperienced. If you consider doing it yourself, I would recommend getting a repair book for your car and studying all the diagrams. Also, buy all the gaskets you may need to replace--I wouldn't recommend using liquid gasket--and get the best gasket dressings/sealants you can find.

Now, the really important part for do-it-yourself is to get a torque wrench and make sure that you tighten everything properly. The repair book diagrams usually indicate proper torque settings for every nut and bolt--make sure to follow these. Mechanics, especially cheaper ones, tend to use regular hand/power tools instead of proper torque wrenches and they overtighten most everything from wheels to spark plugs to engine parts. That may not be problematic right away, but it will be down the road in several years. When it comes to engines, overtightening damages gaskets (especially those made from liquid gasket or those that were put on without proper gasket dressing by incompetent mechanics) that results in oil leaks in a couple years.

Answer 2

the only actual concern a rocker conceal gasket will ever supply you is p*ssing oil everywhere in the engine. that's a decrease priced section to interchange because it does not commonly require plenty interior the way of stripping down the engine, in comparison to a head gasket, which will properly be a £20 section yet a £500 bill! On a Pug 205 you're able to do the rocker gasket your self somewhat somewhat.

Answer 3

Probably £200-400 depending on the make/model etc. It's expensive as the head is usually skimmed to ensure a perfect fit on the replacement gasket.

Or if you want the cheap and cheerfull you could risk without the skim, but always a chance you might do some major damage to your car, and most garages will not recommend it.

Answer 4

Dale, It's important to have the cylinder head checked for flatness while it's off the car. If it's out of flat it should be machined at an automotive machine shop.
If a warped cylinder head with a new head gasket is placed on the block and bolted on the same thing is going to happen again sooner or later.
As you can see the price will vary. Typically a machine shop will charge between $100.00- $150.00. for truing up a cylinder head.

Answer 5

Hi Dale

My MkIV Zephyr had that problem too. It's way cheaper to buy a whole new car. Trust me, I found out the hard way. Even if your car is really new, like so new that it's only 'just' come off warranty (usually the exact time the head gasket blows) - it is still cheaper just to go buy another car.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but im just being honest. I almost cried when I found out too.

Answer 6

i had oil leaks in my car and first mechanic said it might need a new head gasket and could cost between $1500-$1800. so i took my car to another place and they said all it needs is new o-rings and not the head gasket which was about $140.

Answer 7

first that would depend on what car, the more complex the more expencive , depending on which car anything from £200 to £2000

Answer 8

i would like to assist you in your plight.is it a petrol or diesel. what make?.as for the price i would say at least £150.