What's the least I could expect to pay for a head gasket (+ labor) on a '91 Chevrolet Corsica?

Question

I don't know much about cars or car repair. I just thought I'd ask this quick question because my husband called me from work claiming that one of his co-workers (who he claims knows about car repair) said that we need a new head gasket and that it's so expensive that we'd be better off buying a new car instead.

I'm just wondering if it really is THAT expensive. My husband has been itching for a new car, so I'm suspicious that he's pulling my leg to convince me to let him bounce on over to the nearest dealership.

Since I'm not too bright when it comes to cars, I'm not even sure if a head gasket could be the problem. We have oil leaks and a coolant leak (that comes and goes). Not much information, but that's all I know.

What do you think?

Please forgive my ignorance.

Answer 1

A head gasket replacement job is not cheap. The cheapest you'll probably find will be around $700, and typically that's a straight replacement. To get the job done properly, you'll need to ensure the heads aren't warped, and probably be advised to get a head job done.

Most at this point also recommend replacement of water pump as the tear down is already done.

If the head is not warped and is still straight, and you don't want to replace any other parts, call your local high school or technical trade school that has an auto shop. Ask if they would be willing to do the work for cheaper. Some use this for training students. (possible option if the student's aren't working on their own car)

Oil and water leaks can come from many places. Not just the head gasket. If it hasn't been diagnosed correctly, you may want to consider that first. Oil leaks commonly come from the oil pressure sending unit, and it may be as simple as replacing the sending unit to stop the oil leak.

There's nothing ignorant about not knowing. Ignorance comes only by not asking.

Answer 2

First of all no-body's ever ignorant for asking an intelligent straightforward question.
I consulted the NADA book price in the most expensive GTZ Corsica built in 1991 with 50,000 miles:
Low book: $1,687
Clean: $2,387
High: $2,877

2 door GT prices:
Low book: $1,650
Clean: $2,350
High: $ $2,800

2 Door:
Low Book: $1,575
Clean: $2,275
High: $,2725

From this chart you can see pretty much what your car's worth. If you have an excess of 150,000 miles on your car I'd buy something newer in a heartbeat. If the body was perfect and you had less than 75,000 I'd go for the head-gasket providing it did not cost over $700. to fix it. The guy is "BSing" you on the price of the head gasket. Go to your local Chevrolet dealer's parts counter and ask for sure.

Answer 3

I hope you don't snap any cylinder head bolts! take the cylinder head off very carefully - using an engine crane and lift it a little bit at each corner. it may take you as long as 1 hour to lift it off without damage. slip off the gasket apply a funny weird type of blue grease (i forget what its called) to your new gasket. slip on the new gasket refit your cylinder head just as carefully as you fitted it. P.S you may need to get yourself some equipment for adjusting the timing. make sure you do not turn the camshaft or crankshaft when you remove it or make a mark and top of one of the gears to help you relocate the cam. I have never done this on a Cherokee but this is a generic way to go about it =D sorry to say this but $1000 is cheap for such a task xD

Answer 4

Probably more than the car is worth. You didn't say what type of engine, ie: 4cyl, v-6. You could be looking at $1200-$1500 to replace both head gaskets on a V-6. There's a lot of labor involved.

Answer 5

head gasket is cheap less than $100. I been tho alot of cars, I never paid more then $50 for my head gasket .

Answer 6

700.00+

If it is blowing white smoke out of the tailpipe - it's a head issue.

If not - thats not the problem