Is your car suddenly emitting white smoke and struggling to run smoothly?
These could be warning signs of a cracked cylinder head — a costly repair if ignored.
Spotting symptoms early, understanding the nuances of cracked cylinder head repair costs, and knowing what to expect can save you stress and money.
Let’s find out more.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Cracked Cylinder Head Repair Cost?
- Is it Worth Repairing a Cylinder Head?
- 6 Pressing Signs You Need a Cylinder Head Repair
- What Causes a Cracked Cylinder Head?
- How Long Do Cylinder Heads Last?
- How to Tell If You Have a Cracked Cylinder Head or Blown Head Gasket
- 3 FAQs on Cylinder Head Repairs
How Much Does a Cracked Cylinder Head Repair Cost?
Estimating cracked cylinder head repair costs involves a number of things. Let’s break it down:
A. Range
The cost of fixing a cracked cylinder head can range between $500 to $4500+. This depends on whether you need a repair or a complete replacement.
- Repairs can cost a minimum of $500, depending on the type of fix needed (welding or resurfacing) and the cylinder head material.
- A complete replacement can go from $1000 to $4500+ or even higher. This includes:
- Parts cost: $200 – $500
- Labor: $100 – $170 per hour, with the replacement taking 6 to 15 hours
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The following factors can affect your total bill:
- Vehicle model and make: Charges may increase if your car’s model makes it challenging to access the cylinder head, as with most luxury and high-performing engines.
- Type of repair needed: It depends on whether you need welding, epoxy stitching, or resurfacing. Welding is generally more expensive.
- Part material: The price of a cylinder head itself can vary depending on the manufacturer and materials used. Cast iron cylinder heads are costlier than aluminum ones.
- Location and type of establishment: Labor costs may vary depending on the technician’s location and experience. Dealerships may charge more than independent repair shops.
- Number of cylinder heads: Engines with a ‘V’ or flat configuration (having two cylinder heads) will have higher replacement costs than inline engines since more parts and labor are involved.
Is it Worth Repairing a Cylinder Head?
Absolutely, yes!
A damaged cylinder head can lead to a host of problems. Here’s what happens if you ignore it for too long:
- Overheating: A cracked cylinder head disrupts the engine’s ability to regulate temperature and causes overheating.
- Engine coolant leaks: Cracks can cause coolant to leak and reduce its ability to keep the engine cool.
- Misfiring and poor performance: When the cylinder head isn’t working correctly, the car engine can misfire, causing a loss of power and efficiency.
- Engine failure: Driving with a cracked cylinder head leads to further engine damage and even total failure.
6 Pressing Signs You Need a Cylinder Head Repair
Here are some common symptoms indicating the cylinder head needs repair:
- An active check engine light
- Visible white exhaust gas due to an internal coolant leak into the combustion chamber
- The engine frequently overheats (the temperature gauge is in the red zone, or there is a hot, burning smell inside the car)
- Car misfires or struggles to maintain power.
- Visible green puddles or stains under your vehicle due to an external coolant leak
- Oil leaks are around the cylinder head during a visual inspection
What Causes a Cracked Cylinder Head?
Overheating is the primary reason for a cracked cylinder head, which stresses the metal and leads to structural damage. Below are the primary causes and their effects:
- Air in the cooling system causes uneven heat distribution, creating hot spots that cause localized overheating.
- A malfunctioning water pump can halt engine coolant circulation and prevent the engine from dissipating heat.
- A faulty thermostat can restrict coolant flow, overheating and stressing the cylinder head.
- Low coolant levels from coolant leaks can reduce the system’s ability to regulate engine temperature. This can put additional stress on the cylinder head and lead to small cracks.
- Weak designs, like thin fire decks (the top surface of the cylinder head), can’t handle high-pressure or high-temperature conditions and may crack.
How Long Do Cylinder Heads Last?
Under ideal conditions, a cylinder head should last the entire engine life. Generally, an aluminum cylinder head can last for over 200,000 miles with good driving habits and vehicle maintenance.
How to Tell If You Have a Cracked Cylinder Head or Blown Head Gasket
The symptoms of cracked cylinder heads and blown head gaskets are nearly identical because the head gaskets create a seal between the cylinder heads and the engine block, ensuring proper compression and preventing fluid leaks. This close connection makes it challenging to determine the root cause of the issue — a cracked head or a gasket failure.
A professional inspection is necessary, as diagnosing the problem involves removing the cylinder head to closely examine both the gasket and the head for damage.
That said, a blown cylinder head gasket repair is more affordable than fixing a cracked head.
3 FAQs on Cylinder Head Repairs
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about cracked cylinder head repairs:
1. Does a Cracked Cylinder Repair Cost More Than a Replacement?
Crack repair costs, especially for an iron cylinder head, can be significantly high (compared to an aluminum cylinder head). Additionally, repairs might not provide a long-term solution, and there’s a risk of further issues.
On the other hand, replacing the cylinder head ensures a more reliable, lasting fix.
2. How Are Cylinder Heads Replaced?
Cylinder head replacement requires special tools and expertise, so it’s best to leave it to professional mechanics. Here are the steps they’ll follow:
- Remove the components in the way, such as the throttle body, steering pump bracket, etc.
- Take out the spark plugs and disconnect the intake and exhaust manifolds.
- Remove the valve cover and disassemble the valve train.
- Free the camshaft.
- Take out the cylinder head bolts and remove the cylinder head.
- Clean the surface and remove any old gasket material.
- Place the new cylinder head.
- Reassemble the parts.
3. How Long Does a Cylinder Head Repair Take?
The process can take 6 to 15 hours depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the extent of damage, as well as the mechanic’s expertise.
Fix Your Cracked Cylinder Head with AutoNation Mobile Service
A cracked cylinder head can make your car stutter and lose power, and if ignored, it could mean more costly repairs or even total engine failure.
If you suspect a cracked cylinder head problem, don’t waste time — contact AutoNation Mobile Service for a quick and convenient replacement.
Available seven days a week, our expert technicians will come to you to repair your cylinder heads and get you back on the road safely.
Get a free quote online and schedule an appointment for a smooth repair.