Is your car’s engine constantly misfiring?
And is it overheating, too?
These are classic signs of a bad head gasket — a seal between the cylinder head and engine block that keeps the combustion chamber secure. However, when this gasket fails, it must be replaced ASAP to prevent an engine meltdown.
Curious about the head gasket replacement cost?
We’ll discuss your possible expenses for this service, how long the replacement will last, and why you have a head gasket issue in the first place.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Head Gasket Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Head Gasket?
- 8 Concerning Signs You Need a Head Gasket Replacement
- How Long Do Head Gasket Replacements Last?
- What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?
- Can You Replace a Head Gasket By Yourself?
How Much Does a Head Gasket Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you may have to pay for a head gasket replacement:
A. Range
The average cost for changing a head gasket is typically between $1,900 and $2,300. This range covers:
- Parts cost: $800 to $900
- Labor cost: $1,100 to $1,400
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Besides your vehicle’s make and model, other essential factors to consider include:
- Engine complexity: Modern engines are typically more complex and take longer to access than older vehicles. This increases labor time and drives up total costs.
- Vehicle type: High-performance vehicles (like racing cars) may require more expensive parts and specialized expertise.
- Parts quality: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are more expensive but ensure compatibility and reliability. While aftermarket brands may not be of the same quality, they are still a viable option.
- Additional repairs: In some cases, a damaged head gasket may cause other problems, like a warped cylinder head, which will increase the repair cost by around $500.
- Location: The labor cost tends to be higher in larger cities than in smaller towns.
Is It Worth Replacing the Head Gasket?
Yes, replacing your head gasket is essential to keep your car engine running smoothly and prevent further damage.
If the gasket fails, engine oil will leak out, increasing friction and heat among internal components due to a lack of lubrication. In addition, a gasket leak can lead to a loss of engine coolant. In both situations, the car engine can overheat, resulting in extensive damage and a costly repair.
That said, in case of severe engine damage, you need to compare the gasket repair cost with the current value of your car. If the repair cost to install a new engine is higher (generally costing between $2,000 and $13,000), replacing the vehicle may be a better option.
8 Concerning Signs You Need a Head Gasket Replacement
The symptoms that indicate you might need a new head gasket include:
- Illuminated check engine light (CEL): If the gasket issues disrupt engine functioning, your CEL will illuminate to alert you. However, it won’t provide any specific information about the cause. For further diagnosis, you’ll have to connect an OBD-II scanner.
- Engine misfiring: A gasket failure can reduce the compression necessary to ignite the air-fuel mixture, leading to a misfire and reduced power.
- Coolant or engine oil leak: A bad head gasket won’t seal the engine coolant and oil pathways properly. You’ll likely notice coolant or oil on the engine block, engine head, or under the vehicle. While engine oil is brown, coolant comes in several colors (green, blue, red, etc.) depending on the type.
- Engine overheating: The cooling system can’t reduce engine temperature properly if there’s a head gasket leak.
- White smoke: A damaged gasket could allow coolant into the combustion chamber, causing white smoke when it burns.
- Milky engine oil: If you have a blown gasket, it’ll allow coolant and engine oil to mix, resulting in a “milky-white” colored liquid.
- Bubbling in the coolant reservoir or radiator: When there’s a blown head gasket, air can enter the cooling system, resulting in bubbling when it escapes.
- Wet spark plugs: Failed head gaskets could allow oil, coolant, or gasoline into the cylinders, which may flood the spark plugs.
How Long Do Head Gasket Replacements Last?
A head gasket typically lasts around 200,000 miles with proper driving and maintenance practices.
Generally, you can expect your head gasket to last for the same amount of time as your vehicle. If you replace your head gasket with a new one, it’s unlikely you’ll need to replace it again.
What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?
There are several reasons behind a blown gasket, including:
- Natural wear: Gaskets degrade due to exposure to heat, pressure, and chemical reactions with engine fluids, deteriorating the gasket material.
- Engine overheating: Excessive heat due to low oil or coolant causes warping and eventually leads to a breakdown of the seal.
- Cracked engine block and cylinder head: Cracks in these parts lead to uneven heat distribution. Eventually, the engine block and cylinder head warp or degrade, disrupting the sealing function of the head gasket.
- Improper installation: If a head gasket is not torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications, it can lead to uneven pressure distribution and head gasket failure.
Can You Replace a Head Gasket By Yourself?
No, replacing a failing head gasket is a complex process that requires technical knowledge of the car’s engine.
In addition, high engine temperatures may damage the head gasket if you install it incorrectly. So, it’s better to visit a repair shop or consult a professional mechanic to handle the problem.
Get a New Head Gasket with AutoNation Mobile Service
The head gasket is vital for sealing the combustion chamber to ensure optimal engine functioning. If you don’t fix your head gasket problem ASAP, you’ll likely get stuck with an overheating engine.
Worried the leaky head gasket is already causing trouble?
AutoNation Mobile Service can help!
Our technicians can replace the faulty head gasket and address other gasket-related issues from the comfort of your driveway. We’re available seven days a week and offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty.
Reach out to us for the most efficient car repair and maintenance services.