How Much Does A Head Gasket Repair Cost?

A head gasket repair cost averages roughly between $1,600 and $2,000. This amount breaks down to:

• Parts costing around $700 – $800
• Labor charges at about $900 – $1,200

This rough estimate doesn’t factor in your vehicle type, unique location, or taxes and fees. Keep in mind that there may be additional repairs that can add to the cost. 

A head gasket repair is a critical service, and the reason it’s so expensive is the intensive and time-consuming labor involved in the task. Replacing a head gasket can take anywhere from 6 hours to several days, depending on how difficult it is to get to the head gasket and put the engine back together again.

How Urgent Is A Head Gasket Repair?

Driving with a failing head gasket can be dangerous and maybe even impossible. You should get it fixed ASAP. 

A defective head gasket often leads to engine overheating, which can cascade towards engine block or cylinder head damage, or both. This translates to an increase in repair costs the longer you wait to resolve the problem. 

So, if your vehicle has a leaking or blown head gasket, get it towed to a repair shop.  

What Are The Symptoms Of A Damaged Head Gasket?

A faulty head gasket will exhibit several symptoms. Here are some common signs:

• Coolant or engine oil leak: A coolant or engine oil leak around your engine block, engine head, and other cooling system parts mean the head gasket isn’t sealing properly. 
• Engine overheating: Your engine won’t be able to stay at optimal driving temperatures if the head gasket blows. 
• Engine cylinder misfires: A blown head gasket can affect the consistency of the air, fuel, and spark combo that keeps your cylinders firing with precision. 
• White smoke from the exhaust: A coolant leak into the engine from a damaged head gasket can cause your exhaust pipe to emit white smoke or water vapor.
• Milky engine oil: A damaged head gasket can cause coolant to come in contact with the engine, causing your engine oil to turn into a tan or milky shade.
• Fouled spark plug: A leaky head gasket can allow coolant, gas, or oil into an engine cylinder, flooding the spark plug.
• Bubbles in the radiator or coolant reservoir: A defective head gasket may let combustion gases exit via the coolant system, causing air bubbles in the radiator or reservoir.

4 FAQs About A Head Gasket Repair

Let’s get some answers to queries on head gasket repairs:

1. How Often Does A Head Gasket Need Replacement?

There’s no specific timeframe for head gasket failure. But with proper engine oil and coolant maintenance, and an engine that runs at optimal temperatures, head gaskets can generally last at least 100,000 miles.   

2. Will A Head Gasket Repair Fluid Or Sealer Work?

The answer depends on how the head gasket fails. 

If a head gasket leak turns up after your engine overheated, then a liquid sealer won’t work. If the engine didn’t overheat and the leak is between the cooling system and combustion chamber, then there’s a chance the repair fluid can work.

The important thing to remember is that this type of fix is not permanent. 

3. Is Fixing A Blown Head Gasket Worth It?

Because the head gasket repair cost can sometimes be restrictive, there will be situations where a head gasket replacement might not be worth the trouble, like:

• You have an old car and were planning on getting a new one
• The head gasket repair cost is excessive, either due to premium parts needed or intensive labor charges

So, while getting a head gasket repair is crucial, there may be circumstances where alternatives like replacing the engine, or even purchasing a new vehicle might be more worthwhile in the long term. 

4. How Is A Head Gasket Replaced?

A head gasket replacement is a complicated and tedious process, which is why it’s not recommended as a DIY. 

Here’s a simple overview of what a mechanic would have to do: 

• Drain all the coolant and oil from the engine. 
• Take out a substantial portion of the engine to access and remove the damaged head gasket. This includes the camshafts and cylinder heads.
• Clean up all bolt holes and the engine block surface.
• Put in a new head gasket, then reinstall the cylinder heads, camshafts, and all other engine pieces that had been disassembled.
• Set the timing gears and camshafts to the vehicle’s precise orientation, ensuring smooth engine operation.