Head Gasket Repair Estimate
#1
Head Gasket Repair Estimate
So, I've recently noticed coolant leaking into my oil--and rather quickly. I brought it into a shop that I trust pretty well but they quoted a little over $3k for a head gasket repair. I'm not privy to what this repair should actually cost but that seems a bit high. I did understand that they have to clean out the parts as well due to the coolant, but still, $3k??
I've seen new whole cylinder heads from various performance shops for a little over 2k. I feel like they are asking a lot for labor. Regardless, I would just like to get a few other opinions on that price point (or what you think it should be) before I tell them to go ahead with the repair...
Makes me wish I had an extra 4-5k sitting around to do cams, injectors, cylinder head /w bigger valves and some new headers....haha...
Thanks in advance!
I've seen new whole cylinder heads from various performance shops for a little over 2k. I feel like they are asking a lot for labor. Regardless, I would just like to get a few other opinions on that price point (or what you think it should be) before I tell them to go ahead with the repair...
Makes me wish I had an extra 4-5k sitting around to do cams, injectors, cylinder head /w bigger valves and some new headers....haha...
Thanks in advance!
#2
Hey, I replaced a headgasket on my r50 recently. Just for comparison, I bought the car off a kid who was quoted $5K by a local MINI dealer to repair. This a very labor intensive job. Here's what it looks like with the head removed:
-Most of front clip is removed or moved out of the way
-Motor accessories needs removal
-Timing chain needs removal
-The only new parts needed are the gasket and headbolts
-Head needs to be sent to a machine shop for pressure testing and resurfacing
If you were local I could have hooked you up with a better price, but in general I think that price is in the ballpark of what you should be paying.
-Most of front clip is removed or moved out of the way
-Motor accessories needs removal
-Timing chain needs removal
-The only new parts needed are the gasket and headbolts
-Head needs to be sent to a machine shop for pressure testing and resurfacing
If you were local I could have hooked you up with a better price, but in general I think that price is in the ballpark of what you should be paying.
Last edited by tintman718; 08-17-2011 at 10:45 AM.
#3
I have done my head gasket twice now. The first time I failed to send the head off to have machined so had to do it again. I think if they are charging more than 8 hours of labor they are asking a lot. I don't remember the exact quote when I was looking but think it was in the 1k to 1500 range. The job does seem pretty extensive but actually not all that difficult.
#4
Obviously, prices will vary depending on location, type of shop and skill of the tech. A dealer or german specialist would cost more than a gas station mechanic, but you get what you pay for.
In general, I feel mechanics are always getting watered down when it comes to getting paid for their skills due to the DIY crowd exaggerating the "ease" of a job (hence why I left the trade to pursue mechanical engineering). Unless you're willing to take on the risk, large jobs should really be handled by a professional who has experience, especially when the dependability of your daily driver is a concern. You don't want to end up performing the repair twice like the previous poster (Phucket).
In general, I feel mechanics are always getting watered down when it comes to getting paid for their skills due to the DIY crowd exaggerating the "ease" of a job (hence why I left the trade to pursue mechanical engineering). Unless you're willing to take on the risk, large jobs should really be handled by a professional who has experience, especially when the dependability of your daily driver is a concern. You don't want to end up performing the repair twice like the previous poster (Phucket).
#5
Yeah, thanks for the information. I understand that it is labor-intensive, but I have a hard time swallowing 3k in labor when I could maybe sell the car for 6-7k when working. My buddy and I will probably tear it all apart and possibly even do an engine rebuild through a local shop once the engine is removed. 3k to replace a head gasket and nothing else or 5-6k and an engine that will have more longevity. I appreciate the information!
#6
Hi,
I happen to be in a similar situation right now and I have a quote of $7,000 from Immola Inc. in Plymouth which includes Labor and a second hand engine with 35K miles on it. I have already done the thermostat and with all the diagnosis and everything else have spent 1K. The car I bought at 18.5K about 9 months ago.
Could you share with me where you got your repairs done and how much you ended up spending?
I happen to be in a similar situation right now and I have a quote of $7,000 from Immola Inc. in Plymouth which includes Labor and a second hand engine with 35K miles on it. I have already done the thermostat and with all the diagnosis and everything else have spent 1K. The car I bought at 18.5K about 9 months ago.
Could you share with me where you got your repairs done and how much you ended up spending?
#7
Hi,
I happen to be in a similar situation right now and I have a quote of $7,000 from Immola Inc. in Plymouth which includes Labor and a second hand engine with 35K miles on it. I have already done the thermostat and with all the diagnosis and everything else have spent 1K. The car I bought at 18.5K about 9 months ago.
Could you share with me where you got your repairs done and how much you ended up spending?
I happen to be in a similar situation right now and I have a quote of $7,000 from Immola Inc. in Plymouth which includes Labor and a second hand engine with 35K miles on it. I have already done the thermostat and with all the diagnosis and everything else have spent 1K. The car I bought at 18.5K about 9 months ago.
Could you share with me where you got your repairs done and how much you ended up spending?
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