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Home » Automotive Blog » How Much Does a Head Gasket Repair Cost? A Complete Guide

How Much Does a Head Gasket Repair Cost? A Complete Guide

  • 5 min read
How Much Head Gasket Repair Costs

A Head Gasket is a crucial component of a vehicle. It ensures the smooth running of cars and the safety of drivers. If your vehicle shows signs like overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power, engine knock, and leaks, immediately get your head gasket checked.

You must be wondering how much the head gasket repair will cost. The cost depends mainly on the damage to your head gasket. Sometimes, it can be repaired, but if it is damaged beyond repair, you need to get it replaced. Let’s understand the head gasket repair cost breakdown and whether you need to repair or replace it.

What is a Head Gasket?

The head gasket is found between the cylinder head and engine block of a vehicle. It is a vital part of a car’s internal combustion engine and mainly serves two functions. First, it prevents engine oil and coolants from leaking into the cylinders. Second, it helps the car engine function efficiently by maintaining high combustion pressure.

A problematic head gasket can seriously affect your vehicle and your safety. A prolonged problem can lead to engine failure. The replacement process is very expensive, so we recommend getting your head gasket checked after noticing initial signs of failure.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Head Gasket?

The average cost of head gasket repair can be £400 to £2,500, depending on the vehicle’s model and the damage. Here is a table showing the average cost of repairing a head gasket for different cars.

Car
Manufacturer                                                     

Average Head Gasket Repair Cost

Audi

£800 to £1,500

BMW

£800 to £1,500

Ford

£500 to £1,200

Honda

£600 to £1,300

Land Rover

£1,200 to £2,500

Mercedes-Benz

£1,000 to £2,000

Nissan

£400 to £1,000

Toyota

£400 to £1,000

Vauxhall

£500 to £1,200

Volkswagen

£600 to £1,300

Is it Worthy to Repair a Head Gasket?

Deciding whether your vehicle needs a head gasket repair or replacement often becomes difficult. The simple answer is that it depends on the severity of the damage. If the head gasket has minor faults, a repair will work, but if the damage is extensive, you should consider replacing it.

Before making any decision, you must consider the following points to ensure the health of your vehicle. 

  • Mileage
  • Car's age
  • Overall condition.

If your car is an older model, repairing or even replacing a head gasket will not prove fruitful. It offers temporary support to an already failing engine. However, you get an engine replacement to save your car. On the other hand, if you have a car in good condition, consider its current market value, the cost of professional labor versus DIY repairs, and the replacement cost if needed.

A table shows the average cost of replacing a head gasket in different vehicles. It will help you decide whether to repair or replace the head gasket.

Car
 Manufacturer                                             

Average Replacement Cost

Audi

£638.94

BMW

£781.71

Citroen

£705.59

Ford

£685.76

MINI

£764.27

Mercedes

£837.42

Nissan

£624.05

Peugeot

£698.44

Renault

£621.26

Toyota

£609.95

Vauxhall

£638.35

Volkswagen

£674.68

Volvo

£800.19

When does a Head Gasket Need Repairing or Replacement?

Your car’s head gasket shows multiple signs when it needs repairing or replacement. I’ll list all the significant signs you should vouch for to prevent your engine from damage.

Repairing A Head Gasket Vs Replacing A Head Gasket
  • A sudden engine overheating without visible leaks and failure of the coolants.
  • Emission of white or blue-grey smoke from your exhaust pipe.
  • Air bubbles appear in the radiator while the engine is running.
  • Mixing up coolant with oil produces a milky appearance of oil.
  • Leakage of oil in the engine, particularly around the head gasket.
  • Slow performance of the engine, which includes reduced power and acceleration
  • Unusual sounds from the car, such as gurgling or hissing noises from the coolant system.
  • The presence of a white substance on your oil cap is also an indication of coolant mixing with the engine oil.

Steps to Replace a Head Gasket

You must follow the following steps to ensure an effective and thorough replacement process for a head gasket.

Step To Replace Head Gasket
  • Gather necessary equipment
  • Prepare the vehicle
  • Drain Fluids
  • Remove engine components
  • Detach the cylinder head
  • Remove the Old Head Gasket
  • Clean Surfaces
  • Install the New Head Gasket
  • Reattach the Cylinder Head
  • Reassemble Engine Components
  • Refill Fluids
  • Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
  • Final Checks

Let’s examine all the steps in detail. But if you want to save time and are unsure about how the process should be executed, you can contact London Motor Sports. We will fix your vehicle’s problem and make it new.

Gather Necessary Equipment

Here is a list of equipment and materials you need to replace your head gasket.

  1. Pliers
  2. Socket set
  3. Wrench set
  4. Screwdrivers
  5. Torque wrench
  6. Gasket scraper
  7. New head bolts
  8. New head gasket
  9. Engine oil and coolant
  10. Industrial cleaning products
  11. Straightedge for checking surface flatness

Prepare the Vehicle

Once you gather all the equipment, it's time to prepare your car for the replacement. First, disconnect the batteries to prioritize your safety. Second, if you need to lift the vehicle used, the jack stands for support.

Drain Fluids

Next, drain the car fluids to prevent contamination and spills. Oil and coolant are collected in separate containers.

Remove Engine Components

To start the repair, you must remove the engine parts that are blocking access to the head gasket. These include intake and exhaust manifolds, valve covers, timing covers, and associated belts or chains.

Detach the Cylinder Head

Moving on, you have to detach the cylinder head. To do so, use the specified sequence in your service manual and unbolt the cylinder head to avoid warping. Carefully lift off the cylinder head to access the old head gasket.

Remove the Old Head Gasket

Now, you can easily access your car's old head gasket. Gently remove the old gasket to prevent debris from falling into the engine. Check for signs of wear and tear that might indicate further issues.

Clean Surfaces

Cleaning the surface after removing the old gasket is very important. Use a gasket scraper and cleaning products to remove the residue of the old gasket from the cylinder head and engine block. Use a straightedge to check for uneven surfaces. If there are any gaps, try to cover them and flatten the surface.

Install the New Head Gasket

Place the new head gasket on the cleaned surface, aligning it with bolt holes and passages. Do not use sealant unless the manufacturer mentions it.

Reattach the Cylinder Head

Once the new gasket is placed perfectly, lower the cylinder head onto it, ensuring proper alignment. If needed, install new head bolts and tighten them in the correct sequence.

Reassemble Engine Components

Reattach all the removed components in reverse order, ensuring everything is correctly positioned and secure.

Refill Fluids

According to manufacturer specifications, refill fresh engine oil and coolant to ensure the smooth performance of your car.

Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

Bring your car to a well-ventilated area, start the engine, and wait until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check for leaks around the head gasket and monitor the engine's performance.

Final Checks

Once the engine reaches its normal temperature, turn it off and check for leaks or unusual noises. Monitor temperature and oil pressure over subsequent days to ensure everything functions correctly.

Your car’s head gasket shows multiple signs when it needs repairing or replacement. I’ll list all the significant signs you should vouch for to prevent your engine from damage.

How to Lower The Head Gasket Repair Cost?

There are several ways to reduce the cost of head gasket repair. Below are a few helpful ways.

  1. Proactive repairs 
  2. Avoid overheating 
  3. Use quality coolant
  4. Routine maintenance
  5. Monitor coolant levels
  6. Address warning signs 
  7. Follow driving guideline
  8. Seek professional maintenance
  9. Properly warm up the engine and let it cool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the straightforward answer to your question, “How much does a head gasket repair cost?” is that it depends on the nature of the damage. The cost breakdown of head gasket replacement or repair is mentioned above. Moreover, the steps of the head gasket replacement are also listed for your convenience. 

Contact London Motor Sports to save yourself the stress of replacing the head gasket. With extensive experience in this industry, we provide you with the best services. Our experts, with their hands-on experience, can handle the simplest to the intricate task. 

Leave your worries and vehicle to us. Get a quote today and get your car fixed.

FAQS

Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?

Replacing an engine due to a head gasket issue seems overkill. A head gasket repair is significantly cheaper than a replacement engine. However, if you pull the head and find other problems, such as a cracked cylinder wall, a replacement engine may be the way to go.

How much does it cost to fix a head gasket in the UK?

The average cost of full-head gasket repair in the UK is between £400 and £2,500. But it strictly depends on the type of car, region, and whether or not the engine has overheated.

Is it safe to drive a car with a blown head gasket?

No! A blown head gasket is a significant problem for any engine. It results from leaking coolant and combustion gases, which can cause high-temperature gradients, leading to overheating if you drive it for any time. The result can be disastrous, as it causes burns, which may further start a fire.

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