How Much You Pay For Head Gasket Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How much does it cost to replace a blown head gasket? The cost of head gasket repairs can run into the thousands, meaning it’s often easier and cheaper to scrap the vehicle than it is to have it repaired. The average cost of head gasket repair is around

$1,000 to $2,000

, but this isn’t because the parts are expensive.

How much is the average head gasket repair?

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Head Gasket? According to a national average, it costs

between $1,624 and $1,979

for a head gasket replacement. The associated labor costs are estimated between $909 and $1147 while the parts themselves vary in the range of $715 and $832.

How many labor hours does it take to replace a head gasket?

For starters, most head gasket jobs require

3-8 hours

depending on the how your car is built and what the disassembly and reassembly procedure is. This labor cost is where most of the expense come from for your head gasket job. On top of the labor costs, you have to add on the replacement parts required for the job.

Can you sell a car with a blown head gasket?


Legally, you can sell a car with a blown head gasket—as long as you disclose that information to your potential buyer

. However, it will probably be difficult to find a buyer for the vehicle since the head gasket is expensive to repair.

What is the cheapest way to fix a blown head gasket?

What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?

  • White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
  • BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
  • unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
  • Milky white coloration in the oil.
  • Engine overheating.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

Head gasket failures are usually caused by

repeated overheating, or continuing to drive after the car has overheated

, so the best way to prevent a head gasket failure is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition.

How many miles do head gaskets last?

Head gaskets typically last

200,000 miles

, which is considered about the lifetime of most cars. That means, if you look after your car and follow the service schedule, you should never be faced with a blown head gasket.

What should I look for after replacing a head gasket?

It’s important to

check components like the radiator and the water pump, as well as the coolant itself

(which may have become contaminated). A problem with one of these could lead to an overheating engine, even after a head gasket replacement.

How hard is it to replace a head gasket?

Head gaskets are

one of the more difficult repairs on an engine

. They require substantial removal of parts, careful cleaning and preparation of surfaces, and methodical replacement and reassembly of the engine components. Nobody really WANTS to replace a head gasket, but sometimes, it’s just necessary.

Will CarMax buy a car with a blown head gasket?

The short answer to this question is

yes, they do

. CarMax buys cars in all types of shape. They buy cars with transmission trouble, engine trouble, blown head gaskets, bad clutches and more. CarMax will buy almost any vehicle.

How much is a truck with a blown head gasket worth?

The average range is around

$1,400 – $1,600

. However, for more complicated engines, it can go as high as $2,500. Why is it so expensive?

Can you trade in a car that overheats?

Because body repairs are expensive,

trading in a damaged car won’t be kind on your trade value

. But if your car has been deemed salvage or is an insurance write-off, you might not be able to trade it in. Dealerships don’t really want to trade in a junk car because there’s no one that wants to buy it from them!

Can I fix a head gasket myself?


Most blown head gaskets can be properly fixed without a mechanic

. There is a point where the damage is too great and you will need the expertise of a professional to replace the gasket, but many leaks in a head gasket can be taken care of with one of our products.

Can you have a blown head gasket without overheating?

The head gasket may fail so that the engine turns over, but it won’t start or struggles to start. A blown head gasket can keep your car from starting. When you have a blown head gasket, you may have no heat, no white smoke, no start, no check engine light, or even

no overheating in some cases

.

What does a car sound like with a blown head gasket?

If a failed head gasket allows compressed air/fuel to escape, the compression of that cylinder is reduced. This loss of compression results in a rough running engine and a notable reduction in engine power. This sort of failure typically is accompanied by a sound like

an exhaust leak

.

Will a car start with blown head gasket?

The seal is enhanced by preventing internal combustion gases from mixing with the oil. In other words, it ensures the free and safe flow of coolant to the respective parts of the car. Therefore,

a blown head gasket will not affect the car to start

; only it will lead to overheating the engine.

What are the signs of a cracked head?

  • White Smoke (Steam) From the Exhaust Pipe. …
  • Low Coolant Level. …
  • Engine Overheating. …
  • Rough Running and Misfiring. …
  • Combustion Gases In the Cooling System. …
  • Illuminated Warning Lights. …
  • Coolant-Oil Intermix.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.