Any vehicle owner dreads the day when they have to deal with the expense of repairs or replacements. A head gasket replacement, for instance, can put a significant dent on your budget, and it`s primarily because of the effort it takes to fix. But, sometimes, there are ways to get around blowing that kind of money. Below is a guide that can help you deal with inevitable head gasket repair costs.
Why You Must Replace Or Repair A Head Gasket
While it`s expensive to repair a head gasket, it`s essential to know why you should never skip a visit to your mechanic. The head gasket is located between the block and the engine cylinder head, where it`s constantly under pressure. It deteriorates over time because of incorrect installation. Sometimes, it`s also due to a factory defect.
There`s a number of blowing head gasket repair options you can choose from if you do enough research or have a bit of mechanical repair skills. But, note that a professional may better handle the gasket repair, especially if you`re not sure about what to do.
A blown head gasket will show these symptoms:
- The tailpipe is emitting white smoke.
- The engine oil has a milky white color.
- There`s an unknown cause of coolant loss; no leaks.
- Radiator and coolant reservoir is showing bubbling.
- Overheating engine.
Head gasket replacement costs between USD$1,600 and USD$2,000, and that`s just catching the early signs of it. Severe cases within the engine can cost from USD$3,000 to USD$4,000. And, if that`s scary enough, imagine how much more you`ll have to pay or even experience if you ignore the problem.
There are ways to calculate if fixing the head gasket is worth your hard-earned money, and these include:
- Finding out the resale value of the vehicle if you decide to have it fixed
- Getting the estimate of repair costs from the mechanic
- Having the car fixed if the resale value is more significant than three times the repair expense
Why Is It Expensive To Have The Head Gasket Fixed
The head gasket component itself isn`t expensive. Head gaskets can cost from USD$20 to USD$50. The costly part is the labor because the fixing needs expert hands to get the job done. A ruined head gasket is removed by carefully taking the engine apart. It`s a labor-intensive task that may take days, especially if the mechanic has a busy schedule.
It’s important to disassemble the engine with careful precision, or there could be mistakes in handling. Reassembly takes just as long as taking it apart because mechanics need to ensure the proper calibration of the cylinders, and they must be timed accordingly. An engine repair, especially in delicate areas, takes up a considerable portion of the cost.
If you`re a disciplined car owner who understands the importance of periodic engine cleaning, you may also get your engine checked for signs of head gasket problems. Spotting the problem early on will help you save money on future repairs and you should always have in mind high quality gasket manufacturers at EPDM.co.uk.
What To Do To Avoid Paying A High Cost Of Repair
1. Look For Signs Of Leaks
Prevention may be better than repairs. But, if it`s too late for that, catching leaks early on will help you avoid paying for an expensive head gasket repair. Trying to skimp by ignoring the problem will only lead your engine to further trouble, which also means higher expenses.
A trip to the workshop will help spot early signs of head gasket breakage. And, while workshops vary in service fees, they`ll surely cost less than having to repair the head gasket of your vehicle. But, if you want to pay the smallest amount possible, find out which workshop has a good service record and reasonable prices.
2. Buy A New Engine
Some car owners prefer to keep the original engine if they have other ideas, like selling them after a few years. But, some don`t mind if they get rid of an engine with a busted head gasket.
Engine swapping is common, and there`s bound to be secondhand engine sellers who can make an offer more affordable than the cost of a head gasket repair. Note that you`ll be the one to install the engine in your vehicle, unless you don`t mind paying a professional mechanic to do it for you.
3. Try A Gasket Sealer
In case you`re on the road when you detect a leak, you can temporarily use a gasket sealer if you have one on hand. If you`re shopping for one, choose a professional-grade sealer for your vehicle. Gasket sealers have a sodium silicate sealing formula that`s compatible with antifreeze. It also contains carbon fiber that enhances the sealing particles of the sealer.
You`ll be pouring it on the radiator and revving the car for up to 30 minutes of the rev cycle. Allowing enough cycles ensures that the sealant will go around through the engine to get through the cracks on the head gasket. Getting the right formula will create a seal on the gasket and prevent the coolant from escaping onto the different engine components.
4. Do It Yourself At Home
If you have experience working with engines, you may want to do it yourself instead of heading to a workshop. Here’s how to replace your gasket:
- Disconnect your battery cables to prevent the engine from starting while you`re taking the engine apart.
- Drain the coolant to avoid water from getting into the engine oil. Use the radiator and block drain to remove the coolant.
- Before removing the head gasket, disconnect the electrical components, such as spark plug wires, temperature sensors, coils, injector clips, and other wires, getting in the way.
- Remove the exhaust and intake piping. You can take your time to remove as much as you can. The goal here is to give yourself enough room. Remove the timing chain or belt in case you have overhead cams.
- Pull the valve cover to reveal the head bolts and valves to remove the cylinder head. If there`s a pushrod motor, remove the pushrods after the valves. Loosen the head bolts in a tightening sequence. To prevent the head from warping, move the head bolts half a turn at a time. Check for cracks and other abnormalities before placing a new gasket.
- Do a reverse engineering process to reassemble the engine. Label and take pictures if you have to if it`s going to help you put it back together.
In Conclusion
Gasket repair costs can be expensive, but it can be worse if you ignore the problem. It`s essential to consider and assess if the engine is worth saving first. If it is, there are options for you to choose from if you find it impossible to turn to a practical solution, which is to have the head gasket fixed. But, remember that it`s always worth it to be safe on the road than to skip a trip to the workshop.
