How much does it cost to replace head gaskets
Head gasket replacement starts at around $2,300 and can go as high as $6,000 depending on the vehicle
Most online head gasket replacement cost estimates are way off
If you do an internet search for head gasket replacement cost you’ll see that J.D. Power comes up first with a price of $1,000 to $3,000. There’s no way in hell you can get head gaskets replaced for $1,000, so their low price is way off (see the labor costs below).
The 2nd hit is from Cartalk and they say the cost is between $2,000 and $6,000. Based on just the labor costs shown below, there’s no way you’re getting a head gasket replacement for $2,000.
The 3rd hit is from EngineReplacementofAtlanta and they say the “According to a national average, it costs between $1,624 and $1,979 for a head gasket replacement.” Again, there’s no way these numbers are correct.
In other words, none of those estimate reflects real world pricing. No wonder consumers are so shocked when they get the estimate from the shop. So let’s take a look at some more realistic prices.
How long does it take to remove and replace head gaskets?
In all engines, a head gasket replacement requires these major steps:
Drain the cooling system
Remove the intake manifold
Remove the exhaust manifold from each cylinder head (1 for a 4-cylinder engine and 2 for a V-style engine).
Remove the timing chain or belt from the cylinder head
Remove the cylinder head.
Check cylinder head for flatness. Send to machine shop if there’s any sign of warp.
Clean the old gasket material from the block deck and apply a new finish
Clean the cylinder head and apply a new finish.
Reassemble in reverse order
Here are some typical labor times to do the above tasks on some popular engines
The national U.S. average shop labor rate is around $140/hour. To remove and replace the cylinder head(s) on these vehicles, plan on these labor times right from a published flat rate labor guide:
2016 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine Labor 17.1 hours x $140 = $2,394
2016 Honda Odyssey van with the 3.5L engine Labor 18.6 hours x $140 = $2,604
2011 Ford Focus 2.0L engine 13.7 hours x $140 = $1,918
2014 Chevrolet Malibu with the 2.5L engine 12 hours x $140 = $1,680
2012 Toyota Prius V 1.8L engine 18.8 hours x $140 = $2,632
Average labor cost of these vehicles is $2,245
How much do head gaskets and parts cost?
Head gasket prices average around $75-$100 per gasket (2 needed for a V-style engine)
New valve cover gaskets are required on all engines $45 – $80/set
New intake manifold gasket(s) $40- $60
New head bolts are required on almost all newer engines. $100-$200
If the timing belt is worn, add around $250 for a new belt and idlers
New coolant and thermostat $100
Parts cost average around $800 depending on engine type
So total average head gasket replacement cost is AT LEAST $3,045
These prices don’t include machine shop work
If the cylinder head is warped or the valves are worn, the head must be sent to a machine shop. Add at least $1,400 to the above prices to machine the head and replace the valves and guides.
©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat
Posted on by Rick Muscoplat