Q: how much to fix a blown head gasket?

asked by on January 13, 2018

my head gasket has blown now my car is starting to jerk and my radiator has a crack in it

My car has 152226 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

If the head and block are perfectly flat (not warped), the cost will be limited to the cost of a top end gasket set, new head bolts (they are not re-usable) and roughly 6 hours of labor to remove and re-install the head. If both heads have to be removed, add another 2 hours in labor. If the head and block are warped, and thus a new gasket cannot be applied without resurfacing the head and block at a machine shop, the cost will be significantly higher. Until the head is actually removed and an inspection is performed for flatness, cracks and so forth, it is possible to only speak in terms of ranges of cost. YourMechanic professionals in certain locales will perform this work so please inquire based on your locale to see if service is available and then you get more specifics as to the cost once a mechanic looks at what you have. Also, you want to be sure you are not misdiagnosing the issue and the fault lies elsewhere. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on the heated seats?
The heated seat feature heats the front seats to help keep you warm. To turn on the heated seats, press the Heated Seats button, and keep pressing this button to change the temperature. When the feature is on, indicator lights...
OBD code P1399
On Honda vehicles the OBD code p1399 indicates that there is a random misfire occurring in the engine. In most cases a valve adjustment will correct this issue, however a blocked passage in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system can...
My car has a coolant leak
Hello. The most common cause of a random coolant loss on this vehicle is a leaking intake manifold gasket (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-intake-manifold-gaskets). It commonly starts leaking coolant into the engine, which will be burnt off or will leak externally. I typically do...
Truck tugs during acceleration when letting off the brake pedal
What you'd want to do is jack the car up when it acts up like this. Check the wheels and see if they are sticking. If they are sticking, fix that first. If the back ones are sticking, you'll need...
Need to permanently disable the anti-theft kit
The only way to disable the system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-disable-a-car-alarm) is by unlocking the doors or using a factory remote. If the door does not work, then it may have a bad switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-lock-switch-replacement) on the key lock that needs replaced.
Reduced engine power
Hi. The first task is to extract problem codes. Whether the Check Engine light is on or not. The most common source of the "reduced power" for these GM engines is either the wiring connector to the throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement)...
My honda CRV shows -28 on the screen . What does that mean?
The screen may be displaying a trouble code tied to a fault picked up by the vehicles computers. The code may stand for an item that needs to be reset or an electrical fault. Consider hiring an experienced technician like...
Rpm going really high and mph going slowly
It sounds like your vehicle's transmission is not shifting properly. Check the level of transmission and fluid condition. If the fluid level is low, that will cause shift difficulties. If the fluid is discolored or has a burnt odor, that...
Check engine light
Hi There, This light indicates that there is likely something wrong with the engine or transmission in your vehicle. It is important to have this diagnosed as soon as possible as it could range from something minor to something more...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Over 50
Shopping Shopping for a car when you’re over the age of 50 begins to shift a bit, as your priorities tend to change. Suddenly it’s not so much about what the vehicle looks like, or how much space it has...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...
How to Customize a Chrysler 300
The The Chrysler 300 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/a-buyer-s-guide-to-the-2012-chrysler-300) is an extremely popular model of sedan with sleek styling reminiscent of more expensive brands like the Bentley at a far more affordable price. It’s a great long-distance cruiser with get-up-and-go, which inspires great loyalty...