How much does it cost to replace a cylinder head gasket?

The cylinder head gasket is an important element for the proper operation of the engine. A true guarantor of the tightness of the combustion chambers, it makes it possible to make a connection between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. But the price of replacing the cylinder head gasket is very high: up to 700 €.

How much does a cylinder head gasket cost?

A cylinder head gasket is an inexpensive part, regardless of the model and manufacturer of your car. However, you will need to take into account the specific cylinder head gasket installed on your cylinder block. Indeed, its thickness can vary from 0,5 to 1 millimeters while its diameter can vary from 73 to 87 millimeters.

On average, a new cylinder head gasket costs between 20 € and 30 €. If you want to buy it yourself, you can contact your car supplier and tell them the type and model of your car so that they can sell you the right cylinder head gasket for it.

Moreover, if you follow the procedure online, you can enter your car model or license plate directly on many sites. This will only allow you to search for parts that are compatible with your vehicle.

Plus, if you shop online, it will be easier for you to compare different models and prices to find the right cylinder head gasket at the best price.

Signs of wear on the cylinder head gasket

There are several signs that clearly indicate a problem with the cylinder head gasket:

The appearance of steam from the coolant expansion tank. When you press the accelerator pedal, the amount of steam increases.

Detection of emulsion in motor oil. This occurs due to the mixing of oil and coolant (antifreeze).

The spark plugs become covered with a layer of “rusty” soot. Immediately after the engine is running, they may be wet from antifreeze.

An oily liquid forms at the ends of the muffler, which has a sweetish taste.

When opening the cylinder head, it is clear that the cylinders were washed with coolant that got into them.

These signs indicate the need to replace the cylinder head gasket and carry out appropriate engine repairs.

What happens if you drive with a broken gasket?

If you wait to replace your cylinder head gasket, it can have serious consequences. The cylinders into which antifreeze penetrates may overheat, which gradually causes their deformation.

If the cylinders are deformed, the cylinder head will have to be milled, removing the top layer of metal to restore the plane. Replacing the cylinder head gasket on time is less expensive than subsequent engine repairs.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket?

Even though a head gasket is not very expensive, it is expensive to install. Indeed, the way it is mounted on the engine block, a mechanic will have to disassemble the entire engine section to remove the faulty head gasket and install a new one.

Engine location and accessibility vary greatly depending on the vehicle model. This means that you need to count several hours of work by a professional auto mechanic when performing this intervention on your car.

Typically, this operation can last between 2h and 6h of work. Depending on the garages and their geographic location, hourly wages can range from one to two. Consider between 100€ and 600€ for the labor to replace the cylinder head gasket.

How much does it cost to repair a cylinder head gasket?

In some situations, replacing the cylinder head gasket is not necessary. Indeed, if its condition is not too bad, a mechanic can inject a chemical that will plug the leaking head gasket.

This temporary solution allows any cracks to be repaired using sodium silicate. The product will harden and allow the joint to become completely waterproof. For this type of intervention the price will vary between 100 € and 200 €, product and labor included.

As a general rule, the cylinder head gasket should be replaced every 200 kilometers. If you don't already have this frequency and it's not badly damaged, you can choose this repair method. However, we advise you to always contact a specialist garage mechanic.

If he thinks the head gasket is defective and needs to be replaced, choose this solution rather than plugging the leaks as it won't last long before the head gasket loses its tightness again.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket in general?

As we explained to you earlier, a new head gasket is inexpensive, but the labor to replace it can be costly. On average, this intervention costs between 150 € and 700 €, spare parts and labor included.

At the first sign of wear and tear on the cylinder head gasket, you will need to go to the garage for a professional to replace it quickly. Delaying replacement can damage the engine cylinder head, and this will significantly increase the cost of repairs.

Replacing a cylinder head can cost between 1 euro and 500 euro charges. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain the cylinder head gasket in good condition to avoid such costs.

Are Head Gaskets Worth It?

The cylinder head gasket is a wear part that must be changed at regular intervals. Therefore, you should not neglect the preservation of the cylinder head and engine of your car. To find the garage closest to your home at the best price, use our online garage comparator!