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What is a head gasket repair?

A head gasket is a crucial component in an engine that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. Its primary role is to seal the cylinders and ensure that the engine's combustion process remains contained, while also preventing coolant and oil from mixing. This gasket must withstand high temperatures and pressures within the engine.

When a head gasket fails, it can cause various engine problems, such as coolant leaking into the engine oil or exhaust gases entering the cooling system. This can lead to overheating, loss of power, or even engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Repairing a head gasket involves a complex and labour-intensive process. The engine must be partially disassembled to access the head gasket, which means removing components like the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and the cylinder head itself.

What does a head gasket repair or replacement involve?

A head gasket replacement is a fairly complex engine repair. Here's an overview of how a head gasket is replaced by a mechanic:
* The mechanic first confirms the head gasket issue by diagnosing symptoms such as coolant leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, or engine overheating. It’s very important for this to be done first as it’s a major replacement and needs to be properly diagnosed.
* Then the mechanic will remove engine components to access the cylinder head. This includes disconnecting the battery, draining the coolant, and removing the intake and exhaust manifolds, along with the cylinder head bolts.
* The mechanic will remove the cylinder head to expose the damaged head gasket.
* Surfaces of the engine block and cylinder head are thoroughly cleaned to remove debris
* Mechanic will install a new head gasket between the engine block and the cylinder head and all components will be reattached.
* The mechanic tests the engine to ensure it’s functioning correctly, checking for leaks, proper compression

When do I need a head gasket replacement for my engine?

It is recommended to consider a head gasket replacement when you notice certain symptoms that indicate a failure or potential failure of the head gasket. Some common signs include:
* If your engine consistently overheats, it could indicate a blown head gasket, which allows coolant to leak into the engine.
* White smoke coming from the exhaust is often a sign that coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber – this generally indicates a blown head gasket
* A head gasket failure can lead to a loss of engine power

It’s best to consult a mechanic if you notice any of these signs. A blown head gasket is a serious issue which can lead to irreparable damage to the engine.

Can you drive with a blown head gasket?

We would not recommend driving with a blown head gasket. A blown head gasket can lead to several serious issues, including engine overheating, loss of power, and significant (and very expensive) engine damage. If the head gasket is blown, it can cause coolant and oil to mix, leading to a loss of lubrication and potential engine failure.

In some cases, driving with a damaged head gasket can cause the engine to overheat, which may warp the cylinder head, resulting in costly repairs.

If you even suspect you have a blown head gasket, it's best to stop driving when it is it is safe to do so and have your vehicle checked by a mechanic. If you want to avoid driving the car to the garage, have a mobile mechanic or garage come to you who will be able to recover the car to the garage safely.

Top Mechanics For Head Gasket Repair & Replacements

29 Reviews

Garage in London, 9 years of experience

I have worked for more than 5 years at BMW in the German city of Stuttgart, and at Mercedes for more than 4 years, and I am proud of them and the experience they gave me in the field of car repair and engine...

64 Reviews

Garage in Stoke-On-Trent, 5 years of experience

Qwickfix always aim for the best, always happy to go the extra mile for all our customers.

13 Reviews

Garage in Washington, 17 years of experience

Level 3 NVQ qualified. We have the capacity to carry out all types of work on your vehicle, including diagnostics, servicing, general repairs, engine repairs, clutches, turbochargers, timing belts/chains.

35 Reviews

Garage in Sunderland, 10 years of experience

With Over 10 years experience as a motor vehicle mechanic running an independent garage fixing a range of motor vehicles from diagnosis to repairs.

1453 Reviews

Garage in Darwen, 14 years of experience

I started my apprenticeship when I left school at the age of 15. I’ve been fully qualified for 11+ years with NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. I’ve been an MOT tester for 10 years. Here at Jamie’s mobile mechanic w...

517 Reviews

Garage in London, 15 years of experience

I have been interested in the car repair industry for almost my entire life. The first few years were spent learning the trade and I went to college to study it properly. I worked at a garage as a BMW specia...

721 Reviews

Garage in London, 30 years of experience

We are a group of skill full and highly qualified technicians based in West London and we have been running a successful mechanic & mobile repair business. Have a good client base and we specialise in comi...

60 Reviews

Garage in Spalding, 20 years of experience

I have worked as a mechanical engineer within the powered access, automotive, heavy plant and material handling sectors since I left school some 23 years ago! I specialise in dealer level diagnostics wit...

48 Reviews

Garage in Alloa, 18 years of experience

Renault and Nissan trained Spent last 8 years at Ford as a senior tech and commercial specialist all jobs undertaking inc welding and Bodyshop Diagnostic specialist over 18 years experience Cover a v...

55 Reviews

Garage in Surrey, 7 years of experience

Based in South London. Full Diagnostic, programming, coding, servicing, repairs on all makes. <a href='https://www.clickmechanic.com/' title='ClickMechanic'><img width='250' src='https://badges.clickme...

14 Reviews

Garage in Hampshire, 73 years of experience

We are a village garage and have been providing garage services to the local area since 1949 we are a family run business. Our services include: All vehicle repairs, Mot’s, servicing, winter checks and diagn...

110 Reviews

Garage in Milton Keynes , 10 years of experience

Refinish Centre is an experienced repairer in Milton Keynes specialising in automotive services, repairs and customisation Refinish Directors who have nearly a decade of experience in the trade, establis...

47 Reviews

Garage in Glasgow , 19 years of experience

Started my career at the main dealership working on Peugeot/Citroen with my NVQ level 3 in light vehicle maintenance and repair which I completed then moved my way through the ranks to master technician leve...

204 Reviews

Garage in Worksop , 10 years of experience

we are a family run business specialising in complex diagnostics issues and emissions problems including dpf filters we also have a fully equipped workshop to carry out general repairs and maintenance we are...

27 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Telford, 19 years of experience

I carried out my apprenticeship at an independent Land Rover specialist before moving on to work in a main dealer garage. I then worked with a private company running and maintaining a fleet of vehicles. ...

Frequently asked questions about head gasket repair & replacements

Read our answers to questions about head gasket repair costs, symptoms and more.

What does a head gasket do?

The head gasket on an engine provides the seal between the engine block and the cylinder head to maintain compression and prevent the engine oil mixing with the coolant.

What does a cylinder head gasket replacement involve?

There are differences between engines on the exact process and components, but the typical engine will require most of the following basics to be done

  • Mechanic will check that the head gasket is faulty.
  • The engine will be drained of oil and coolant.
  • Components will be removed to allow access to the rocker cover and ultimately, the cylinder head bolts.
  • The engine timing will be locked in place using specifically designed pins and locking tools.
  • The timing belt will be removed, or the timing chain loosened off and moved off the camshaft sprockets.
  • The cylinder head will then be undone in a specific sequence.
  • Once all the bolts are out, the cylinder head will be removed and the surface of the engine block and cylinder head will be cleaned of all residue of the old gasket.
  • In the case of the majority of cylinder heads, it will need to be pressure tested to ensure it’s structure is sound and then go through a process called skimming. This process ensures that the surface that the new gasket will come into contact with is perfectly flat and clean.
  • Once the mechanic has completed the work on the components, the engine is reassembled with a new cylinder head gasket.
  • If the engine’s camshaft(s) are driven by a timing belt, this belt will be renewed along with a new water pump if it is on the timing belt circuit.
  • Once the engine is back together, the cooling system will be refilled and the oil replenished along with a new filter.
  • If the oil has become contaminated with the coolant, an additional oil flush may be required and likewise, if the cooling system has become contaminated, the cooling system will be flushed.
  • Once everything is back together, the mechanic will run the engine.
  • Finally a road test will ensure that everything works as it should when the engine comes up to temperature and finally any error codes present will be cleared down and re-checked.

As we mentioned previously, this is not a full exhaustive list of what will be done as each engine has its own requirements.

Can I do a head gasket replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a head gasket replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?

In most cases the symptoms of a cylinder head gasket are pretty apparent, some however take a little know how and some tools to confirm. Typical symptoms though are;

  • A cream-like colour and consistency in the oil (usually seen on the engine oil dipstick) or in the cooling system header tank.
  • Coolant overflowing out of the cooling system header tank.
  • An unexplained loss of coolant.
  • Difficulty in starting the engine.
  • Evidence of exhaust gasses in the cooling system.
  • Poor engine compression.

How long does it take to change a head gasket?

The time it takes to carry out a head gasket replacement can range from 5 hours to more than a day. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, type of engine, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How often should you replace a head gasket?

As soon as the efficiency of the cylinder head gasket is compromised, the gasket needs to be replaced prior to the engine being used again.

If the oil and coolant has mixed, the lubricating quality of the oil is non existent and its ability to preserve the internal parts of the engine is lost. Continuing to run the engine will ultimately end in severed damage to it. The same goes for the cooling system, with the water channels and radiators becoming blocked. If the coolant is being lost, the engine will overheat. This is not good for the metal components of the engine and the aluminium cylinder head could be damaged beyond repair.

How common is a cylinder head gasket replacement?

Whilst cylinder head gasket replacement is not as common as it was 20 or so years ago, it still occurs. Certain engines are prone to it happening and the use of smaller engines with turbochargers puts increased pressure on the gaskets.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket?

On average, a typical head gasket repair costs £400, with prices ranging from £280 to over £1000. Ultimately, the cost of a cylinder head gasket replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your cylinder head gasket replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

One final note, if you are comparing quotations, please ensure that the quotes you have included the cylinder head pressure test and skimming. Not all companies will include this up front, they will add it to the bill after advising you that it needs to be done once they have commenced the work.

Can I still drive with bad head gasket?

If you suspect there is any issue with the head gasket or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic as soon as possible, driving the vehicle may lead to further complications or damage.

How do I prevent head gasket problems?

To help prevent head gasket issues:
* Regularly check and top up the coolant level as required
* Follow the manufacturere recommended service schedule
* Inspect the engine regularly for leaks, to spot any issues early. If you see any, have them repaired as soon as possible.

What does a "blown" head gasket mean?

A blown head gasket is one that has been damaged and is no longer sealing properly. This can cause a variety of engine problems, including overheating, leaks, loss of power and even severe engine damage.

Will a head gasket 'sealer' fix a blown head gasket?

If you notice a leak with the head gasket, there are certain sealants on the market that can help resolve it temporarily but it is generally not recommended to use this. Improper use of this sealant can lead to further damage, the best thing to do is consult a professional mechanic and get any head gasket issues diagnosed and fixed.

Is a faulty head gasket an MOT failure?

Since the head gasket is not checked during an MOT test, it is likely that a faulty head gasket will pass an MOT. However, keep in mind that a faulty head gasket can cause problems with emissions - which is a critical point on the MOT checklist!

What are the symptoms of a bad cylinder?

Common signs of a bad cylinder include:
* Loss of power
* Poor engine performance
* Coolant leaking
* Overheating of the engine
* Smoke (from tailpipe or from cylinder head itself)

Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?

While the cost of the head gasket might not be much, the work involved to fix or replace it requires a lot of time and effort which is why the cost can be quite expensive. Whether it is worth replacing or not depends on the value of the vehicle. If the vehicle is old and the cost of the replacing the head gasket is more than the value of the car then it's best to sell or scrap the car.

How much does it cost to repair a blown gasket?

Repairing a head gasket can cost anywhere from £500 to over £2000 depending on the make and model of the car. Most of the cost is attributed to labour as the process can take 8-10 hours as it requires the mechanic to disassemble the top of the engine, and in some cases may have to remove the engine from the car.

Can you still drive a car with a blown head gasket?

it is highly recommended not to do drive the car with a blown head gasket, even if technically it may still be possible to drive the vehicle. The head gasket is responsible for sealing the cylinder head to the engine block and ensuring that the combustion chambers in the engine are sealed. Continuing to drive will cause the engine to run very roughly and will eventually cause it to stall along with causing extensive damage to other parts of the engine unit.

What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?

The first signs of a blown head gasket are usually:

  • Steam and/or water coming from the tailpipe
  • Overheating
  • White smoke coming from the tailpipe
  • Loss of power

What happens if you don't fix head gasket?

If you do not fix a head gasket, it will eventually cause the engine to overheat and fail. It will also cause further engine damage.

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