Recent Head Gasket Repair Mechanic Reviews in Bristol
Dwmechanics
Mobile mechanic serving Bristol, 21 years of experience
I completed my apprenticeship at Brunel Ford in Bristol for around 4 years before moving to Mercedes and Vauxhall respectively to gain valuable knowledge and understand different makes & models of cars. I h...
JOSEPH, Bristol
Spinning Wheel Auto
Mobile mechanic serving Bristol, 28 years of experience
I began my career with a local garage when I left school in 1988 and in 1994 I moved to Australia and worked in a European specialist car garage for a few years before moving to work with Lamborghini for 8...
WARREN, BURNHAM ON SEA
R Bluck Motor Repairs
Mobile mechanic serving Bristol, 15 years of experience
I did my apprenticeship at a garage in Swindon as I studied with Northstar College. After graduating I left and went to Charlie Browns auto services for 2-3 years. Following my time at Charlie Browns I went ...
GRAHAM, Swindon
Skoda Octavia/Octavia Tour • Coil spring (road spring) replacement - rear
1st Stop Mot Cardiff Ltd
Garage in Cardiff, 7 years of experience
I have been in the trade since 17 years old, so have over 7 years experience under my belt and am qualified up to NVQ level 3. I started out officially completing my apprenticeship with JJ Motors in Cardiff ...
ALAN, Cardiff
S S Mobile Mechanic
Mobile mechanic in Gloucester, 11 years of experience
I began my career with Marchant's Coaches in Cheltenham where I completed my apprenticeship and worked through college in Bristol. In total I was with Marchant's for around 5 years. I moved to the Glouces...
CONNOR, Gloucester
Voller Mechanics
Garage in Amesbury, 19 years of experience
I began my career in Weybridge, Surrey for a number of garages picking up great experience to start me off before moving to the New Malden area for a number of years. Prior to setting-up my own business in 2...
Autobot
Mobile mechanic in Bournemouth, 9 years of experience
I have 9 years of experience in the auto repair industry. iv worked for a variety of garages for several years and have now decided to further pursue the mobile side of the industry. I can repair all makes &...
CHRISTINE, Southampton
Kjmotors
Garage in West Bromwich, 25 years of experience
KJ Motors is an independent garage based in West Bromwich with a five star rating on google and check a trader . Sid as he is affectionately known by the locals owns and runs the garage. Sid is a fully quali...
L&G Auto Mobile Mechanic
Garage in Bristol, 24 years of experience
I began my career on the YTS scheme through an independent Ford garage. I spent some time working in independent garages gaining experience on a range of makes & models. I moved into a dealership environmen...
Want to learn more about Head Gasket repairs in Bristol?
Read our short guide with information on 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.
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.
Can Bristol garages offer home collection and delivery for head gasket repair?
Yes, many garages in Bristol are able to offer collection and delivery for a head gasket repair. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a head gasket repair in Bristol.
Can Bristol mobile mechanics do head gasket repair at my home or office?
Typically no, Bristol mobile mechanics cannot do a head gasket repair at your home or office, because the repair may need to be carried out on a ramp, and may need specialist equipment. Also, the time involved to carry out the work may make it more practical to carry out the work at a garage. However, if there are still some doubts as to what repair is needed, mobile mechanics may be able to carry out a diagnostic inspection at your home or office and then take the car to a garage to carry out the head gasket repair.
How much does a Head Gasket repair cost in Bristol?
The average cost of a Head Gasket repair in Bristol is on average between £551 and £726. Ultimately the cost for a Head Gasket repair in Bristol depends on the make and model of your car. Check out the ClickMechanic price below, and find out what you'd pay at a franchise dealer in Bristol. We use industry standard data & millions of data points so you know what you should be paying.
We have quotes for the top 51 manufacturers.
Name | ClickMechanic Click Mechanic average | Franchise dealer estimate | |
---|---|---|---|
Alfa Romeo |
£700 | £893 - £1,424 | Get exact price |
Audi |
£674 | £867 - £1,487 | Get exact price |
Austin |
£414 | £682 - £724 | Get exact price |
Bentley |
£1,220 | £2,308 - £2,548 | Get exact price |
BMW |
£818 | £1,071 - £1,841 | Get exact price |
Cadillac |
£639 | £1,239 - £1,239 | Get exact price |
Chevrolet |
£534 | £670 - £1,033 | Get exact price |
Chrysler |
£718 | £927 - £1,553 | Get exact price |
Citroen |
£738 | £1,034 - £1,772 | Get exact price |
Dacia |
£556 | £724 - £1,321 | Get exact price |
Daewoo |
£371 | £523 - £714 | Get exact price |
Daihatsu |
£545 | £681 - £1,322 | Get exact price |
Daimler |
£546 | £1,000 - £1,000 | Get exact price |
Dodge |
£611 | £832 - £1,317 | Get exact price |
Fiat |
£485 | £608 - £1,027 | Get exact price |
Ford |
£606 | £871 - £1,350 | Get exact price |
Honda |
£681 | £877 - £1,362 | Get exact price |
Hyundai |
£645 | £854 - £1,414 | Get exact price |
Isuzu |
£620 | £998 - £1,244 | Get exact price |
Iveco |
£846 | £1,395 - £1,689 | Get exact price |
Jaguar |
£818 | £1,160 - £1,788 | Get exact price |
Jeep |
£609 | £606 - £1,422 | Get exact price |
Kia |
£640 | £806 - £1,446 | Get exact price |
Land Rover |
£767 | £936 - £1,760 | Get exact price |
LDV |
£604 | £941 - £1,137 | Get exact price |
Lexus |
£1,103 | £1,472 - £2,333 | Get exact price |
Lotus |
£479 | £793 - £909 | Get exact price |
Maserati |
£836 | £1,290 - £1,772 | Get exact price |
Mazda |
£673 | £956 - £1,450 | Get exact price |
Mercedes-Benz |
£766 | £1,084 - £1,762 | Get exact price |
MG |
£582 | £891 - £1,112 | Get exact price |
MINI |
£657 | £911 - £1,405 | Get exact price |
Mitsubishi |
£672 | £847 - £1,317 | Get exact price |
Nissan |
£710 | £972 - £1,504 | Get exact price |
Peugeot |
£604 | £770 - £1,388 | Get exact price |
Peugeot Talbot |
£494 | £805 - £810 | Get exact price |
Porsche |
£830 | £1,403 - £1,839 | Get exact price |
Proton |
£455 | £634 - £778 | Get exact price |
Renault |
£664 | £982 - £1,448 | Get exact price |
Rover |
£556 | £830 - £1,074 | Get exact price |
Saab |
£644 | £852 - £1,223 | Get exact price |
SEAT |
£589 | £802 - £1,241 | Get exact price |
Skoda |
£480 | £521 - £1,149 | Get exact price |
Smart |
£483 | £637 - £1,124 | Get exact price |
Ssangyong |
£344 | £736 - £736 | Get exact price |
Subaru |
£876 | £1,219 - £1,626 | Get exact price |
Suzuki |
£583 | £737 - £1,394 | Get exact price |
Toyota |
£808 | £1,058 - £1,948 | Get exact price |
Vauxhall |
£510 | £714 - £1,006 | Get exact price |
Volkswagen |
£601 | £823 - £1,344 | Get exact price |
Volvo |
£734 | £1,126 - £1,555 | Get exact price |
Prices could not be created for 30 models. Show ∨
- Microcar
- Metrocab
- Hummer
- Reva
- Asia
- TVR
- Ferrari
- Morgan
- Buick
- Lamborghini
- Pontiac
- Carbodies
- DS
- Mitsubishi Fuso
- Moskvich
- Ford US
- Aixam
- FSO
- Maybach
- Rolls-Royce
- Santana
- Tata
- Great Wall
- Piaggio
- Perodua
- Infiniti
- Aston Martin
- Lada
- Lancia
- London Taxi's International
Estimates on repair costs, such as the above results for a head gasket repair, are created by combining data from multiple third-party sources. The actual cost of using your local repair providers may be outside of the estimated range. We provide estimates on repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics in and around Bristol
Recent Head Gasket repair quotes in Bristol
These recent quotes were taken from our quote engine which uses third-party industry standard data on repair times, along with a live parts retailer, and a regional labour rate to build an accurate free quote. We are constantly improving our quote engine, so please let us know if a price seems incorrect.