QuestionQUESTION: I was just wondering if you could tell me about how much it would cost to replace a head casket? How much is the part itself and how much for labor? Thanks. I am a young lady and kind of have a feeling that I am being ripped off. Thanks again. There is oil in my coolant system so I know it labor is going cost more.
ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,
The head gasket itself is under $30. The cost is the labor. Do you know which bank of cylinders has the gasket leak? Knowing that, by testing the compression, would mean only one head gasket would need to be replaced and thus less labor, assuming that you have the V-6 engine. There will be some other minor gaskets too, so I believe you might be in the range of $75 for parts on this job. I don't know that oil in the coolant means such a great amount of difference in cost. There is probably coolant in the oil system too, but in any case changing the coolant after flushing it, and changing the oil should deal with those sorts of issues. As to labor cost, I just would suggest that you talk to several shops and find one that seems to be competent, familiar with the engine, and charges the least hourly rate combined with the least number of hours to give you the bottom line lowest cost. I doubt that would be a Chrysler dealer, but see nonetheless what they have to offer. With the recession you may be able to bargain for a lesser price than in the past!
Please let me know how this works out so I can share your experience with others.
Roland
PS Use the "thank/rate" tab to get back to me, without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question. There is a space for comments, to which (despite the 'boilerplate') I will respond.
While you are there, please also consider nominating me for 'expert of the month'. Thanks
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So far I got 2 estimates. One was over $800 and the other was for $600. I really appreciate you helping me out. It really means a lot to me!
AnswerHi Jennifer,
How did the head gasket situation work out?
Earlier, last month, you asked me a question about that problem with your vehicle. Now I need to ask a favor of you. I am competing for the honor of being the "Expert of the Month" for December. You can help me by going the the 'thank/rate' tab below and look for the question that asks if you think I should be so-honored. If you would select the 'yes' option I would be most appreciative. Please do this before 6pm CST today, New Year's Eve when the competition ends. I wish that your Chrysler vehicle is running well and gives you good service in the New Year!
Roland
History-
Hi Jennifer,
That is the way to 'comparison shop'! If you have a good basis for believing the lower priced shop is competent that would be important, as well. So hang tough! The price quoted is in the correct range, unfortunately. There is a good bit of disassembly to replace a head gasket on the V-6.
Roland
PS Let me know if the shop you choose would like a copy of the shop manual pages for this job. I can xerox copy and postal mail them to you. It is not costly, 10 cents per page plug postage, which you can send me after you get them. Tell me if it as V-6 engine. Use the thank/rate tab to let me know, telling me a postal mailing address if you want these pages.
