How much does a head gasket replacement cost in Australia?

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Price guide

$800 - $3,200

low

$800

median

$2,000

high

$3,200

Last Updated on 19 June 2024

If your vehicle overheats fast or the engine underperforms, it’s time to check your head gasket. It might need repair or even replacement. But how much will it cost you? The average head gasket replacement cost is $2,000. While you can DIY to save money, hiring a car repair specialist is a far better choice.

Replacing a head gasket is time-consuming and complicated—definitely not for those with basic knowledge about vehicles. But you can better understand your budget and get excellent proposals from professionals when you know what affects head gasket replacement prices. Read on to learn more.

What is a head gasket?

The heart of any vehicle is the engine. Inside it are multiple components that work harmoniously to ensure that combustion occurs. Two of the most critical parts are the cylinder head containing the valve train and the engine block, with pistons and crankshaft.

While both should work together, they have lubricating oils and coolants that can’t mix. This is where the head gasket comes in. This seal sits between the engine block and the cylinder head to keep their fluids intact.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Despite its thickness (not over an inch), the head gasket is durable enough to withstand pressure from a working, combusting engine–until it cannot. A blown head gasket can give you many hints, including:

An overheating engine. Radiator issues, thermostat failure, or a broken water pump can cause the engine to overheat. The increasing temperature can then lead to head gasket damage. When the seal fails, the coolant leaks. And thus, your engine becomes even more susceptible to overheating.
White smoke. Do you see white smoke coming out of the exhaust? It could mean a leaking coolant coming into contact with the hot parts under the hood.
Contamination. If you are diligent in checking your oil or coolant, you might notice a mixture of both when you test them. It could be because the seal has already malfunctioned.
Misfiring or non-running engine. If the cylinder head, engine block, or both are no longer efficient, you can count on the engine to perform poorly. It could misfire or, worse, stop running.

Average prices of head gasket replacement

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket? One of the biggest factors that affect the price is the vehicle’s make, model, and year. These three can influence part availability and prices. For example, if you’re driving an older model, changing its gaskets could be more expensive. The actual component might be more challenging to find, and not everyone knows how to fix a head gasket.

You might need head gasket kits or sets for a complex car service, like if the engine needs an overhaul. The costs are usually double that of a single seal. The good news is that often, materials are cheaper than labour. Here’s an overview of head gasket replacement costs for some of the most popular vehicles in Australia:

Vehicle make/model	Average head gasket replacement prices (materials + labour)
Nissan Navara	$1,483–$1,575
Corolla	$1,471–$2,052
Ford Ranger	$1,466–$2,262
Toyota Hilux	$1,421–$3,020
Audi	$1,412–$2,243
Holden Cruze	$1,424–$2,000
Subaru Forester	$1,420–$2,287

What affects head gasket replacement costs in Australia?

Gasket type

The average head gasket replacement cost in Australia can also vary depending on the type:

Gasket type	Description	Average cost
Standard head gasket	This is the most basic type. Made of a single layer of steel, copper, or composite materials, it’s ideal for regular engine applications. You won’t find this in high-performance trucks and cars that require more speed, power, and agility.	Standard head gaskets are usually the cheapest, ranging from $39 to $100. However, some materials are more expensive than others. For example, a copper gasket could fetch over $152 because of its durability.
Multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket	MLS head gaskets usually seal powerful engines. They feature several layers of steel, enabling the component to withstand some of the highest temperatures and pressures. Also, to make these gaskets more flexible, manufacturers combine steel with an elastomeric material, such as rubber.	Because of the materials and features, these gaskets are worth $200 or more.
O-ring head gasket	If the leak is in the cylinder head, this might be the gasket you’re looking for. Its shape fits nicely into the engine component, preventing more leaks. Made of rubber, it might have metals such as steel or copper to resist high pressure and temperature levels.	You can find O-ring head gaskets sold for at least $200 to $400, depending on the size and material type and whether it needs resurfacing.

Extent of the damage

The nature of the problem also heavily influences the cost of replacing a blown head gasket, especially:

Part availability
Hours of repair needed
Additional repairs

Problem	Average cost
Engine overhaul	If you should change the head gasket and the engine, prepare to spend over $25,000 for the parts alone. You might find a used engine in a salvage yard for around $5,000.
Coolant or oil replacement	Replacing contaminated oil or coolant could reach $150.
Cylinder head repair	A cracked cylinder head could cost you an extra $500.

Labour costs

Labour takes the bigger chunk of the average price of head gasket replacement. Usually, a car repair technician spends over five hours removing and replacing the damaged part. If the problem has already spread to the rest of the engine system, it could take 10 hours or more.

The hourly rate for head gasket replacement in Australia is between $25 and $120. At least two factors help determine labour costs: location and the kind of repair specialist you hire. For instance, in Sydney, the typical price ranges from $60 to $100 because of the demand and high cost of living. It’s also higher in Perth, where someone can charge up to $90. It could be because fewer technicians or shops operate here.

It also matters if you opt for a dealership, a repair shop, or a skilled mechanic. Usually, dealers charge the most because of the following:

Convenience (e.g., you can lease a car while your vehicle is under repair)
Original parts
Overhead costs, which they can pass on to you
Brand and reputation

Post a task for head gasket replacement

If you want to spend less on head gasket replacement, your next best choice is to look for a technician to help you. Airtasker makes this process easy for you. It connects you with car repair experts in your area, so you can get the service you need as soon as possible. All you have to do is to post a task by following these three simple steps:

1. Create a profile for free.

2. Add a task or job description that includes the following details:

Problem (head gasket replacement, white smoke coming out of the exhaust, overheating engine, etc.)
Budget
General location
Preferred timeline repair
Whether the technician should buy the part
Brand and size of the head gasket
Other services, such as engine replacement or checkup

3. Wait for proposals from qualified technicians and then choose the best. Problem solved!

So how much does a head gasket cost to replace? Most spend $2,000, but if you want more control over your budget, post a task today and get free quotes from nearby mechanics.

What is a head gasket?
What are the signs of a blown head gasket?
Average prices of head gasket replacement
What affects head gasket replacement costs in Australia?
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FAQs about head gasket replacement

Yes, head gaskets can be difficult to replace for many reasons. You must remove the broken seal from the cylinder head and the engine block, clean these components, and install a new gasket. It’s a time-consuming process, with most technicians spending at least five hours.

While you can, it’s not advisable, especially if you’re not aware of the extent of the damage. Also, you might only cause more issues, such as stripped bolts or cracked cylinder heads. Head gasket replacement is better left to the professionals.

Yes, you can, as long as the cylinder head and the engine block are in good condition. For example, check if they don’t show signs of cracking or warping. Otherwise, machining ensures that the new gasket properly seals these parts.

Yes, but it depends on the vehicle’s make and model, as well as the engine condition. Some allow you to access the gasket immediately. The best technicians remove the engine to ensure they can seal the cylinder head and block properly and inspect the engine’s condition.

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