How much does head gasket replacement cost in the US?

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket?

The cost to replace a head gasket in the US is between $1,000 and $2,000 for parts and labor. Labor drives up the price due to the intricacy of the job, which costs up to $910 for over 10 hours of work. The head gasket repair cost will depend on many factors, including the vehicle’s make and model. 

What is a head gasket?

Before considering the cost of head gasket replacement, understand this part’s role in your vehicle’s performance. The heart of any vehicle is the engine, and 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 costs 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 it. 

You might need head gasket kits or sets for a detailed 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 labor. Here’s an overview of average head gasket replacement costs for some of the most popular vehicles in the US:

What affects head gasket replacement costs?

Gasket type

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

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

☞ Related guide: How much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket?

Labor costs

Labor takes the bigger chunk of the average head gasket replacement cost. 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 the US is between $90 and $120. At least two factors help determine labor costs: location and the kind of repair specialist you hire. For instance, if you live in California, fixing a blown head gasket of a 2010 Ferrari is a whopping $3,000. In New York, expect to pay at least $1,500 for a standard repair and replacement.

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 $1,800, but if you want more control over your budget, post a task today and get free quotes from nearby mechanics.