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Head gasket repair: Costs to replace a blown head gasket
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Price guide
$90 - $925
low
$90
median
$508
high
$925
Last Updated on
Key Facts
- Head gasket repair in Australia generally costs $90 to $925, depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and engine type.
- Older vehicles and specific models like the Holden Cruze may incur higher repair costs due to wear and complexity.
- A blown head gasket can damage other engine components like the exhaust or cooling system, leading to higher expenses.
A head gasket is a tiny yet critical part of your car. It not only helps the vehicle maintain engine power but also prevents leaks that can lead to overheating. So, if it malfunctions, you must get it repaired to ensure car safety before the problem blows.
This article will walk you through how much it costs to repair a head gasket, including the factors that could affect the total cost. This will help you make an informed decision the next time you experience head gasket issues.
How much does head gasket repair cost in Australia?
A blown head gasket repair costs around $90 to $925 on average. Labour costs roughly $100 per hour, and the work can take hours or days. However, car repair prices differ depending on your location. Here’s a list of the average car mechanic cost per hour in different states.
| State | Average car mechanic cost per hour |
|---|---|
$236 to $1,420 |
|
$70 to $800 |
|
$580 to 1,100 |
|
$1,000 to $2,500 |
|
A mechanic working on a head gasket repair in a well-equipped workshop. (Source: iStock)
What are the factors that affect head gasket repair costs?
Costs can vary widely as several factors come into play when repairing a gasket. Here are some of the factors that could influence the total cost of head gasket repairs:
Age of the vehicle
Head gaskets usually wear out with years of use - you’ll need to repair them at some point. Gasket repairs for older cars cost more because of wear and tear, so ask your mechanic for a quote on repairing your vehicle's head gasket.
Make and model of the vehicle
The make and model of the car will affect how much the repair of your head gasket costs. For example, head gasket repairs for a Holden Cruze with turbocharged engine might cost more than other vehicle models since this turbo engines are more complex to fix.
Type of engine
Different cars have different engines and configurations, requiring specialised knowledge when it comes to head gasket repairs. For example, a Subaru with a boxer-type engine has a different configuration. Thus, you'll need a mechanic familiar with Subaru engines and head gaskets for the job.
Severity of the damage
The gasket is the lid that ensures different fluids within the car don’t mix. So, when a head gasket is blown or broken, it affects other parts like the exhaust, cooling system, and other engine components. These extra damages caused by a blown gasket will contribute to the overall repair costs.
Type of gasket
Knowing this is particularly important if you are to get your gasket replaced. The material of the gasket, whether made of layered steel or copper, will determine the total cost of the repair.
A head gasket showing visible damage (Source: iStock)
When should you consider a head gasket repair?
Don’t let your head gasket get worse before you fix it. Here are some telltale signs that your head gasket needs repair.
Your engine is overheating
If your engine is overheating, your head gasket is most probably blown. This happens when your car's hydrocarbons or gas enter the cooling system.
Coloured smoke appears
Most vehicles nowadays are designed not to emit smoke, especially coloured smoke. So, if you notice your car belching white, blue, or grey smoke, have it inspected immediately. When this occurs, it means the coolant or oil has entered the combustion chamber.
Sudden loss of power
If your car keeps losing power, especially at unexpected times, it's time to go to a mechanic. This symptom implies a lack of compression, resulting in sputtering and loss of power. This can also affect your car's fuel efficiency.
Discoloured oil
Does your oil look like chocolate milk? There’s probably something wrong with your gasket, as this indicates the coolant is mixed with oil in the engine. You need to have it repaired or replaced with a new one.
Find the right mechanic for head gasket repairs with Airtasker
It’s hard to find a reliable car mechanic, but our platform can help you find trustworthy ones. Post a task, provide all the necessary details, such as your location and the make and model of your vehicle, and wait for Taskers to contact you and provide you with a quote.
It’s best not to take the risk and fix it yourself. Hiring a specialist will do the job for you. Connect with a Tasker now and get your head gasket repaired to avoid a pretty hefty bill and bigger issues in the future.
FAQs
Using a head gasket sealer is an affordable, accessible, and temporary fix for head gasket issues. You pour the sealer into the radiator, let the vehicle run for 30 minutes and allow the product to heat up and cover the cracks. When the chemicals cool down, they set in and immediately repair the gaps.
You can’t drive a car with a blown head gasket for long. Sooner or later, the car is going to stall. Not to mention, it is not safe to drive with a blown head gasket.
It can be expensive to replace a head gasket. The price of the part is not the main factor, but rather the labour needed for the replacement. For reference, it costs around $800 to $3,200 in Australia.
Despite its hefty price, a head gasket repair is worth the cost. This will help address the issue of significant loss of power, preventing your car from stalling and keeping you safe while on the road.
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