Head gasket has blown on the rover type engine (1994 model with around 68k on the clock) and a quote from a local garage came in at around £800. Anyone have any idea what the going rate is , because £800 to me it seemed way to high (I was expecting around £350-£450). Failing that, anyone have any tips for changing the gasket in case I decide to DIY it.
Thanks BG
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we usually charge between 500 and £650 for these head gaskets, the parts can be expensive if done correctly, new bolts are required, the head needs stripping and re-surfacing (skimming), a new cambelt "should" be fitted, we usually include and oil and filter change as either oil or coolant may be contaminated with the other, etc etc. so if done properly it can be an expensive job, however you will probably find a small garage who will do the job for half the price, however they may cut corners by not having the head skimmed, not using new head bolts etc, and since these engine are very prone to repeat head gasket failure its just not worth getting it done cheap, unless you plan to sell the vehicle. hope this helps. steve, oxford.
It is !
Sounds about right - maybe a bit less if the head's ok etc.
Just get a price from somewhere else.
Thanks to someone & nom for your replies.
Spoke to three other places - two are so busy they won't be able to touch it for at least another 4-5 weeks (then we get the Christmas period), so I didn 't even ask for a price.
Third place said a minimum of £300 plus extra for cam belt, head skim etc.
Think I'll go down the DIY route and do a proper job of it (or at least try !).
I've got the Haynes manual, but I'd be grateful for any tips from people who 've actually done their own head gasket change.
I'll have the head skimmed (would a guess of about £60 sound about right ?), but would I need to dismantle everything from the head or can I just take it along to the workshop as it when I take it off the block?
Thanks again.
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if you take the head complete for re-skimming the workshop will probably charge you for stripping it down and rebuilding it afterwards, it needs to be stripped (which simply involves undoing all the 8mm bolts and removing the camshafts) in order to close all the valves ready for re-surfacing. its not difficult, but if its your first time just mark everything so the cams go back in the same way round etc. when removing the camshaft sprockets mark these too and double check as they can be fitted it 2 positions (depending if its the inlet cam or exhaust cam) when buying your head gasket kit shop around, you can save a lot of money, and now you can get a kit which includes the head bolts too. a head skim should cost around £40 to £50 depending where you go, but they may ask if you want it pressure (crack) tested as well, i wouldnt bother, they are generally pretty resistant to cracks. one more thing, when you remove the head, throw the nylon locating dowels away and replace with metal ones which "should" come in your head gasket kit. this will help prevent movement in the head which is one of the causes of head gasket failure. good luck.
steve. oxford.
Where in the country are you? I know a very good Rover specialists in Bradford. Had my HG done in February for just under £400. Top job, no problems since - coolant still bright green and no temperature issues!
Cheers Paul
-------------- Thanks very much for the useful information steve. I certainly had no idea at all about the dowel pins - I'll make sure I'm supplied with metal ones.
BG
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------- I live down south Paul, where i get the idea some places would like to charge £400 just to give a quote. But the amount you paid sounds much better than the first price I was given. My brother recently had a main dealer quote for fitting a new oil pump to a peugot (spelling?) - £550 just for labour !!!!. It took him and his son about 90 minutes to do it.
BG
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