Do you know how much does a head gasket repair cost? A blown head gasket is a serious engine problem that can have been caused simply by lack of maintenance. Hence the importance of proper engine maintenance and reduce head gasket repair cost. Do you know how much a cylinder head gasket repair costs?

What Does A Blown Cylinder Head Gasket Look Like?

Common Symptoms Of A Blown Head Gasket May Include:

• White Smoke Coming Out Of Your Tailpipe • Engine Running Rough Or Misfiring

• Engine Overheating • Milky Substance In Your Oil • Oil Substance In Your Coolant

Know one wants to pay for a costly cylinder head gasket repair cost service. Maybe if you knew how much a costly cylinder head gasket repair cost service was. You’d stay on top of your motor vehicle’s preventive maintenance schedule. Is your vehicle suffering from white smoke coming out of your tailpipe? Is your engine running rough or misfiring? Does your engine overheat? If so you may have a cylinder head gasket issue.

The first step is to confirm with a trusted automotive mechanic shop. That the symptoms your vehicle is experiencing is actually caused by a blown head gasket. A cylinder head gasket repair cost can be one pretty costly service. So, you want to be 100% sure that it is indeed a blown cylinder head gasket. Once confirmed, the head gasket repair cost process is pretty straight forward. What we do over at Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield, IL to confirm the need to dig into the upper half of the engine is. We preform a combustion system gas analyzation test.

What Is A Combustion System Gas Analyzation Test?

If your suffering from unexplained engine overheating, a loss of coolant without visible leaks, white smoke coming out of exhaust. In addition, intermittent check engine light, poor or rough idle, you may need a combustion system gas analyzation test. Cheap, quick and easy service, but required to be sure in some cases of a blown gasket or a cracked head situation.

We typically charge a total of $50.00 for this service.

A combustion system gas analyzation test can be preformed on most vehicles or basically on any type of internal combustion engine. Having a radiator, whether it’s gasoline, diesel, alcohol or liquid gas powered. Hot coolant can cause severe burns so you better let a pro perform the test, better safe than sorry. A combustion system gas test, is a test (service) we preform to determine the condition of your cylinder head. Also, cylinder head gasket, plus engine block, by trying to detect combustion chamber gases where combustion chamber gases don’t belong.

Head Gasket Repair Cost?

Well prices do vary from vehicle to vehicle, damage caused by overheating, plus all the parts that need to be replaced during service. Included in most head gasket repair services would be a head gasket kit. Also, coolant/antifreeze, thermostat, coolant/antifreeze flush plus an oil change along with the labor. In some cases, depending on how badly you overheat it. You may also get charged for machining the cylinder head. A worst case scenario can include an unfixable cylinder head and or a damaged engine block. What is your plan?

Blown head gasket repair costs at our repair shop in Plainfield, Illinois. It typically range from between $600-$1,500 on average. I would have to say about 60% have cylinder head or engine damage. This is which can result in higher machine plus cylinder head work costs.

Sometimes the additional fee’s are bare minimum but other times an engine block. It can be so bad it is past the point of know return or a cylinder head is so warped it’s unfixable. Hence the needing of an engine replacement service or needing a cylinder head or two. Hence the importance of proper engine maintenance. Out of the 60% about 40% of the additional fee’s are bare minimum. Once again it is all about how bad it was overheated. Now 40% of people get lucky enough where all the damage is in the head gasket itself. Swap the head gasket, boom out the door it goes.

How Long Does A Typical Head Gasket Replacement Take?

Are you in Plainfield, Naperville, Bolingbrook, IL, or any of the surrounding suburbs in need of a head gasket replacement service? Look no further Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield is here for all your head gasket repair service needs. How can we help you?

Indications That Your Vehicle Could Be Dealing

with a Faulty Head Gasket

If you’re wondering whether your car has a blown head gasket, look out for these clear signs that indicate potential trouble.

1. Persistent White Smoke from the Exhaust:

If you notice thick, continuous white smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it could be a sign of a blown head gasket. This occurs when coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and is burned along with fuel.

2. Engine Overheating:

An overheating engine may signal a head gasket problem and knowing in advance reduce head gasket repair cost. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge, and if it consistently reaches higher-than-normal levels, it’s time to investigate.

3. Milky Substance in Engine Oil:

Check your engine oil for a milky or frothy appearance. Also, this indicates a coolant and oil mixture, a classic sign of a compromised head gasket.

4. Coolant Loss Without Visible Leaks:

If your coolant levels are dropping, but you can’t find any external leaks. Additionally, it may suggest an internal leak through a blown head gasket.

5. Engine Running Rough or Misfiring:

A misfiring engine or a noticeable change in its performance could be attributed to a loss of compression caused by a blown head gasket.

6. Air pockets in the radiator or coolant overflow reservoir:

Examine the coolant in the radiator or overflow tank. Bubbles appearing when the engine is running may indicate combustion gases. Entering the cooling system, a potential sign of a head gasket issue.

7. Sweet Smell from the Exhaust:

A sweet smell coming from the exhaust may suggest the presence of coolant being burned in the combustion process. Also, it indicates a possible head gasket leak.

Head Gasket Repair Cost: What to Expect

If you’ve observed one or more of these signs and suspect a blown head gasket, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Ignoring it can lead to more extensive and costly engine damage. Moreover, head gasket repair cost can vary depending on factors like the extent of the damage. The vehicle’s make and model, along with the prevailing local labor rates.

On average, head gasket repair cost range from $600 to $1,500. This estimate typically includes the head gasket kit, coolant/antifreeze, thermostat, coolant/antifreeze flush, an oil change, and labor. Keep in mind that additional charges may apply if there’s damage. Especially to the cylinder head or engine block, necessitating further repairs.

If you’re concerned about head gasket issues or head gasket repair cost, it’s advisable to consult with a trusted mechanic. In addition, for a proper diagnosis and a detailed estimate tailored to your specific situation. Addressing the problem early can save you both time and money from head gasket repair cost in the long run.

Head Gasket Repair Cost: Quick and Easy

Coolant/Antifreeze Flush Guide

Coolant or antifreeze is a vital fluid for your car’s engine, ensuring it runs at the right temperature and prevents freezing in colder conditions. Regularly flushing and replacing the coolant is essential for maintaining a healthy engine. Here’s a step-by-step guide in simple terms to help you keep your car running smoothly.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

For this simple flush, you’ll need a few basic tools: a coolant catch pan, a funnel, a mix of distilled water and antifreeze, and safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.

Step 2: Locate the Radiator Drain Valve

Underneath the radiator, find the drain valve. It usually looks like a small spigot or a petcock. Place the catch pan under it to collect the old coolant.

Step 3: Open the Radiator Cap

Release any pressure in the system by carefully opening the radiator cap. Be cautious, as the coolant might still be hot. Once it’s safe to proceed, unscrew and remove the cap.

Step 4: Drain the Old Coolant

Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to allow the old coolant to flow out into the catch pan. Be patient, as it may take some time for all the coolant to drain.

Step 5: Flush with Water

Close the drain valve once the old coolant has drained. Additionally, fill the radiator with a mixture of distilled water and coolant as per your vehicle’s specifications. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the mixture.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

Repeat the draining process until the liquid coming out is clear, indicating that the system is free of old coolant and debris.

Step 7: Fill with New Coolant

Once the system is thoroughly flushed, fill the radiator with the recommended coolant and water mixture. Moreover, make sure it reaches the appropriate level.

Step 8: Bleed the System

Start the engine with the radiator cap off and let it run until the thermostat opens. This permits the release of air from the system. Also, keep an eye on the coolant level and add more if needed.

Step 9: Replace the Cap

Once the system has been bled and the coolant level is stable, replace the radiator cap securely.

EXCELLENT

Based on 417 reviews

Jack Piecuch

Couldn’t say anything better about these folks. I’d give 10 stars if I could. Their customer service, quick turnaround, and reasonable pricing is second to none. All I had to do was call them, tell them the issue, they towed my car that night and got it all done within 2 days. I’d recommend their services to anyone and will definitely be back if anything else comes up. Thanks again!

Benjamin Chernivsky

Not a shop I would give repeat business to. **Just updated the review because their reply to this review claimed they completed the job in 5-7 days, which is simply not true and I have evidence. Take a look at the 2 images I just uploaded. I texted the shop the morning I dropped my truck off: November 20. And there's also a copy of my receipt dated December 5 (when I picked up the truck). So, 15 days to get a 5 hour job done! "Family-owned" doesn't automatically mean good family and business values. There are plenty of families that thrive on manipulation and drama. I have zero reason to be dishonest here - they simply do not want to honor their warranty. Not for me. Stay away. Their big flaw here is communication: if they don't communicate the details, then they don't need to be held accountable. It's just plain manipulative and lacks accountability. They didn't go over the warranty details at all before they did the work, and they also said the part I brought them was a quality part. Original review: Last Chance took 2 weeks to repair a job that takes 5 hours, they reused old bushings and seals causing more leaks on my truck, and they ultimately denied warranty repair after the pinion bearing they replaced began to fail within 6 months. This job cost me $1600, so it was hard to hear them casually say no. There was no room for finding a middle ground, either. They had zero interest in finding a solution together. They said I had gone over the miles for the warranty, even though it was only 9 months after the repair by the time I brought it into Last Chance again. I had paperwork proving part failure earlier in the year - I began to hear bearing failure noise around 6 months after repair, but it took me a few months to figure out where the noise was coming from (I replaced tires, did an alignment, changed wheel bearings - did a lot of work hoping it wasn't the same issue). They literally didn't care about any of that. Last Chance had zero interest in hearing that the noise had developed within the warranty period. Bearings take a while to fail, and the noise slowly develops - they should know this as an established mechanical shop. But they expected me to act a very specific and certain way in order to follow their warranty guidelines. I'll never understand people who are not really helpful. And so the overall experience was Last Chance only cared about themselves, and I didn't really feel important as a paying customer. I ultimately found another shop who got the work done in just 2 days. It was night and day difference. The new shop was informative, honest, and understanding. They were also upfront and honest about their warranty terms and details. Last Chance experience felt patronizing and lackadaisical. Shop elsewhere and get perspective before giving your business to Last Chance. It wouldn't have taken much for them to make this a positive experience, but they seemed very uninterested in even trying.

Auni Ausborn

Last Chance Auto Repair saved the day (again). The brakes were shot, needed new front brakes and calipers for my SUV. Originally brought it somewhere else a few blocks away, and ouch, no way. Then I remembered the great service and prices I got over at Last Chance Auto Repair on my last visit. I'm glad I remembered them. Long story short, they did not disappoint. I will never go anywhere else again.

Joel Coronado

We had a small emergency when the alternator quit making power as soon as the battery light came on. Luckily I was across the street at Plainfield East High School. Very conveniently they had a tow truck there dropping off another vehicle. After the 1st call, I was towed over in about 20 minutes. Tested it right away and showed me the results. Ordered the alternator and I picked up my CR-V the next morning. All in all, great experience, and fair numbers. Highly recommend this garage.

Melissa Swonke

They did an excellent job on replacing my struts, tie rods, wheel bearings, and alignment. Quick service that included a fair bill. Very responsive and on-point communication. I will definitely refer to family and friends.

Francisca Estrada

Great family-owned and operated type of car repair shop. Top-notch customer service, high-end quality work, and the icing on the cake is the team at Last Chance Auto Repair.

Christopher Burch

This repair shop plays no games. Very informative almost educational and prices that are more than fair can be counted on. Saved me over $2000 on a transmission repair one trip and then on another saved me $600 when getting my brakes replaced. Good all around experience. My family and I are life long customers.

Amanda Brown

Great people, great prices, same-day service (when scheduled), and always there when needed. Brake service done right!

Adam Durbin

Excellent service at a great price! They got my struts replaced and alignment done the same day on this last visit. The staff was very helpful, honest, and knowledgeable. We bring all of our vehicles to Last Chance Auto Repair. Highly recommend!

Francisco Mendez

I've been having starting problems for awhile now and then my starter officially took a turn for the worse. Bit the bullet and had no choice but to tow it to Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield. In and out with the quickness and as always an unfortunate but fair price tag included.

How Much Does A Head Gasket Repair Cost