how much to replace the head gasket?

[hangout]

while I did the oil change last month, some coolant mark shown on the oil cap.
the mechanic said there was a chance to replace the head gasket.
he gave me a quote for the job might be around $1200.

does it really cost that much for this job?

anyone did this before can tell me much you paid ?

Thanks

[Chuck Tribolet]

Do you do lots of very short haul driving? PF will do that if you only drive a couple of miles at a time and it never gets fully warmed
up. You get condensation in the oil.

[hangout]

I drive one hundred miles a day.

[ARKQX33V6]

A head gasket or 2 can be expensive. Before doing it do a compression test first at least or a leak down test to verify 1 compression values at all cylinders and 2 verify the compression is being held.

Oil and coolant are non compatible, but will often show up with a cold engine going through the heat then cool down cycle.

Drain your oil into a clean pan and see if you have coolant in it, not just a drop or two. Drain your coolant and check for oil before doing head gaskets.

You must be careful and clean. Do not cross contaminate.

And to answer your question the costs can go high depending on:
head(s) condition
cross contamination and damages to cylinder wall, valves, oil pump
twisting of heads, broken bolts
$1200 is minimum, but if a head gasket is not needed $1200 can be high for a slight clean up that you can and should do your self.

Cost to verify compression, oil and coolant about 5 hours of your time and a few tools.

[CanuckQx4]

Definetely get a leakdown test before going ahead with anything

But for reference, I was quoted $1500 from a licsenced mechanic but doing it on the "side" for both headgaskets including all parts. He said it was a 20 hour job.

My headgaskets turned out not to be toast though and I only needed a thermostat and water control valve (still cost me $400)

[hangout]

A head gasket or 2 can be expensive. Before doing it do a compression test first at least or a leak down test to verify 1 compression values at all cylinders and 2 verify the compression is being held.

Oil and coolant are non compatible, but will often show up with a cold engine going through the heat then cool down cycle.

Drain your oil into a clean pan and see if you have coolant in it, not just a drop or two. Drain your coolant and check for oil before doing head gaskets.

You must be careful and clean. Do not cross contaminate.

And to answer your question the costs can go high depending on:
head(s) condition
cross contamination and damages to cylinder wall, valves, oil pump
twisting of heads, broken bolts
$1200 is minimum, but if a head gasket is not needed $1200 can be high for a slight clean up that you can and should do your self.

Cost to verify compression, oil and coolant about 5 hours of your time and a few tools.

very helpful... THANKS