* Labor costs: This is the biggest variable. Shop rates differ widely by location (rural vs. urban), the shop's reputation (independent mechanic vs. dealership), and the mechanic's experience working on these engines. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000+ just for labor. A more complex repair, requiring machining of the head, will significantly increase labor costs.
* Parts costs: You'll need a head gasket set (which may include head bolts, depending on the recommendation), potentially new head studs (recommended for increased reliability), and possibly other gaskets and seals that are found to be damaged during the repair. This could easily cost between $200 and $800. Again, the need for machine work on the cylinder head will dramatically increase this cost.
* Machine shop work: If the cylinder head needs to be resurfaced, pressure tested, or have valves worked on (which is quite common with a head gasket failure), this adds a significant expense, potentially $200-$500 or more.
* Other unforeseen repairs: During the repair, other problems might be discovered (cracked head, warped block, etc.), dramatically increasing the total cost.
Therefore, a reasonable estimate for the total repair cost would range from $1000 to $3500 or even more in some cases. Getting multiple quotes from reputable mechanics is crucial to getting a good idea of what the repair will actually cost in your specific location. A lower quote might indicate cutting corners, while an extremely high quote might be inflated. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
