There are a few different parts of this repair that will affect the total cost. First, the blown head gasket itself will need to be replaced. The cost of a head gasket can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but they're usually not very expensive, maybe $50 to $100 or so.
The labor involved in replacing the head gasket is what really drives up the cost of this repair. It can take several hours to remove the head of the engine, replace the gasket, and then reassemble the engine. The labor rate charged by your mechanic will also affect the total cost of this repair.
In addition to the head gasket itself and the labor involved in replacing it, there are also a few other parts that may need to be replaced as part of this repair, such as:
- Head bolts: These bolts hold the head of the engine to the block. When they're removed to replace the head gasket, they're usually stretched and need to be replaced.
- Intake manifold gasket: This gasket seals the intake manifold to the head of the engine. It may need to be replaced if it's damaged or if it leaks.
- Exhaust manifold gasket: This gasket seals the exhaust manifold to the head of the engine. It may need to be replaced if it's damaged or if it leaks.
- Water pump: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to help keep it cool. It's often driven by the timing belt, so it may need to be replaced if the timing belt is also being replaced.
The cost of these parts will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You may be able to find them for less if you purchase them online or from a discount auto parts store.
Overall, the cost to repair a blown head gasket on a 1999 Volvo 2.4 will likely be somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500. This repair is not something that you should attempt to do yourself unless you have extensive experience working on engines. If you're not comfortable with this type of work, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
