How Much Does a Head Gasket Cost?

A head gasket is the seal between the head cylinder and the engine block. When it fails due to improper installation, deterioration over time, or overheating, it can cause oil or coolant leaks, which can lead to other issues. 

Replacing a failing head gasket quickly can help head off these problems. However, the cost of a blown head gasket can be steep: Replacing one can cost upwards of $2,000.

Here’s a closer look at what a head gasket is, signs for spotting a failing one, head gasket repair cost, and how to pay for repairs. 

Key Points

• Your car’s head gasket is critical to engine health and functionality.

• Head gasket replacement/repair costs between $1000 and $2500, on average.

• While the most common type of head gasket can be purchased for around $200, the fix itself is labor-intensive and pushes up the cost.

• Pouring gasket sealer into your car’s cooling system can provide a temporary fix, but a full repair is essential to avoid further damage and higher costs.

• Using savings to pay for head gasket repair is ideal, but credit cards or personal loans provide viable alternatives.

What Is a Head Gasket?

The head gasket is a critical component of a combustion engine. It provides a seal between the engine head cylinder and the engine block, the two major components of your engine. It prevents oil and coolant from mixing and from leaking into the cylinders or outside the engine.

It also seals the combustion chamber so gases can’t escape and the car can drive forward.

Types of Head Gaskets

There are four different types of head gaskets:

Multilayer Steel Gaskets

Multilayer steel gaskets are the most common type. Some are engineered with two or three layers of steel, while others may have up to five layers held together with an adhesive. They can withstand greater pressures than other types of head gaskets. 

Copper

Copper head gaskets are made from solid copper, which offers strength and a strong seal against leakage. They are typically more difficult to install. 

Composite

Composite head gaskets are made of graphite. They are relatively rare today, and were mainly used in cars manufactured in the 1980s or before. 

Elastomeric

Elastomeric head gaskets are built with a steel core that is coated in elastomeric beads, a rubber-like polymer, which helps protect the engine from leaks. 

Blown Head Gasket Symptoms

The head gasket is under extreme pressure and intense heat. A blown gasket can cause damage to other parts of the engine, so it’s important to identify it quickly. Here are some of the signs to watch out for: 

Leaking Coolant

When the head gasket fails, it allows coolant to escape. Drops of coolant on the ground under your car or on your engine could signal that you have a leak. 

White Smoke Coming From the Tailpipe

White smoke usually signals that coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber and burning. 

Bubbles in the Radiator and Coolant Reservoir

Your car’s cooling system should not have air in it, though a failing head gasket can allow air into the system. Bubbles are a near-surefire sign that there is a failure. 

Milky Oil

When your head gasket fails, it can allow coolant and oil to mix, leading to a milky-white coloration in your oil or a frothy texture.

Engine Overheating

Leaking coolant can cause your engine to overheat, which can leave you stranded on the side of the road or cause damage to other engine components. 

Fouled Spark Plugs

If the head gasket is leaking, it can cause your spark plugs to be covered with substances such as oil or carbon. These fouled spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, which can make for a rougher ride. 

Alternatives to Head Gasket Replacement

Once a head gasket is blown, there aren’t many options aside from replacing it. You may be tempted to continue adding coolant to the engine, but this may cause long-term damage to your motor. Also, if you forget to top off your coolant, your engine could overheat, which could leave you stranded or cause further damage to your engine. 

Head Gasket Sealer

If you don’t have the money to fix a blown head gasket right away, you may be able to use a head gasket sealer in the short term. Head gasket sealers work on small leaks by filling any gaps between the cylinder head and engine block. They’re designed to be poured into the cooling system, and may provide a temporary fix, especially if damage to the head gasket is slight.

Can I Drive With a Head Gasket Problem?

If you’ve blown the head gasket on your car, you’ll want to avoid driving it unless it’s absolutely necessary. Otherwise, you may risk damaging other components of your engine. 

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How Often Do Head Gaskets Need to Be Replaced?

Head gaskets are designed to last for up to 200,000 miles. For most people, that covers the life of their vehicle. If you’re lucky, you’ll never have to replace your head gasket. And if you do, you likely won’t have to make the fix again. 

Is It Worth Fixing a Head Gasket?

If your vehicle was in good working condition before you blew your head gasket, it is likely worth fixing the issue. If you’re on the fence, get a quote for the repair and figure out the resale value of your car once the issue is fixed. 

As a general rule, insurance companies advise that if a repair costs 75% or more of the car’s resale value, then replacing the vehicle may be the smartest choice. If your car is worth less than the cost of the repair, the fix may not be worth it. 

Head Gasket Replacement Cost

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket? You can expect to pay $200 or more for a multilayered steel head gasket. Unfortunately, replacing the head gasket is labor-intensive, which could up the price of the repair to around $2,000 or more, depending on your mechanic’s hourly rate and how long the repair takes. 

Though steep, the cost of a swift repair is less than the cost of engine replacement.

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Head Gasket Repair Cost

How much does it cost to fix a head gasket? If you don’t need to replace the head gasket right away and you only need a sealer, then the cost of the repair could be as low as $20. 

Ways to Pay for Head Gasket Replacement

Ways to pay for head gasket replacement include paying with cash, using a credit card, or taking out a personal loan.

Cash on Hand

In an ideal world, you’ll have an emergency fund that you can tap when you’re in need of major auto repairs, whether for a head gasket replacement, transmission repair, or engine replacement cost. 

As a good rule of thumb, save 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. 

Credit Card

If you don’t have the cash on hand, you could use a credit card. However, credit cards carry extremely high interest rates. If you don’t pay off your balance each month, you could find yourself in ever-increasing debt. 

Personal Loan

You may also consider a personal loan. A personal loan is typically offered through a bank, credit union, or online lender. These typically carry much lower interest rates than credit cards. 

The interest rate you’re offered will depend, in part, on your financial situation, including your credit history and score. Those with the best credit typically receive the lowest interest rate. 

If you’re exploring personal loans, you could go through the personal loan approval process. 

The Takeaway

Be on the lookout for signs that you’re having trouble with your head gasket. Spot the signs early enough, and you may be able to fix the problem temporarily with a head gasket sealer. Eventually, however, you’ll likely have to make the fix, and it can be costly. 

Tapping savings is the ideal way to pay for this. Some people turn to a credit card, though the interest will likely be high. 

If you’re looking for ways to fund the repair, a personal loan is one option with relatively low interest rates.