Head Gasket Replacement Cost

Replace the seal between the engine block and cylinder head.

$1,500 – $3,500

Typical labor: 8 to 20 hours

Prices are national averages. Your exact cost depends on your vehicle, location, and shop. Get a free personalized AI estimate above.

Common Symptoms

White smoke from exhaust

Coolant in the oil (milky on dipstick)

Oil in the coolant

Overheating with no visible leak

Bubbles in the coolant reservoir

What It Is

The head gasket seals the engine block to the cylinder head, keeping oil, coolant, and combustion gases in their proper places.

Why It Matters

A blown head gasket can lead to a warped head, hydrolocked engine, or complete engine failure. The fix is labor-intensive but often cheaper than a new engine.

How to Save Money on Head Gasket Replacement

Get a compression and leakdown test before approving the job, the symptoms can also come from a cracked head
On older cars, get a quote for a used engine swap too, sometimes it's cheaper

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a blown head gasket worth fixing?

Depends on the car's value. If the repair costs more than half the car's worth, consider a used engine or selling as-is.