Head Gasket

[lampardluver]

I have just been quoted near �400 for a new head gasket.
That includes �160 for parts + 250 for labour - I believe that's 4/5 hours? Anyway I just want to know if anyone can confirm if they know if this is reasonable price. Just to point out this quote is before they have checked the full extent of the damage. It hadn' t blown - the oil and the water have mixed.

[Loosehead]

They should fix what is necessary including the fan the stat etc . You should not have to do anything in this area if it is working ok. If you get the slightest hint that it's overheating stop and go back to the garage.

[Panic Button]

How much is a P reg 1.2 Corsa worth? I doubt if its worth doing.

Note though that Vauxhall engines ofd that age are prone to overcooling and if you do short runs this can lead to gunge under the filler cap without a blown head gasket.

[lampardluver]

I paid 850 for it.
I need a car and I cant afford to pay for a new one.

[Panic Button]

If it was me I would want more proof that the HG had gone.

My P reg Astra suffers a lot of sludge under the cap due to overcooling, but the HG has not gone.

I am not a mechanic or an expert but I would ask myself the following:

Is the oil on the dipstick black or milky? If its milky it has water in it, confirming HG failure

Is the oil level rising? This would suggest water is getting in, but if it is not rising that doesn't disprove the failure as the water may be going straight down the exhaust.

Are you losing water. If not I would doubt the HG going.

Do you have starting or running problems, particularly rough running where one cylinder is not firing. This would tend to confirm HG failure.

If the symptoms suggest just a small leak I would get myself down to Partco or a good car parts shop and ask for a bottle of their best leak stopper. This would not work in a serious case, and probably won't at all but I suggest it is worth trying.

If I am shot down in flames by more knowledgable people I put my hands up now.

[lampardluver]

I've had another person look at the car and he has said the following: tell me what you think
the gunge can be cuased by short journeys. ( I drive ten 3 mile journeys a week)
he drove it 7 miles and it did not overheat.
He revved the car for about half an hour - it did not overheat.
He was impressed with how it ran.
He will change the water pump, thermostat and fan switch.
your thoughts please

[Panic Button]

As I thought. Head gasket not gone. Thermostat fault causes overcooling, which causes the gunge.

Thank god you didn't put it in for expensive work!

[sasha1]

i paid 650 for my head to be skimmed and replaced. will they change anything else in the price. i would get a few written quotes emailed to you. also i know some1 with a 1.4 corsa who paid 450 had cam, radiator etc cahanged too. also some1 paid 200 for head&skim its good to shop around if have the time. i think the price sounds quite reasonable though. im not good on cars but thought prices others have paid may be helpful to you.