Renault Megane Head Gasket

[theshedman]

Hi, can anyone tell me roughly how much it should cost to have the head gasket changed on my 98 1.4 megane. Either the head gasket has blown or the head is cracked which means having secondhand engine fitted I think. So any help as to how much it should cost will be appreciated. Thanks

[jollygreen]

Gaskets are cheap to buy but there'll be a fair bit of labour. Say 6 hours at �40 plus �50 for the gasket plus �20 ancillaries and then vat on top and you're looking at �350-400 in total.

[Toureman]

Good answer above but if you went to a Renault dealer the labour would be double.

[rdv]

Quite right Toureman, stay away from main dealers and find a good independent. The usual main dealer cost around here is in excess of �100 +vat per hour

[Toureman]

I must be lucky my nearest Renasult Stealer is only �80 per hour. :-)

[theshedman]

Hi, thanks for the replies. I have been told it will cost around �800 if it's the gasket that's gone and around �1000 if I need to have the engine replaced using secondhand engine. All the coolant has gone into the engine and it won't start at all now. May be better to cut my losses and look for new car.

[rdv]

A good 2nd hand engine should only cost around �250 and maybe 6 hours to fit. A 10 year old Megane isnt worth much so you may well be right, time for another car

[jollygreen]

If you're mechanically minded, have a mate who will help and have a hoist (or block and tackle and a suitable beam in your garage) you can change the engine yourself fairly easily. Honestly, it's not a tough job although it maybe sounds a bit daunting. Buy a Haynes manual too!

[psully]

ive been told my head gasket might have gone the garage said they think so as there is tiny amounts of oil in the water tank, then they said it sounds like the cat could be blocked, i dont know what to do really for the best any answers ?