I have a blown head gasket on my 1994 Toyota Camry. He said something about a frost plug coming out. The mechanic that it is currently at has quoted $2770.00. Is that about right! Thanks
andrea_w,
Nov 1, 2:25pm
You'd be mad to pay that much for a blown head gasket.
zaidin,
Nov 1, 2:30pm
I don't intend too but what should it be! a-round-about!
phillip.weston,
Nov 1, 2:50pm
sounds like a V6. If that's the case then upwards of $3000 sounds about right. Usually the block corrodes on the rear bank and does damage to the block and the head. For $3000 you would be better off just buying another car. You could spend say $1000-1500 on a replacement engine being fitted, but unfortunately with the early Toyota V6s, they are all getting to an age where the gaskets are going to blow.
zaidin,
Nov 1, 2:52pm
its not a v6 its only a 4 cylinder.
franc123,
Nov 1, 3:56pm
What does the quote involve!Repairing the current engine or replacing it with another one!
mm12345,
Nov 1, 4:03pm
So if a frost plug went and the engine overheated, the head might be toast, and the block might be toast. If it's done high mileage and only the gasket is toast, then you'll get a nice new head gasket on a rooted old motor.Perhaps the mechanic is counting on doing a lot of other stuff he should do rather than trying to fleece you - sounds likely at the price.But it could be false economy. Don't know what a replacement used engine will cost, but at a guess $500-700.At a guess someone might be able to fit it for you, 10 hours at $70 = $700 perhaps.Half the cost of what you've been quoted for head gasket.If you can find a good used/import motor, then you're half way there.I guess it's a 2.2 litre 4.There's only one for sale on TradeMe that I could see - but it's got a blown head gasket.You may need to hunt around.
trdbzr,
Nov 1, 4:08pm
Give the mechanic a call and find out exactly what will he be putting in and doing for the $2770.00.
zaidin,
Nov 1, 5:10pm
He just said that was to just fix the head gasket. he said it might be a little bit cheaper to get another motor. he said its alot because he has to take the motor right out.
bubbles244,
Nov 1, 5:20pm
3000 would get a sweet quad cam engine conversion
fordcrzy,
Nov 1, 5:36pm
take the engine out! i thought that era were pretty easy to do!
trdbzr,
Nov 1, 5:39pm
the mechanic is ripping you off, you should shop around, even a new engine including install will be much cheaper
mugenb20b,
Nov 1, 5:48pm
Technically, it's impossible to quote a head gasket job, as the price can vary dramatically depending on the extent of the damage. If the head and block are OK, and the cambelt can be reused, it should cost around $1000. If the head is warped, block cracked, water pump leaking etc. then yes, it can get expensive. You won't know any of this UNTIL the head is removed. You also need to allow extra cost to repair the fault that CAUSED a head gasket to blow (eg. overheating due to a leaking radiator).
gadgit3,
Nov 1, 5:55pm
Engine decarb set (include H/gasket) $285 Cambelt Kit (includes water pump) $320 Oil + Filter $84 Coolant $54 Radiator top tank removed and core rodded out new top gasket $120 Cleaning fluid $15 Frost plugs $30 Head crack/pressure testing $75 Grind if required $90 misc charge $40 Labour $792 Thats $1905 plus GST $285.75 Equals $2190 Thats all off the top of my head and at my labour rate. but shows how a simple sounding job can start getting expensive.
drew2009,
Nov 3, 11:22am
As others have said it may be time to just get a replacement engine or a replacement car.
curlcrown,
Nov 3, 11:38am
not even worth concidering. Put an additive in it and keep driving. Spend your money on another car.
johnf_456,
Jan 25, 12:15pm
Crikey
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.