Quick answer: Replacing a blown head gasket typically costs $1,500–$2,500 on a 4-cylinder engine and $2,000–$4,000+ on a V6 or V8, including machine shop work on the cylinder head. The parts are cheap; almost all of the cost is labor (6–20+ hours).
Head gasket replacement cost breakdown
Estimates updated October 2026, independent shop prices with labor at $100–$200 per hour. See How We Estimate Costs.
| Engine | Labor hours | Parts (gasket set, bolts, fluids) | Machine shop | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cylinder | 6 – 10 | $150 – $400 | $150 – $400 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| V6 (one or both heads) | 10 – 18 | $250 – $600 | $250 – $700 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| V8 / complex engines (e.g. boxer, turbo) | 12 – 25 | $300 – $800 | $300 – $900 | $2,500 – $4,500+ |
| Dealer (any engine) | Same | OEM parts | Same | Often 30–50% more |
Many shops also replace the water pump, thermostat, timing belt or chain parts while the engine is apart, which adds $200–$800 but saves labor later.
Symptoms of a blown head gasket
- White smoke from the exhaust with a sweet smell (burning coolant).
- Losing coolant with no visible leak.
- Overheating, especially under load.
- Milky, light-brown oil on the dipstick or oil cap.
- Bubbles in the coolant reservoir while the engine runs.
- Misfires on one cylinder, often with code P0300–P0308; see P0300 Code: Random Misfire.
A shop can confirm it with a cooling system pressure test, a combustion leak (block) test and a compression or leak-down test ($100–$200 total).
What causes a head gasket to fail
The most common cause is overheating, from a coolant leak, failed water pump, stuck thermostat or a broken radiator fan. Overheating can also warp the cylinder head, which is why machine shop work is usually required. Some engines are known for head gasket or coolant leak problems, such as older Subaru 2.5L boxer engines and the Ford 1.5L EcoBoost.
Is it worth replacing a head gasket?
It depends on the car’s value and the rest of the engine:
- Usually worth it if the car is worth $6,000+ when running, the engine has good compression and no other major problems.
- Often not worth it on an older car worth $3,000 or less, or if the engine overheated badly for a long time (risk of a cracked head or block).
Use our Repair or Replace Calculator. If you decide to sell, read How to Sell a Car With a Blown Engine: the same buyers purchase cars with blown head gaskets.
Do head gasket sealers work?
“Head gasket in a bottle” products sometimes slow a very small leak for a while, but they rarely fix the problem and can clog the radiator and heater core. Consider them only as a short-term option on a car you’re about to sell or scrap, and tell the buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a blown head gasket?
Not for long. Continued overheating can warp the head or crack the block, turning a $2,000 repair into an engine replacement.
How long does a head gasket replacement take?
Usually 2–4 days, including time at the machine shop.
Does insurance cover a blown head gasket?
No, unless it was caused by a covered accident. See Does Car Insurance Cover Mechanical Breakdown?