Blown head gasket : £600 to repair???

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adambradford
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Blown head gasket : £600 to repair???

Post by adambradford »

Well, my first camping trip of the year didn't go at all well. I ended up coming home a couple of hours after I set out - on the back of an RAC truck!

Overheated and the died, coolant boiled. Engine not seized but won't run. RAC man said it's almost certainly a blown head gasket.

I don't have the tools or the skill to tackle this myself, so I had it dropped off at my local garage. They say it'll cost £500 - £600 to repair and they won't know the full extent of the damage until they take it apart. And of course, by letting them do that, I'll be committing to pay them. :shock:

Are they taking the p*ss, or is that a reasonable price? (They're not known for being rip-off merchants actually, they have quite a good rep around here).

It's a 1.6 Diesel by the way. Perhaps I should consider upgrading to a bigger engine instead of letting them repair that one? (1Y or AAZ perhaps!)

Any thoughts from any of you technically minded folks would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Adam.
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Fritz
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Quoted engine repair price

Post by Fritz »

The figure they have given you is reasonable in this day and age But I would suggest it may be nearer double that amount if they don't find anything conclusive once the cap has been lifted.

If for example the head has to be pressure tested this usually means it has to be stripped down to the bare bones by someone,,,, tested and then rebuilt which will add a few hours to the job.

If it is a straight forward job you could be looking at a labour figure of 350-400GBP and the rest would be the cost of parts such as a Gaskets , Timing belt, Thermostat, Anti freeze and possibly the water pump , plus the dreaded VAT.

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ringo
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Post by ringo »

I feel for you dude - last year i paid over £800 for a head gasket change. Admittedly i needed a new head.

However, i reckon my engine is on its way out now - i kind of wish i had spent the money going towards a new engine - because a year later i need one anyway.

I need my van all week as i live in it when im working away from home - so going for an AAZ conversion is'nt really an option cause it will take weeks (unless i can find someone to do it for me - and source a good aaz in no time).

I reckon if you have the time then just go for another engine....

Good luck

Ringo
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adambradford
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Post by adambradford »

Thanks for your replies.

I'm leaning towards buying a new engine. I know where there's a used 1Y for £400 and an AAZ for £600. Don't know the history but there's a 3 month warranty.

Depends how much the garage will charge for fitting... :roll:
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camper
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Post by camper »

You could have a go yourself.Total cost including parts £150.00.If you read up with a good manual only problem you may occur is confidence to set the timing and a few good tools.I did mine and saved loads of cash
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"WEAZLECHIN"
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Post by "WEAZLECHIN" »

get a 1y in, you can get one for £150, i got mine for £160 with gearbox(golf), alternator, pump etc. 60.000 miles on it. sold the gearbox for £50....
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Post by camper »

If i have an other problem that is major mechanical.I would agree with Weazlechin i would replace it with a 1.9 non or turbo AAZ.
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Post by Beach Bum »

Depends how much the garage will charge for fitting...[quote]

try speaking to philipacman on here, I'm sure he does conversions.Dont know how far apart you live but could be worth a shot.
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"WEAZLECHIN"
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Post by "WEAZLECHIN" »

DIY,
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adambradford
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Post by adambradford »

I don't have the confidence to tackle this job I'm afraid.

If I get an AAZ will I need a new gearbox, or will my standard 4 speed be OK?
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adambradford
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Post by adambradford »

"WEAZLECHIN" wrote:get a 1y in, you can get one for £150, i got mine for £160 with gearbox(golf), alternator, pump etc. 60.000 miles on it. sold the gearbox for £50....

Blimey - where did you get it - I want one!
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ringo
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Post by ringo »

Whats a 1y ?

I reckon im in serious need of a replacement engine.

Hold on, im off to look at the alternative engines section.....

Ringo
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"WEAZLECHIN"
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Post by "WEAZLECHIN" »

A 1y engine is the same as your 1.6 but 300cc more. mine was out of our local loot, just keep looking or advertise as a wantad ad. the auction site cqout has a wanted section too.
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Post by Horza »

Same here, head gasket/head blown.

I spent a huge amount of money fannying around before I gave in and had an AAZ from Futbus to go.

Don't make my mistake, decide your gonna fix it or decide your gonna replace it. Get some quotes and get it done.

IMHO replacement is more likely to be a fixed known cost up front!!
Euan

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