How Long Does It Take to Replace a Head Gasket?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 07, 2020

CostHelper estimates that a gasket head replacement can take between five and eight hours, although the time varies based on the type of car. In addition, the cylinder head might need to be machined as well, adding more time to the job.

Gasket heads ensure efficient engine operation by preventing coolant and other liquids from seeping into the engine. As a result, a broken gasket head can cause cars to overheat and lead to damage in other components in a short period of time. While the gasket head itself is simple and contains no moving parts, accessing it requires dismantling much of the engine, so the cost of labor typically exceeds the cost of the part itself.