Head gasket replacement question

[Jeff00000168]

How much would it cost for replacing the head gasket? My coolant is leaking on the right side of the head gasket. I went to one car shop and they charged me $2,000 for labor at $70/hour. It's in another shop now and I'm waiting for them to call me. I'm not a happy camper right now

 

[Cobraguy]

They are saying it's going to take 25 hours to replace the head gasket????

 

[marragtop]

For 2K, that should include a new set of heads as well as the labor. Get detailed estimates of what they are quoting.

 

[Cobraguy]

Well, it is a SOHC and a major pain in the ass, but still...My God.

 

[bisjoe]

About two years ago I had a head replaced by a Ford dealer and it was about that amount, for a brand new head from Ford at $80/hour.

That place is way too high. The $70/hour is low, but they must be padding the time.

 

[TheJackal]

They are saying it's going to take 25 hours to replace the head gasket????

25 hours? I think even I could do it in less time than that. Unless they're budgeting for unforseen difficulty, but they'd have to agree to not charge that much unless they use it. And how you're going to know?