Top Mechanics For Head Gasket Repair & Replacements in Gillingham, Dorset
14 Reviews
Garage in Hampshire, 73 years of experience
We are a village garage and have been providing garage services to the local area since 1949 we are a family run business. Our services include: All vehicle repairs, Mot’s, servicing, winter checks and diagn...
CHARLOTTE, BOURNEMOUTH • 10th January 2023
58 Reviews
Garage in Bristol, 40 years of experience
Carcraft Servicing and repairs has been operating since 1980 The garage offers a 5 bay workshop and an additional MOT bay for class 4 testing. We offer alloy and steel welding inc alloy wheel repairs , servi...
79 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Cheddar, 28 years of experience
I began my career with a local garage when I left school in 1988 and in 1994 I moved to Australia and worked in a European specialist car garage for a few years before moving to work with Lamborghini for 8...
WARREN, BURNHAM ON SEA • 19th January 2019
50 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Bournemouth, 9 years of experience
I have 9 years of experience in the auto repair industry. iv worked for a variety of garages for several years and have now decided to further pursue the mobile side of the industry. I can repair all makes &...
CHRISTINE, Southampton • 22nd April 2016
291 Reviews
Garage in Amesbury, 19 years of experience
I began my career in Weybridge, Surrey for a number of garages picking up great experience to start me off before moving to the New Malden area for a number of years. Prior to setting-up my own business in 2...
367 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Quedgeley, 21 years of experience
I completed my apprenticeship at Brunel Ford in Bristol for around 4 years before moving to Mercedes and Vauxhall respectively to gain valuable knowledge and understand different makes & models of cars. I h...
JOSEPH, Bristol • 28th April 2020
1168 Reviews
Garage in Swindon, 20 years of experience
I did my apprenticeship at a garage in Swindon as I studied with Northstar College. After graduating I left and went to Charlie Browns auto services for 2-3 years. Following my time at Charlie Browns I went ...
ROBERT, LECHLADE • 30th September 2015
Ford Fusion • Cylinder head & gasket replacement
92 Reviews
Garage in Isle Of Wight, 32 years of experience
I started up with a youth training team and learned there for a couple years until I moved on and went to work for a local independent garage. Stayed there for about 4 years and then went on to a better oppo...
36 Reviews
Garage in Basingstoke, 15 years of experience
Welcome to Eagle Eye Automotive, where we promise to deliver the professionalism of a main dealer and the pin point precision of a race team to the independent market! A brief history on founding technici...
33 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Gloucester, 11 years of experience
I began my career with Marchant's Coaches in Cheltenham where I completed my apprenticeship and worked through college in Bristol. In total I was with Marchant's for around 5 years. I moved to the Glouces...
268 Reviews
Garage serving Gillingham, Dorset, 22 years of experience
Mobile Mechanic with 20 years experience, all work completed to a high standard using manufacturer recognised parts. I’m in the military so split between the below locations, therefore able to complete work ...
40 Reviews
Garage serving Gillingham, Dorset, 16 years of experience
JB - Mobile Car Mechanic offer Car Diagnostics we will Find The Fault AND Take Care of Repairing. 👉Diagnostic & Diagnosis 🔧 👉Services,Fuel - oil Filters, Engine OIL. 🚗 👉Starter Motor 🔧 👉Alternator...
DAVE, EAST STOUR • 28th March 2023
90 Reviews
Garage serving Gillingham, Dorset, 15 years of experience
Local mobile mechanic- 15 years experience all mechanical work carried out at a place of your convenience. We also have a ramp available in southbourne for bigger jobs that require a ramp. We also provid...
COURTNEY, ZEALS • 27th June 2024
Peugeot 207 • Full Service
216 Reviews
Garage serving Gillingham, Dorset, 25 years of experience
We have an extensive work history from main dealerships upto where we are and we are also trained on hgv vehicles with very good references
RACHEL, Warminster • 30th August 2022
Mitsubishi Outlander • Noise When Braking Inspection
Frequently asked questions about head gasket repair & replacements in Gillingham, Dorset
Read our answers to questions about head gasket repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a cylinder head gasket replacement in Gillingham, Dorset involve?
There are differences between engines on the exact process and components, but the typical engine will require most of the following basics to be done
- Mechanic will check that the head gasket is faulty.
- The engine will be drained of oil and coolant.
- Components will be removed to allow access to the rocker cover and ultimately, the cylinder head bolts.
- The engine timing will be locked in place using specifically designed pins and locking tools.
- The timing belt will be removed, or the timing chain loosened off and moved off the camshaft sprockets.
- The cylinder head will then be undone in a specific sequence.
- Once all the bolts are out, the cylinder head will be removed and the surface of the engine block and cylinder head will be cleaned of all residue of the old gasket.
- In the case of the majority of cylinder heads, it will need to be pressure tested to ensure it’s structure is sound and then go through a process called skimming. This process ensures that the surface that the new gasket will come into contact with is perfectly flat and clean.
- Once the mechanic has completed the work on the components, the engine is reassembled with a new cylinder head gasket.
- If the engine’s camshaft(s) are driven by a timing belt, this belt will be renewed along with a new water pump if it is on the timing belt circuit.
- Once the engine is back together, the cooling system will be refilled and the oil replenished along with a new filter.
- If the oil has become contaminated with the coolant, an additional oil flush may be required and likewise, if the cooling system has become contaminated, the cooling system will be flushed.
- Once everything is back together, the mechanic will run the engine.
- Finally a road test will ensure that everything works as it should when the engine comes up to temperature and finally any error codes present will be cleared down and re-checked.
As we mentioned previously, this is not a full exhaustive list of what will be done as each engine has its own requirements.
What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?
In most cases the symptoms of a cylinder head gasket are pretty apparent, some however take a little know how and some tools to confirm. Typical symptoms though are;
- A cream-like colour and consistency in the oil (usually seen on the engine oil dipstick) or in the cooling system header tank.
- Coolant overflowing out of the cooling system header tank.
- An unexplained loss of coolant.
- Difficulty in starting the engine.
- Evidence of exhaust gasses in the cooling system.
- Poor engine compression.
How long does it take to change a head gasket?
The time it takes to carry out a head gasket replacement can range from 5 hours to more than a day. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, type of engine, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How much does it cost to replace a head gasket in Gillingham, Dorset?
On average, a typical head gasket repair costs £400, with prices ranging from £280 to over £1000. Ultimately, the cost of a cylinder head gasket replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your cylinder head gasket replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
One final note, if you are comparing quotations, please ensure that the quotes you have included the cylinder head pressure test and skimming. Not all companies will include this up front, they will add it to the bill after advising you that it needs to be done once they have commenced the work.
How do I prevent head gasket problems?
To help prevent head gasket issues:
* Regularly check and top up the coolant level as required
* Follow the manufacturere recommended service schedule
* Inspect the engine regularly for leaks, to spot any issues early. If you see any, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Is a faulty head gasket an MOT failure?
Since the head gasket is not checked during an MOT test, it is likely that a faulty head gasket will pass an MOT. However, keep in mind that a faulty head gasket can cause problems with emissions - which is a critical point on the MOT checklist!
What are the symptoms of a bad cylinder?
Common signs of a bad cylinder include:
* Loss of power
* Poor engine performance
* Coolant leaking
* Overheating of the engine
* Smoke (from tailpipe or from cylinder head itself)
How much does it cost to repair a blown gasket in Gillingham, Dorset?
Repairing a head gasket can cost anywhere from £500 to over £2000 depending on the make and model of the car. Most of the cost is attributed to labour as the process can take 8-10 hours as it requires the mechanic to disassemble the top of the engine, and in some cases may have to remove the engine from the car.
What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?
The first signs of a blown head gasket are usually:
- Steam and/or water coming from the tailpipe
- Overheating
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe
- Loss of power
Can Gillingham, Dorset garages offer home collection and delivery for head gasket repair?
Yes, many garages in Gillingham, Dorset are able to offer collection and delivery for a head gasket repair. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a head gasket repair in Gillingham, Dorset.
Can Gillingham, Dorset mobile mechanics do head gasket repair at my home or office?
Typically no, Gillingham, Dorset mobile mechanics cannot do a head gasket repair at your home or office, because the repair may need to be carried out on a ramp, and may need specialist equipment. Also, the time involved to carry out the work may make it more practical to carry out the work at a garage. However, if there are still some doubts as to what repair is needed, mobile mechanics may be able to carry out a diagnostic inspection at your home or office and then take the car to a garage to carry out the head gasket repair.
Book a trusted mechanic today
Get an instant quote, then book a vetted mechanic to fix your car at your home or office.
- Vetted mechanics
- Save up to 50%
- Fast online booking
Mechanics in and around Gillingham, Dorset
- Art Auto Group, Wincanton
- Maidment Motors, Sherborne
- Rockhill Motors Ltd, Gillingham