Top Mechanics For Head Gasket Repair & Replacements in Inverness
2 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Inverness, 25 years of experience
Hello, my name is Alistair MacKenzie, head mechanic of MacKenzie Mobile. I think you will agree that choosing a mechanic can sometimes be stressful and sometimes all too expensive, and that is why I offer h...
TRACEY, Inverness • 19th September 2024
Volkswagen Golf • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
94 Reviews
Garage serving Inverness, 20 years of experience
Over 20 years experience in independent garages including bodyshop mechanic and also fiat and kia main dealer carrying out all types of repairs and mot testing
114 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Inverness, 30 years of experience
Having worked in the motor trade for over 30 years I have a wealth of experience working on all types of vehicle from cars to large goods, plant and agricultural vehicles.
4 Reviews
Garage in Elgin, 31 years of experience
We have over 30yrs experience in vehicle repairs, we cover Breakdowns, Services, All Vehicle Repairs, Remapping, MOT's, Mobile Mechanics, Vehicle Recoveries. We're here to help you get your vehicle back o...
6 Reviews
Garage in Elgin, 15 years of experience
15 years experience in the trade gaining experience across a vast range of vehicles, makes and models, working up from apprentice to workshop manager and now business owner.
69 Reviews
Garage in Brechin, 9 years of experience
I am currently employed by Halfords Auto Centre as a skilled auto technician, working on a wide range of modern vehicles in a busy competitive environment. My current duties include Vehicle servicing. Ca...
132 Reviews
Garage in Aberdeen, 23 years of experience
We are a small independent garage based in the Woodside area of Aberdeen.
THOMAS, BURGHEAD, NEAR ELGIN • 8th September 2022
Volkswagen Transporter • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
71 Reviews
Garage in Peterhead, 22 years of experience
I started my career in a Fiat/Hyundai dealership for 2 years and completed my apprenticeship with a VW/Audi garage and was there 3 years. I moved to work in auto electrics for 4 years to gain more experie...
GRAEME, ABERDEENSHIRE • 12th October 2021
Citroen Berlingo • Diagnostic Inspection
150 Reviews
Garage in Winsford, 10 years of experience
Mobile mechanic based in Winsford With over 10 years experience + working on your car at work or home to make your life easier
ANTHONY, LIVERPOOL • 30th October 2024
Citroen C4 Picasso • Brake discs and pads replacement - rear (both)
56 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Guisborough , 9 years of experience
BMW Mini Rolls Royce Independent BMW group dealer level diagnostics and able to write official BMW service history. BMW Master Tech ZF Gearbox Specialist Diagnostics; Smoke Tests ISTA (BMW GROUP...
KEVIN, Durham • 30th October 2024
Jaguar XF • Brake fluid change
42 Reviews
Garage in Winchester, 12 years of experience
I started my career in HM Armed forces joining the REME, where I served for 7 years. From there I worked for Mercedes-Benz for 4 years. And now I do all sorts, if it’s got wheels, I can fix it!
YUXIN, Bournemouth • 30th October 2024
Toyota AYGO • Alternator replacement
34 Reviews
Garage in Wishaw, 13 years of experience
Extensive Time With VW/Audi Group Vehicles Previously Worked On Mercedes Commercial, Renault, Fiat, Ford, BMW, Mini, Maserati & Lotus
ANDREW, LOANHEAD • 30th October 2024
Volkswagen Golf • Brake discs and pads replacement - front (both)
Mobile mechanic in Loughborough, 20 years of experience
Our mechanics and technicians are experts in all aspects of automotive repair. From routine maintenance to major repairs, we have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right.
153 Reviews
Garage in Kenilworth , 30 years of experience
30 years experience working for independent garages. Ten years working for myself. Working on all makes of car’s From Brake pads to Engine rebuilds.
RICHARD, Gloucester • 30th October 2024
SEAT Alhambra • Water pump replacement
54 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Wednesbury , 16 years of experience
I have worked the last 16 years specialising in Ford and VAG vehicles. I have a vast knowledge of all makes of vehicle and commercial vehicles. I am an experienced diagnostic senior level technician with...
SOPHIE, Wolverhampton • 30th October 2024
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
Frequently asked questions about head gasket repair & replacements in Inverness
Read our answers to questions about head gasket repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a cylinder head gasket replacement in Inverness 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 Inverness?
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 Inverness?
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 Inverness garages offer home collection and delivery for head gasket repair?
Yes, many garages in Inverness 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 Inverness.
Can Inverness mobile mechanics do head gasket repair at my home or office?
Typically no, Inverness 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.
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Mechanics in and around Inverness
- A. S. Services, Elgin
- Edgar Road Garage, Elgin
- HVS Motors, Nairn