Top Mechanics For Head Gasket Repair & Replacements in Penzance
27 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 13 years of experience
CJS Vehicle Repairs offers a wide range of car mechanic services, including engine diagnostics, brake repairs, oil changes, and general vehicle maintenance to keep your car running smoothly.
HEATHER, Penzance • 8th March 2024
Renault Captur • Wing mirror glass replacement - passenger side
85 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 34 years of experience
I have been in the automotive repair industry for 34 years. I first began to learn the trade in 1986. I worked with Volvo until 2004, learning the industry and gaining experience. I have also worked for vau...
PHILLIP, PENZANCE CORNWALL • 24th January 2022
Vauxhall Astra • Full Service
19 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 10 years of experience
Here at A&F we offer a wide range of vehicle repairs: -Servicing -Brakes -Clutches -Suspension -Tracking -Tyre's -Diagnostics. With a combined 15 years at dealership garages. we can cover all your vehicle re...
26 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 18 years of experience
I began my career studying Automotive Engineering in School and then went onto college. My first job was at St just garage and I've had many other jobs since then. I have worked in a few fast-fit garages to...
SAFFRON, Penzance • 28th November 2016
2 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 21 years of experience
Hi I've been working on cars all my life I'm fully qualified and fully insured I will take your car for a mot from your home or workplace and bring it back and if it fails I will price it up for you.im strai...
CRAIG, Penzance • 28th December 2023
Honda CR-V • Diagnostic Inspection
44 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 33 years of experience
Hi I’ve got 33 years experience in main dealer and independent garages, including 24 successful years running my own garage and MOT station, Ive decided to take it a bit easier and just complete a few jobs a...
FIONA, SAINT IVES • 14th June 2022
Hyundai i10 • MOT with collection & delivery
12 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 12 years of experience
Broken down We provide emergency roadside Assistance and recovery 24 hours if we cant fix your car at the roadside we will arrange recovery for you
18 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Penzance, 9 years of experience
Our goal is to provide you with excellent customer service, because we understand how important it is to be treated with kindness, honesty, and respect. Whether you want to have work done on your car, or jus...
1 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 20 years of experience
R D recovery and repairs Clutch gearboxes cambelts servicing breaks mot repairs welding diagnostics and recovery anything other mechanic hate I love .
8 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 18 years of experience
I have over 18 years experience within the Motor Trade. I’m happy to carry all types of work including Servicing and repairs MOT’s Welding Suspension work Clutches Diagnostic checks Brakes Tyres...
SIMON, HAYLE • 12th June 2023
Honda Jazz • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
7 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 20 years of experience
Telstar Garage has been in operation since 1966. Current owner Chris Gilbert took over in 2012 and has expanded the garage. Chris is fully qualified and employs 1 other mechanic who is also fully qualified s...
JOHANBA, Helston • 28th April 2017
Nissan Murano • Alternator replacement
27 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 15 years of experience
I began my career in computers and IT before taking a career change and worked in diagnostics from 2007 as a specialist and over the years integrated mechanics into the business and in 2012 the business was ...
KEITH, Helston • 27th July 2023
Renault Scenic • Clutch replacement
19 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 15 years of experience
15 years experience as a mechanic working in independents,main dealer,prestigious and volume brands. Extensive knowledge of old and modern vehicles.
CHRIS, FALMOUTH • 8th January 2023
Land Rover Discovery • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
1 Reviews
Garage serving Penzance, 10 years of experience
Hi my name is Keiron, I have my own business as a mobile mechanic, I have experience dealing with all sorts of work Such as tyre fitting, clutch repair, brake, cambelts, servicing, mot’s repairs. I have gre...
7 Reviews
Garage in Truro , 30 years of experience
GMR General Motor Repairs offers a comprehensive range of automotive services as both a mobile mechanic and garage, ensuring convenience and flexibility for their valued customers.
Frequently asked questions about head gasket repair & replacements in Penzance
Read our answers to questions about head gasket repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a cylinder head gasket replacement in Penzance 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 Penzance?
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 Penzance?
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 Penzance garages offer home collection and delivery for head gasket repair?
Yes, many garages in Penzance 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 Penzance.
Can Penzance mobile mechanics do head gasket repair at my home or office?
Typically no, Penzance 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 Penzance
- J.W.Autos, Penzance
- Newlyn Mobile Mechanical, Tamworth