Top Mechanics For Head Gasket Repair & Replacements in Torquay
76 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 10 years of experience
I began my career with a Hyundai main dealer in Exeter where I spent 3 years which included my apprenticeship. The dealership went into receivership & I moved to Exeter Gearbox Centre for 10 months before m...
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
34 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 30 years of experience
Hi my name is ant ,I have been in the motor trade for 30 years in main dealers and independent garages, so have a broad range of experience on pretty much all makes and models ,mostly Vw ,I do servicing ,cam...
271 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 24 years of experience
Edward Hunt is currently ranked Number 1 in the UK & Ireland according to the League of True Mechanics having won the National competition & held the title an impressive 3 years running, being crowned number...
STEVEN, Torquay • 19th March 2023
Daimler Super Eight • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
2 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 15 years of experience
15 years as a recovery driver of all classes to mobile mechanic / fitter. Now only operating as a mobile fitter
NICHOLAS, Torquay • 13th January 2023
Iveco Daily S Class • Battery replacement (vehicles without stop/start system)
2 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 16 years of experience
Worked for Dealer , independent, Mobile mechanic and was in a partnership owning a garage back in 2008 based in Heathfield.
22 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 15 years of experience
I completed my apprenticeship at Totnes Autos and subsequently spent 7 years there working on all make & model of car that came into the workshop. Throughout my time as a mechanic I have always had my own cu...
ALEX, KINGDKERSWELL • 3rd November 2021
Suzuki S-Cross • Brake pads replacement - rear (all)
24 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 11 years of experience
Fully qualified mechanic with over 11years. Working mobile on all makes and models
ROBIN, EXETER EX2 9RY • 20th July 2021
Skoda Octavia • Brake discs and pads replacement - front (both)
24 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 8 years of experience
I began my career with dad's friend working in his garage for a period of time and then underwent my apprenticeship in South Devon College and worked in conjunction with Devon Motor Homes and was with busine...
BARRY, Torquay • 28th October 2019
Land Rover Range Rover • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
23 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 20 years of experience
I started working for a Citroen and Nissan main dealer for 2.5 years. Following my apprenticeship I then moved to a smaller garage in Exeter before moving to a 4X4 specialist. My career then brought me back ...
SARAH, Torquay • 4th July 2019
15 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 9 years of experience
We have a vast variety of experience within the motor trade from fleet maintenance to vans and commercial vehicles, daily drivers to high end performance cars. We can do it all from engine or gearbox replace...
LEONARD, PAIGNTON • 1st January 2024
Mazda MX-5 • Clutch replacement
44 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 5 years of experience
Hi,I happy to help with your Car! I am professional with respect to customer and their cars.I am always look after as its my own personal car.I have extended experience with various of make and models start ...
KEVIN, Paignton • 12th July 2024
Vauxhall Astra • Clutch replacement
1 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 28 years of experience
We are fully equipped to take on anything from a bulb change to a full engine rebuild or restoration on ANY vehicle. We are very well known in the Ford tuning scene as Cosworth tuning specialists, an...
MARGARET, DEVON • 9th August 2023
2 Reviews
Garage serving Torquay, 18 years of experience
18 years experience in the motor industry , I’ve worked in franchise dealers and independent , spent many years as an accredited master technician with ford , current master technician with Volkswagen
THOMAS, KINGSTEIGNTON • 5th December 2024
Vauxhall Vivaro • Standard Pre-purchase Inspection
19 Reviews
Mobile mechanic serving Torquay, 8 years of experience
Commercial Tyre Fitting, Car and Van Tyre fitting, Servicing and Diagnostics. General Vehicle Repairs, Brakes, Suspension
PETER, STARCROSS • 6th December 2024
Frequently asked questions about head gasket repair & replacements in Torquay
Read our answers to questions about head gasket repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a cylinder head gasket replacement in Torquay 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 Torquay?
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 Torquay?
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 Torquay garages offer home collection and delivery for head gasket repair?
Yes, many garages in Torquay 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 Torquay.
Can Torquay mobile mechanics do head gasket repair at my home or office?
Typically no, Torquay 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 Torquay
- Auto Dynamix, Newton Abbot
- Ck Motors, Newton Abbot
- D.A. AUTO REPAIRS, Newton Abbot
- Jump Start James, Newton Abbot
- M & O Motors, Newton Abbot
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