pretty sure based on the cooling system issues im having that the headgasket on my 03 sxt is gone foamy bubbles in coolant, resevoir keeps filling up/over flowing, moisture out the tail pipe. i do have heat and the car is not overheating unless to much coolant is lost. im no mechanic can do things here and there but no way am i qualified to do a head gasket anyone have an idea of what this type of repair will cost? or maybe an estimate of time it takes to do the job? car just hit 133k miles i will have the timing belt and water pump done as well since im assuming atleast the belt needs to be removed to do the head.

this **** always comes at the worst possible time in finances

thanks for your input

 

Depends if it's just a bad gasket, or if something warped.

 

assuming that its a bad gasket? the car has never over heated so im hoping nothing is warped.

 

Labor time is 6 hours, which includes removing carbon, checking surfaces for warpage (you ALWAYS check regardless), and adjust valves and ignition timing. Average shop rates are $70-$90/hour, so roughly $420-$540 in labor plus parts and tax.

 

ok got it confirmed bad head gasket, not mixing with oil rather i think its more leaking into exhaust is what seems to be happening, most coolant seems to be going into the resevoir so ive nbeen draining that down so as to not overflow and filling the radiator back up usually only down about 1/2 liter or so. also have a p0456 code that has come up as well code is for a slow emission leak, or gas cap not sure if this is related to the head gasket or something else car starts up and runs a little rough for about 5 - 10 seconds then runs fine ?? anyway i got a mechanic that only charges $45 hour im going to have him do the timing and water pump at the same time car has 133k so its time i guess. he is good, used to work for multiple dealerships and didnt like the way they treated customers. i asked why so low of a labor rate and he said im looking to help people out and pay my bills not get rich so thats all the explaination i need

 

The "hobbyist" mechanics (any profession really) can be very good, and do indeed usually charge less since they are simply doing it because they enjoy it. Regardless, you should still make sure you cover yourself in case something unfortunate happens.