Head Gasket replacement cost (approx)

[Asolo3j]

I just purchased a 1995 Disco 1, manual transmission, with 98K on the odometer and the original owner. Everything looks good and I had it taken to the dealer for a more in depth inspection and a few things came up...

Apparently when I was shifting the 4 wheel drive (while parked, engine running, in neutral), the shifter needs to be "popped" back into place on the transmission (or diff?). Dealer quoted $450

Head gasket needs to be replaced

New rear brake rotor

I would really appreciate comments about the transmission (or diff) how much the head gasket replacement would be and the brake work.

I spent $3500 on the Disco and I still think this is a great deal... I am not ready to walk away, but I would like to know where I am going.

Thanks,
Jarrett

 

[campbell]

I'm guessing, if you don't do it yourself, the head gasket will cost around $1000-$1200 to fix.

 

[Asolo3j]

OUCH!

This is my first D1, I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but I am not sure this is something that I want to tackle.

Even with that cost, it still seems to be a deal... or is it?

 

[Cherub Rock]

that's about right, figuring dealer labor rates.

it's like a 10 hour job if you know what you're doing. are you sure you need a new head gasket? check your oil, is it all frothy or have water in it? that's a pretty easy way to tell.

 

[Asolo3j]

When I did check it (about a week ago) it was good. A little dark ie: needs an oil change, but no other "visible" signs to an untrained eye. I have ALL the service records for the Disco and the dealers mentioned this replacement at its 95,000 check.

Just got off the phone with the dealer and we now are up to $2200 for a head gasket and valve job, $700 for rear brake rotors and pads, $400 for power steering hoses and $450 for transfer case issue.

These are dealer prices installed, but damn!!!

Thoughts???

 

[campbell]

Head gasket and valve job seem about right... Wouldn't a valve job cover the blown head gasket? They should replace the head gasket while doing the valve job. While the heads are off the vehicle have them checked for warping. I would think this would take care of the blown head gasket, if that is indeed what is wrong.
Others seem way high. I would look into an independent shop for all of the work.

 

[Asolo3j]

Does anybody know of a good independant shop in Sudbury, MA?

I too think those pices are high. Their labor rate is already $99 per hour and parts shouldn't be terrible, but damn that's some serious $$.

 

[Asolo3j]

Headed to talk with LR of Annapolis to see if these guys in Mass. are legit with their prices. I have a good shop in town, but I do need to get the Disco from Mass. to Annapolis, and hoping to do so before the weather gets too crappy.

 

[Cherub Rock]

for that money I'd go enroll myself in some classes at your local auto tech school then do it yourself..

lol...

 

[ptschram]

Does anybody know of a good independant shop in Sudbury, MA?

I too think those pices are high. Their labor rate is already $99 per hour and parts shouldn't be terrible, but damn that's some serious $$.

http://www.robisonservice.com/

I don't know how far springfield is from sudbury, but Jon's probably the best.

I quote $1300 minimum for a head job and hope to make money at that price ($55/hour).

Fixing the head gasket issues should include a valve job. The additional machine work is a drop in the bucket compared to the labor to do this job.

Book shows 7.5 hours. It's hard to meet that.

Peace,
PT

www.BTLRovers.com

 

[p m]

$700 for rear brake rotors and pads, $400 for power steering hoses

that's classic...
brake rotors : $34 a pop at Atlantic British, pads - $50 to 70 a set for the rear. Time to change rear rotors and pads: two hours if you've never done it before.
power steering hoses: about $25 in low-pressure hose and hose clamps, about as much for high-pressure hose (haven't seen them leak yet). Time to change - between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours (the higher estimate is when near everything goes wrong - you burn your hand on the exhaust, wrenches drop in the rapidly expanding puddle of p/s fluid, etc.).

 

[Asolo3j]

After a few pints of Bass Ale from the fine local pubs... decided to go ahead with it. I am researching with the previously mentioned advice. I am going to give a call to Robison's and see what they can do for me. Thanks again for everything and let me know if you have any other thoughts. I am still new at this and its a tremendous learning experience... or reason to question my very integrity as being sensible.

 

[Asolo3j]

Robisons is awesome!!

Jon just called me about towing the car and getting it to his place. I have AAA, but they will not tow from dealership to service. I also need to be present at the vehicle and I am in MD. Talked with Alpine Towing and they want $300 to tow it 75 miles out to Springfeild.

I need another pint.