I have a 2007 Subaru Outback. What is the cost to replace the head gasket vs the cost of the cylinder head?

10

Asked by SydDew Dec 02, 2017 at 02:21 PM about the 2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic Wagon AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car overheated then died right when I got to the mechanic. It turned over
once more then died again....The mechanic later called me with the
diagnosis. I was at work and really busy. I can't remember if he said I needed
a new head gasket (which was likely) or if I need a new cylinder head. The
gasket I assume is what actually needs replacing. What is the likelihood I'd
need a new cylinder head (the more expensive repair)?

15 Answers

158,935

If it has lots of miles I would have the cylinder heads rebuilt while it is apart. Yes, it will cost more. How much? Ask your mechanic.

2 people found this helpful.
10

The mechanic says $2,500... this seems about $1,000 more than it should be. It is high milage. About 175,000

158,935

$2500 for cylinder heads on a Subaru seems about in the ballpark to me.

1 people found this helpful.

Overheating aluminum engines can make the heads warp.

1 people found this helpful.
10

@ F_O_R..... do you think it'd cost $2500 to fix? I found a friend of a co worker who can do it heads for $1500...

Unless the engine is disassembled and inspected I could only guess but 2.5k seems reasonable.

1 people found this helpful.
158,935

Don't let anybody without Subaru experience touch the heads or do the repair, because you will likely be doing it again if you do.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I found a mechanic who knows Subarus (and BMWs, Mercedes, etc) who is willing to do it for $900 less.

1 people found this helpful.

If the heads need to be rebuilt or surfaced I doubt the cheap price includes it. Get the complete estimate in writing with details.

1 people found this helpful.
48,660

Hang on! There is NO WAY to know if you need a new head (or two) until they're removed and tested at a good machine shop. If cracked or too warped to flatten within spec THEN you buy a new one. That said, the great majority of 2006-2009 2.5i motors get resealed with new head gaskets WITHOUT needing a head replacement. But do NOT omit the pro machine shop testing and assuring clean flat surfaces. It's about $150-200 total and well worth it. Your mechanic will take a whole day replacing the HGs, so figure $300 for parts, $1k for labor, and $200 for machine shop sublet. Your water pump will probably NOT need replacing, so don't sweat that. But DO check the idler and tensioner pulleys while replacing the t-belt on the way out. Your $900-less wrench is probably assuming your heads will prove ok. Just make sure he sends them out for assessment.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Thank you, GuruBoston and the rest...I towed it home and I'm not sure what my next move is. The mechanic ran tests and had determined it was the head, I guess.

Until the heads are removed they cannot know for sure but good luck.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Okay. So the mechanic says its the head gasket(not the cylinder head. $2,500 is way over priced

48,660

Shop around for a wrench who's experienced doing MANY of these, and you'll get a good job done c $1600...including outside machine shop work. Just be diligent.

2 people found this helpful.

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