Head Gasket on Citreon C3

jubarnes26

Hi all, I'm hoping there are some experience motorists / mechanics that can help me out.

Just had MOT done & luckily only failed on 2 minor things, easily fixable.

However whilst doing MOT asked mechanic to check as we have had an oil leak for the past few weeks - result he said the oil leak was due to the head gasket - am now awaiting a quote for a new head gasket with my fingers crossed.

Just want some general advice really so I know what to expect / whether it's overpriced.

First - does having an oil leak mean I need a complete new head gasket? Do I need to ask more questions, it doesnt sound very specific, I know sod all about cars but I assume that the head gasket has lots of different parts and wondered if it all needs redoing.

Secondly can I source the parts myself if the garage quotes me from their supplier and it is blinkin expensive, had a quick look round and a head gasket set looks about £45 for a citreon C3 plus a number of other bits. If so where does everyone recommend?

Finally, how long should this job take - the receptionist said I could expect it to be off the road for a week - that seems excessive.

Any help and advice greatly appreciated - I always have a fear that I am being ripped off when I go to a garage.

If this comes in at about £500 then I am prepared for that but I just want to make sure it doesnt cost me £1000 unnessesarily.

Thanks

s_b

they all leak a bit
its the law
suggest if oil leak minimal then live with it because it will start leaking again
its a design fault

just my opinion of course
mr Citroen expert of the year will be on any minute now saying the earth will implode if its not done soonest

jubarnes26

Thanks for that - made me laugh.

Just had quote from garage - should also say it also needs servicing and a cam belt change as it's done 56,000 miles, I was gonna deal with the service after the MOT was out the way but have asked them to quote for the whole lot and it comes in at £986.97 at worst case scenario, she said she wont know exactly what they need for the head gasket until they get in there and have a look and I may not need everything she's quoted me for.

I suppose it's not too bad, I mean the service itself is £150 then theres the cam belt at £63 and water pump and oil & filter change so the service was gonna cost over £300 anyway so that leaves the head gasket fix at £686.

I suppose this is what credit cards are for?!!

TadleyBaggie

The head gasket is just a flat seal between the "head" of engine and the main body.
Replacing it just entails removing the head, replacing the seal and and then fitting the head back on again. It's not a complicated job,

jubarnes26

Thanks for that - why is it then when mechanics say the words "head gasket" it causes fear in everyone and a big bill to follow? It sounds like its a really big job!!!

mcjordi

did the mechanic say it was leaking from the head??
it could be the rocker gasket needing renewal..

is it using any coolant? any white smoke from the exhaust when the car is warm?

TadleyBaggie

jubarnes26 wrote: »

Thanks for that - why is it then when mechanics say the words "head gasket" it causes fear in everyone and a big bill to follow? It sounds like its a really big job!!!

The the olden days I managed to change a head gasket on a Morris Minor in a couple of hours, modern engines might make it a tad harder now,

Muscle750

Firstly the head gasket has a oilway near the front of it and these leak for a past time secondly the cambelt should be replacewd anyway as it has to be removed for the removal of the head plus you shouldnt re tighten them. To time the engine up you need pins to hold the crank and the camshaft in the correct place when putting on the new belt. Personally if the car runnig ok and no water in the oil or vice versa id live with it however i would check upon the cambelt service interval. My mother in law ignored hers and found out to her cost whilst out one night at 11.30pm on a country road miles from anywhere and no mobile phone!!

mick_vandick

So whats with 'skimming' then? It's not as straight forward as just fitting the head gasket i have been led to believe as you have to skim it? I am far from an expert but if your head gasket has gone and you just change it without skimming it, don't you run the risk of it just going again straight away?

mcjordi

you only skim it when its warped.. any decent mechanic worth his salt should check its not warped before sending if off. Not all heads warp but if you run it with a knackered HG then you are more than likely gonna warp the head