I have discovered that my 2005 xA has a leaking head gasket (coolant into cylinder). It seems manageable right now but inevitably I'll have to have the head gasket fixed or the engine replaced.

I've seen many opinions on here and other sites that say that one would be better off having the engine replaced than fixing the head gasket. Many beleive that if the head gasket is blown there will be other problems with it - block cracks or warped heads in particular .

Many have said that at about $500 for a used engine it would be cheaper. But since this is not something I can do myself I have no idea what it would approximately cost to have a shop do it. I will not take it a to a dealer and I do have a place I think I can trust.

But I have no idea about how much labor will be charged. And although $500 seems to be the price thrown around for an engine alone, it does not include shipping. And I've been told that many shops won't install an engine you buy - they will only install engines they have source out - not only because of their cut, but also they have learned to trust the quality of their suppliers.

So am I talking about $1500 to $2500 total? Or more? And would that mean just fixing the head gasket would become more attractive?

 

your looking about 2000 for them to pull and replace the motor

 

Thanks for the reply. At least I have a decent figure to work with regarding saving up for the inevitable.

 

yeah thats what a shop gave me for pulling and putting back in so id assume about the same price

 

Replace it then have the same shop replace the Head Gasket and take it back to the place where you bought the replacement and sell it to them. (Don't try to return it, they have Serial Numbers)

 

Hmmm. Almost like the idea of a "core" when dealing with rebuilt parts.

Very interesting idea - thanks!

 

Its not hard to pull a motor... where are you? I kinda have experience in this area...

Read as: I could prob swap a motor in my sleep, with as often as i build/boost/break/replace em

 

I'm just south of Philly, PA.

 

Well im sorry to report but your about 1100 miles from me... so sorry that I cant help...

but there is something you can to do "patch" it. Go to your local auto parts store, and ask them for some liquid glass, yes, the same stuff used during cash for clunkers to seize the engines.

Start the car and let it idle for a little bit to get up to operating temp (right when the blue light goes away on the dash)
shut the car off
Open coolant system, pour in about a cup
Close coolant system
Start car and let idle for another 5 minutes

you may need to repeat the process a time or two to make sure you get the HG sealed properly...

BTW, Im not making this up... it works Plus there was a whole big ordeal about it when CFC first started

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124934376942503053.html

 

Thank you so much for the offer to help swap the engine and for the info. I have been checking out the different sealing products - I'm hoping this will forestall doing something drastic for a long time.

 

No prob... Glad to help

 

$2000 isn't a bad price if it includes labor also.