HI,

I have problem in my car(Nissan altima 2002) and the sears auto says ,it could be head gasket blown problem.
Could anybody let me know how much it cost to replace head gasket?

Thanks in advance
Sunil...

It depends on how bad things are. If there's no serious leak of coolant into the engine, they just have to removed the head, maybe grind it flatter if it is warped, maybe not, and then replace the gasket and bolt down the head, replacing all the spark plugs etc. On the other hand, if you have checked the oil and it is no longer clear and golden, but instead has the general appearance of mayonnaise, you may want to move onto another car... because your nice oily engine is full of water. I'm not an expert, but that was my experience with a blown head gasket.

Check the oil. Ask Sears to describe in more detail what exactly is wrong. Then ask Sears and two other local repair shops for a ballpark estimate for the repair.

Which engine? 2.5 four cylinder or 3.5 six cylinder?
Either way, the price is going to vary due to local shops charging different rates for their labor. The best thing to do is get a few quotes over the phone and ask about the technicians credentials and what type of warranty is offered with the repair.
Let us know here if you have any more concerns about this.

What problem are you having exactly? Is your vehicle overheating? Have you noticed a loss of coolant?

Hello everybody,

Thanks for your answers and time.

Today I went to the Nissan dealer. The mechanic checked the vehicle.He found leak in two cylinder and other two cylinder were having low compression. One of the cylinder was having lot of coolant inside.It was looking like a hole not leak:(
He suggeste to replace the engine and gave me quote of $35000(New engine,Labour charge and Tax).
I went with this as I had no other option as I saw the eninge was in a very bad condition.

Lookes like I got lemon car. I baught this vehicle in Feb 2008 from laurelBMW West Mont dealer. I think the dealer was aware of the problem.

Could anybody suggest me if I can take some leagal action agaist this dealer?

Thanks
Sunil..

I don't know. I would consult a lawyer. You could ask the mechanic how long he thinks the car has been like this. But I would think it would be difficult to prove the dealer knew. Unless you have physical evidence that it was like this when you bought it. Did you notice that it had trouble going up hills when you first got it? In other words, low power typical of this situation?

Just because a cylinder has a lot of coolant does not mean that the engine needed replacement; the gasket may have blown out internally and been filling that cylinder faster than the others.

You need to contact the dealer that you purchased the vehicle from before you have anything fixed; otherwise, they may try to argue that nothing was wrong with the vehicle to begin with and that the other mechanic was just ripping you off. If they've already started the repair work, make sure that you request ALL of the parts that they replaced and a detailed service invoice. This will help if it turns into a legal issue.

Check around, as this8384 stated the engine may not need replacing. Unfortunately that can not be determined until the engine is torn down. I would ask a different mechanic how much he would charge for a head gasket replacement and tell him what the other mechanic stated. Advise him to check it once it is torn down and determine if it is repairable. It may be nonrepairable and you may end up replacing the engine and be out the additional cost of the tear down but you are more then likely going to find out that the head gasket replacement will fix the issue and save you a substantial wad of cash.

Im considering buying a 95 altima and the guy said it needs a new gasket because it smokes when it runs. He said it drives great though o.0

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bobin4crapples

Im considering buying a 95 altima and the guy said it needs a new gasket because it smokes when it runs. He said it drives great though o.0

---

"Smokes when it runs" could mean coolant burning off or it could also mean engine oil is blowing by piston rings and burning inside the engine.
Buyer beware: I would recommend taking in to a trusted shop for a quick look-see. That may reveal much more about the car then the seller is letting on.