300te head gasket

[k langdon]

I recently had a 72,000 mile service on my 300te 4matic (F reg).

The independent specialist in Bristol said the head gasket is on the way out. He's quoted me just under £400 to include skimming the head and replacing the valve stem seals (if required).

The reason for writing is to ask how do I detect if the head is really on its way out. There doesn't appear to be any oil in the water or any sludge or white stuff on the oil cap and the coolant isn't bubbling after a run.

I don't know if all the above are relevant, but I'm trying to check before booking it in.

Plus, my air con appears to be working, though it doesn't chuck out freezing cold air, it is the cool stuff. The garage have said I may need to replace the compresser at some point as there appears to be a leak. How can I check this?? There isn't a pool of water under the car when it's been standing, etc

Any thoughts gratefully received.

 

[njpumphrey]

It sounds to me like your garage is trying to needlessly extract money from you. :evil: My advice would be if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!

 

[northwest-tech]

what u will find is there is an oil leak at the front of the head/timing case


£400 is a bargain

we charge

10 hours labour £700 ( for head gasket only)
plus gasket
plus strip the head
plus stem seals
plus coolant etc

 

[andy_k]

got to agree with northwest tech there - £400 seems a very good price to get the head gasket done - I'd take them up on the offer at least then you have the peace of mind that the gasket is new, the valve stem oil seals are done and the top of the engine is unlikely to give you any trouble for the next few years.

It cost me £350 to get the head done on a Peugeot diesel by a local garage 2 years ago - that's the kind of bargain you've been offered

Andy

 

[NormanB]

But beware the bargain that is just too cheap - because it probably isn't a bargain in the long run.

Are you sure this guy can and will do the required work. Has he got a good track record with other customers for this sort of work etc etc

 

[njpumphrey]

I agree £400 may be too cheap. I saw a Rogue Traders thing where they took a car to get checked over, the garage said the head gasket needed doing, then they charged £500 for wiping the engine cover with a rag. Beware!