99 Alero Head Gasket

[mavalon]

Need advice-

My girlfriend owns a 99 alero. We replaced the thermostat houseing after we were told it was corroded. Then a week later we are told that we have a blown head. The first estimate was around 1600 and now being told 2200. I dont know much about cars or repairs but the shop does work for one of my coworkers and does a good job. I am waiting on the fax estimate. Does that sound around right or can someone tell me where I may look to find any other information.

THANKS

[jrozanc]

Originally Posted by mavalon

Need advice-

My girlfriend owns a 99 alero. We replaced the thermostat houseing after we were told it was corroded. Then a week later we are told that we have a blown head. The first estimate was around 1600 and now being told 2200. I dont know much about cars or repairs but the shop does work for one of my coworkers and does a good job. I am waiting on the fax estimate. Does that sound around right or can someone tell me where I may look to find any other information.

THANKS

I assume you are refering to the Lower Intake Manifold Head Gasket...Alero's are notorious for this problem. When my time came the "stealership" quoted around $1300. I had quotes from local shops from $400-$700. A buddy and I did it for under $200 (parts and his labor). The 1600/2200 seems what a dealership might charge and not a local mechanic. Hope this helps.

[mavalon]

Thanks for the reply. I have not seen the estimate yet as the guy was supposed to fax it to me and then he did not send it over. I will wait and look at the fax and then follow up with this forum. This site is great.

[mavalon]

Here is the estimate I got back on the head gasket job:

Parts 452.00
Machine Shop 465
Labor 1192

Does that seem fair or should I try someone else

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mavalon

Here is the estimate I got back on the head gasket job:

Parts 452.00
Machine Shop 465
Labor 1192

Does that seem fair or should I try someone else

What engine is this...the 2.4L or 3.4L? How many miles on the odometer?

How do you know it is the head gaskets and not the lower intake manifold gaskets causing your problem?

That still sounds like a rip off even for a head gasket job. $465.00 for machine shop....what the?

[mavalon]

It is for the 3.4 with 105,000miles. I was just told it was blown head and the whole thing needed to be replaced. The machine shop is used to balance everything to make sure everything is fitted correct or so I was told, to make sure all gaskets in place and seals working fine????????????

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mavalon

It is for the 3.4 with 105,000miles. I was just told it was blown head and the whole thing needed to be replaced. The machine shop is used to balance everything to make sure everything is fitted correct or so I was told, to make sure all gaskets in place and seals working fine????????????

Was it just bown head gasket(s) or did they find a problem with one of the cylinder heads? Still sounds like a lot of money. Also, what parts are being provided? Head gaskets and intake gaskets to include hardware like new TTY head bolts should not cost that much.

Are you getting a new cylnder head? Auto machine shop services is used to recondition old cylinder heads. Checking for warpage, deck height, valve job, etc. It sounds like they are farming that type work out.

Are you really willing to pay $2109 which is about half of what your Alero is worth? You can get a complete remanufactured engine for less that.

[mavalon]

Thanks for the replys--
Here is the latest I have found another shop closer to me that says
It is an 11 1/2 hr job
250-350 for parts
125-150 machine shop

He said that there is no way that the machine shop should be that High

I think I will give them a shot. I was told from the other place that they did a block test and this is what told them about the heads.

[vamc]

For my alero also a 99w/ a 3.4. It took a privet auto shop 8 hr and 450 bucks total. That is out the door.

[LeBuick]

We paid about $900 at the dealership and they charged $105/hr.

[xeroinfinity]

it is cheaper to buy remanf heads for the 3.4 around $350(pair)plus tradein.
With machining, new valves/seals removing broken exhaust bolts, I could see them charging $450!

It shouldnt cost more than $1500 for the total job.
$2200 thats ridiculas!