Peugeot 406 (1999 - 2004) - 1999 1.8 - Head Gasket Problem

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Wed 15 Oct 2008 21:17
1999 1.8 - Head Gasket Problem - ams
Hello Guys,

Interesting forum.

My peugeot 406 1.8 16V Petrol's head gasket has blown up. And my mechanic says its going to cost me £350 with parts. I am not sure if he is charging me reasonable.

Can somebody tell me what all needs to be changed and fixed when the head gasket goes. I know the gasket has gone as my car overheated and just in few miles the temp gauge went upto the last point and STOP light came on. I immediately stopped the car but it was too late. After filling water in the radiator it didnt start and the sound of the car changed. Got it towed to this garage and he says it will take around 4 to 5 days. Is that true? BTW My car is a 1999 Model.

It will be great if someone can help me out here. Cheers.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 16/10/2008 at 01:07

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Wed 15 Oct 2008 22:15
Head Gasket Problem - Bromptonaut
Whereabouts in the country are you - hourly labour rates vary hugely. Here in Northampton I'd regard £350 as quite reasonable for that sort of job.
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Wed 15 Oct 2008 22:30
Head Gasket Problem - oldnotbold
Sounds realistic - the head will need to be skimmed, ideally, which costs £50 or so.
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Wed 15 Oct 2008 23:20
Head Gasket Problem - ams
Thanks for replying guys.

I am in Manchester. So skimming takes around £50. Does it involve any valve changes as well. He also told me that even spark plugs needs changing. Is that correct?
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Wed 15 Oct 2008 23:47
Head Gasket Problem - bbroomlea{P}
£350 is a good price on a headgasket - parts alone would be around £150ish if you get the cambelt and waterpump done at the same time. It would be recommended that you at least get the cambelt done at the same time whilst it is in bits!

They wont touch the valves whilst the head is skimmed, however the plugs will probably be past their best - especially if you have overheated the head. For the sake of £20 for the best platinum tipped ones, I wouldnt be too worried about that bit!!
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Mon 20 Oct 2008 20:48
Head Gasket Problem - ams
Thanks bbroomlea{P} and all others. Your information really helped me a lot. I have another problem now. My garage replaced the head gasket, timing belt and water pump because the water pump was the culprit and its all changed now. But now the car wont start. When you start the ignition and try to start the car the car still sounds the same and wont start at all. Is this something to do with Electricals or am i looking for some new investments. My garage says may be its the piston rings as it started once and was emitting smoke. So he says he will get the engine pressure checked and will let me know. But else the whole engine needs to be changed. Is this correct?

Nowadays its very hard to trust the mechanics. It will be great if you guys can please help me out here. ... Cheers.

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