Head gasket, exhaust manifold - labour costs and parts

[billabongboy69]

Hi,

Just acquired a 2004 disco 2 with about 120k clicks and she needs some work on it including exhaust manifold gasket and potentially head gasket?

To that end, just had a few questions and was hoping some of the mechanically experienced LR guys could give me a steer on a few questions.

1. What is the usual hourly labour rate for independents vs. Al Tayer?

2. Does anyone know roughly how many hours the above jobs should take to complete?

3. Similarly, would anyone know who much the parts are likely to cost for the above?

4. When replacing the head gasket, is it always recommended to skim the heads and also replace the bolts?

5. Is there anything else i should maybe know about in relation to the exhaust manifold/ gasket (currently sounds a bit like a massey ferguson!)

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

B

[JohnT]

1. What is the usual hourly labour rate for independents vs. Al Tayer?

Hourly rate im not sure, but basic labor cost at Tayer and outside is exactly half. Tayer might charge 5k for head gasket and outside at good competent workshop you can get same job in 2.5-3k .

2. Does anyone know roughly how many hours the above jobs should take to complete?

Its about 2-3 full day job for head gasket replacement.

3. Similarly, would anyone know who much the parts are likely to cost for the above?

Original parts should cost around 1000-1500 from outside and at Tayer would be around 2500.

4. When replacing the head gasket, is it always recommended to skim the heads and also replace the bolts?

It is highly recommended to get head skimmed and bolt changed too.

5. Is there anything else i should maybe know about in relation to the exhaust manifold/ gasket (currently sounds a bit like a massey ferguson!)

While at head gasket check the timing belt and timing belt pulley, easier to change now than again opening half engine head may be six months later.