head gaskets

[Glenroy Wright]

Okay another topic from me. I would consider myself good with tools but health issues stop me from doing some work now. My question is how long is normal to do a head gasket change on a 2010 subaru impreza 2.5 sohc? I helped someone do one before on a 2007 subaru wrx about 6 years ago now and not constantly working it took under 3 hours to remove the engine. The reason I am asking is because i was just told it would take at least 19 hours to do just a head gasket change and I find that well past overkill. So I am looking for peoples opinions on this.

Topic

[Mike]

Alldata and Mitchell databases list book time. Maybe your library or a friend, has a subscription.
If not, you can subscribe, if no one here has the answer.

These repair estimators are a good way to make a determination of whether the estimate is reasonable or not
https://repairpal.com/estimator
http://www.napaautocare.com/estimator.aspx

[Richard Kirshy]

If you have a reasonable amount of mechanical knowledge and tooling …
The condition of the vehicle play a role in the time needed
You should be able to have the motor lifted out in 45-75 minutes as an average time providing you stick with it. (utilizing air tools of course).
And you don’t have rusted fasteners. ( those can be time killers )

Cylinder head removal, cleaning/prep, reinstall around an estimated 35 – 60 minutes (x2) again dependent on condition.
Not withstanding any machine shop work ( If needed )

Engine reinstall ~ 45-75 minutes.

If you have everything prepped (fluids drained, Hood removed, tools laid out, etc.)
No real reason the basic head gasket job couldn’t be completed in 6 hours give or take.

There are many videos on YouTube that give good information and can give you a head start for what to expect.

Some other considerations depending on mileage.
Timing belt
Water pump
Thermostat
Tensioner(s) / followers
Clutch / Throw out bearing / Pressure plate, If so equipped.

[Glenroy Wright]

I would prefer do it myself but I just don’t have access to a garage and an engine lift to do it and was wondering how bad they are trying to rip me off. The other problem is there are not many places local that will even do a head gasket job so the places that do take advantage of that. I am planning on doing the water pump and timing belt and pulleys myself since the water pump is another hour of labor and parts and 2 hours for timing belt and pulleys. I swear I live in “RIP OFF CITY” for a head gasket job with water pump and timing belt and pulleys and tensioner i was told to would be close to 3500 before tax.

[Richard Kirshy]

There is always possibilities…
You could do the job with out having to remove the engine.
Granted it may be a bit more effort but is doable.

[Glenroy Wright]

I know there are always possibilities i just hope I find something. I would do it but it has been rather wet and damp and I would not want to leave the engine exposed to that for time when the heads are sent to get machined.

[Author]

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