1995 Chevy Blazer Labor guide price for head work

JLABIT

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET BLAZER

Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I live in Pensacola, Florida and have my car in the shop right now for maintenance. I was told that both heads need to come off, be rebuilt, and then reinstalled. The mechanic I am using has worked on my cars for quite some time and I have been happy with his work. My question comes because I have a brother-in-law that lives about 5 states away. He asked what the mechanic was charging for the head job. When I told him it was $1264.00 dollars, he screamed. According to him, the price should have been more in the realm of $800.00 Can anyone look at their labor guide and tell me what a reasonable price for this repair should have been? Thank you.

Jim

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi:
I'm looking at around 10.4 hours labor + machine shop time. Is he replacing valves, springs, guides. If so, add for that.

If he is replacing everything, his price doesn't sound that far off. But, he is reusing the present parts, I agree with your brother-in-law.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 7:11 PM

JLABIT

MEMBER
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The truck was taken to him because of a water leak that could not be seen externally (couldn't see where the water was going), and a cylinder that would misfire. The spark plug on that cylinder had to be replaced every few months because it was gunked up and was then would not fire. The mechanic told me both problems would be fixed by taking both heads off, sending them to a machine shop to be 'reworked'. Not quite sure what that entails. His stated labor charge was $800 for his part, but he wasn't the one redoing the heads. Hope this makes sense. I used to fix a lot of things on my car but don't even attempt it since the invention of the fuel injector. Thanks for your response.

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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 7:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

It sounds like a head gasket. If you are loosing coolant, it may be getting burned. Have you ever noticed white smoke from the exhaust or does it look like coolant may be making it into the oil? Do a compression test and see if the one cylender that always needs attention is low. If so, I would pull the head have it checked by a machine shop (it's probably fine) and inspect the gasket for evidence of a leak. That is where I would start if the car runs ok until the plug needs replaced.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 8:02 PM