Small crack in gasket

Tiny
MGCSR
  • MEMBER
  • FORD RANGER
FORD RANGER XLT 1999
104,700 MILEAGE
ENGINE SIZE 6 CYLINDER
Recently took 1999 ford ranger xlt in for oil change and was told there was a small leak in head gasket and it would cost $1400 to repair. Is this high for repair cost? This is a mechanic we have gone to before and just this past summer did a 'complete' look at engine and did necessary repairs and did not see this problem then. Those repairs were almost $1700! HELP!
Also, this vehicle is not driven everyday and seldom driven long distances. Used for local driving most of the time.
Thanks!
Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 4:40 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Is the small leak in head gasket water or oil leaking? A small amoun of "sweating" from head gaskets is not that uncommon, and it is just a watching brief to monitor if it develops further, Coolant is a bit more serious, and should be investage further, Ask the mechanic to point out the leak to you so you know what he is on about, don't just take his word for it. If at all concerned get a second opinion and quote, best to have it check thoroughly to be on the safe side.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
MGCSR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
FORD RANGER 1999
XLT
104,700 MILEAGE
6 CYLINDER
We were told it was water and it is above the motor mounts. Leaking externally. The leak is 'minor'. Again, is the $1400 quote high?
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Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

A water leak should be investigated. I feel that the price quoted is somewhat high, but as I am not in the USA, I best be careful re costings of jobs. I would get a second opinion as to the cost of the job, Have you been adding coolant to the system at all? Although the lead is reported as minor, the time and parts required to repair any head gasket job is not. I feel that it will be the labour side of the job that takes up most of the money, so I would get a quote from 1-2 other work shops and compare.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
MGCSR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
1999 FORD
RANGER XLT
104,700 MILEAGE
6 CYLINDER
We have been checking leak, etc. On a regular basis since being told this about a week ago. Cannot see any leakage under truck but have not crawled under to take a closer look. Just this weekend we went thru the 'process' of draining radiator, adding sealant, etc. And then putting antifreeze, etc. Back into the radiator. We will continue to keep a close eye on this. Thank you 'very much' for your help.
If you have any other suggestions we will be happy to hear them.
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Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

you are doing the right thing, a watching brief is the best action just now, at least you are aware of a potential problem, good luck and if we can be of any further assistance, don't hesitate to post your concerns.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, November 18th, 2007 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
MGCSR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
1999
FORD
RANGER XLT
104,700 MILEAGE
6 CYLINDER

THANK YOU, MARK!
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Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
KORNDSOILGRODOPE
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
First you claim you took it in to have oil changed then theirs a head gasket cracked but no leak. COMING FROM AN EXPERIENCED MECHANIC trust me I have your answer first off if you dont see a leak or engine failure then its not a problem yet maybe in the future but second any mechanic wouldnt check a head gasket if they were only to do an oil change and picture this lll those 3 lines are a engine block, head gasket in between and then head on the top, when the 3 of them are put together their is no posible way to check and claim of a crack because when an engine is in the car half the time you cant even see these parts where they seal together and even if you could when tightened together they lign up so flush the only thing you see is a flat surface (the side of the motor ) if their was a blown or cracked head gasket their would be water leaking or water in the oil or atleast engine failure THEIR IS NOTHING WRONG UNLESS YOU SEE THESE SYMPTOMS trust me THE MECHANIC IS IN NEED OF MONEY
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
MGCSR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
1999 FORD
RANGER XLT
104,700 MILEAGE
6 CYLINDER

'THANK YOU' FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!
THIS HELPS US ALOT!
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 11:47 AM

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