Cylinder Head Repair Cost (UK 2025)

Your car's engine consists of two main components, the engine block and the cylinder head. Both contain many crucial features and components that work together to produce power to drive the wheels.

There are a few instances where a cylinder head may become damaged; these can arise from various situations, ranging from a lack of oil to overheating, and all of them can be costly if not remedied quickly. In this guide, we’ll explain how much cylinder head repair typically costs.

How much does cylinder head repair cost?

The cost of removing and repairing a car's cylinder head can range from £550 for a basic head gasket replacement to £2,500+ for extensive work.

Just removing and inspecting the head is likely to be a day's labour, anything from £550 to £800, as there are many components to remove to access it.

In the case of a snapped timing belt or chain, repairing the resulting damage can start at £1,000 and increase to well above £3,000 if a new cylinder head is required.

If the engine has been overheated, either because the coolant has run low or the head gasket has blown, the cylinder head will need machining to make it flat again. This work will cost around £800-£1,200, including removing the head.

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What is a cylinder head?

An engine creates power by burning fuel and air in a cylinder. The cylinder head, as the name suggests, acts as a cap to the cylinders, retaining the pressure created during combustion. A head gasket is used to seal between the engine block and the cylinder head.

Along with this, the head also houses the valves and the camshafts that open and close them. Valves allow fuel and air in, and exhaust gases out, at the correct times.

Common cylinder head problems

There are a few different things that can cause damage to a cylinder head, these range from needing just cleaning to removal, overhaul or replacement.

Cracking or warping: Usually caused by overheating, warping can often be repaired by machining
Carbon buildup: Carbon deposits are caused by inefficient running and can build up inside the cylinder and around the valves
Broken valves: A mis-timed engine, or a snapped cam belt or cam chaiin can cause the pistons to contact the valves, potentially breaking various parts in the process
Worm stem seals: These small bushings seal between the head and the reciprocating valve. When they wear, you may experience high oil consumption, blue smoke and poor running

Can I drive with damage to my car's cylinder head?

Driving with a damaged cylinder head is likely to create even more damage to the engine, and could well leave you stranded - meaning you’d then need to pay to recover the car to a garage, as well as paying for the repairs!

Repair your cylinder head with Bumper

If your head gasket has blown, stem seals are leaking oil, or you are just concerned about future repair bills, using Bumper’s zero-interest car repair financing can help.

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.