I have my truck in at the shop for the headgaskets and they that the valves are shot. They want to rebuild them and are trying to say 700 dollars. This sounds high to me and he said that if I wanted to fix them later I would have to rip the motor almost completely back apart. Does this sound right? Please respond soon they want to know what I want to do right now.

 

What are they charging you for the head gasket job, what exactly did they say was wrong with the heads and are they doing the work or sending the heads out to a machine shop?

 

They say that the heads are fine and don't need machined. I had my own parts and they quoted me $1350. They said to rebuild the valves would be an extra 700. Does this seem right?

 

Well, $2000 for new head gaskets and re-worked heads doesn't sound too bad as long as it includes all parts and labor to also include new ignition wires, plugs, oil, filter, coolant etc. You also want to get a warranty agreement if you have problems later.

$700 to do the heads alone sounds a bit high though. If you supplied some parts, they may be trying to make up the difference. My place charges $300-400 extra if they find the heads need work during the tear- down. One other thing you should realize is that many places send the heads out to another shop for the work.

 

Do these look off to any of you guys?

 

Hard to tell from pictures. Also, no pics of the valve seats. If it makes you feel any better, my heads are being done right now and they looked much cleaner than yours. On the other hand, I'm paying $300 extra, not $700.

One suggestion, just ask your shop - why so much? Perhaps they are sending them out somewhere and are paying a premium price themselves to get consistent, quality work. Regardless, the price sounds high.

Oh well, what's that old saying? "In for a penny, in for a pound?" Perhaps Spike will be by shortly to help me with my metaphors.

 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

Thanks for the assist Spike! Your metaphor applies best but I looked up the definition of mine (below) and I think it's relevant as well:

"In for a penny, in for a pound'

If something is worth doing then it is a case of in for a penny, in for a pound, which means that when gambling or taking a chance, you might as well go the whole way and take all the risks, not just some.

I.E., as in spending money on preventive maintenance. When it comes to mechanical upkeep, I'm a product of twenty-five years in a military, which lives and breathes Preventive Maintenance. Fix it before it needs to be fixed. less hassle and cheaper in the long run.

 

Your's does fit well as does mine, the correct grade of gas, fuel injector cleaner once in awhile, proper tune ups when needed and not after its been a long time can all prevent things like mucked up valves.
So a extra $5 at the pump, $5 in injector cleaner twice a year etc. saves you a valve job down the road.
In other words...an apple a day keeps the doctor away.