How Much Does an Intake Manifold Gasket Repair Cost?
The intake manifold is an aluminum, plastic or steel-like cover that will sit atop of the engine, attached by an intake manifold gasket, either made of plastic or rubber. This gasket is responsible for directing the air-fuel mixture inside the engine to the corresponding cylinder to be burned for power. Over time, as the gasket expands, contracts and attracts heat from the engine, it can fail, causing the coolant, which passes through the gasket to cool the engine, to leak. This leaky gasket, in turn, can result in a vacuum-like sensation, sucking the coolant back into the leaky gasket, causing poor engine performance.
Symptoms of a bad intake manifold gasket may include an overheating engine, coolant leaks, colored fluid beneath your car, a rough-running engine and/or the “check engine” light illuminates on the dashboard.
How much does an intake manifold gasket repair cost?
On average, the cost to repair the intake manifold gasket will depend on the mechanic you visit, where you live and the car you drive. On average, the complete repair, with labor and parts included, will be in the $300 to $1.050 range. The price range can widely vary, again, depending on the car you drive. From our research, a higher-end car, such as a Porsche, could cost close to $1,000, whereas a Volkswagen could be as little as $150. Most professional repair costs, however, will be inside the $275 to $550 range. Check out our table below to see what your make and model may cost at a local mechanic/dealership.
The parts only, again, depending on the car you drive, will often be in the $20 to $125 range. Although the parts will be cheaper, it’s the labor that will cost you if you were to take it to a professional mechanic. At AutoZone, for example, the costs vary anywhere from $15 to $65+. The same prices were seen on Amazon.com as well.
OpenBay.com says the average estimated cost will be anywhere from $350 to $600, depending on the make and model of your car and where you live.
Someone who asked a question on Just Answer said they were quoted $759 to replace the lower intake manifold gasket and it took his mechanic up to seven hours to replace.
| Make and Model | Average Price (Labor + Parts) |
|---|---|
| Buick Century | $475 |
| Buick Lesabre | $325 |
| Chevy Blazer | $450 |
| Chevy Impala | $750 |
| Chevy Malibu | $550 |
| Chrysler Town and Country | $350 |
| Dodge Ram | $450 |
| Ford 150 | $650 |
| Mustang GT | $325 |
| Nissan Altima | $550 |
| Pontiac Grand Am | $750 |
| Toyota Camry | $325 |
| Toyota Corolla | $210 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | $275 |
Intake manifold gasket overview
During the repair, the mechanic will first scan the car for any codes to confirm the gasket is, indeed, the root of the problem. From there, he or she will visibly inspect the manifold for any leakage and will pressure test the cooling system. If leaks are suspected, each gasket will be removed and replaced accordingly. Depending on the make and model and the size of the engine, the manifold could be buried beneath several layers, including the injectors, which can lead to a few hours of labor time, usually five to six hours, according to professional mechanics. Each layer will need to be taken off in order to expose the manifold gasket.
What are the extra costs?
When this part fails, it can either leak coolant into the engine or can even contaminate the engine oil, so in some cases, the engine oil may need to be changed after the gasket has been repaired.
Depending on the severity of the situation, your mechanic may need to add an additional labor hour if the bolt or stud holding the gasket in place were to break.
While usually included, about two gallons of coolant will need to be added after the job has been completed. Some garages may charge you for the coolant, while others may tie this into the repair quote.
How can I save money?
If you see any leaks or signs of a poor intake manifold gasket, get it repaired immediately. The intake manifold plays a key role in the engine functioning, directing the fuel mixture inside the engine to the correct cylinder, followed by a cool down to keep the engine running at an optimal temperature. If these seals were to fail and leak, then the engine will lose its coolant, causing it to either overheat or run inefficiently. If you wait and proceed to drive, even though there’s a leak, there could be larger problems in the future such as severe damage to the cylinders or engine block.
As with any repair, try to get at least three quotes before accepting one. As long as you know the gasket is the issue, most mechanics should be able to offer a ballpark quote over the phone.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Average Reported Cost: $893
How much did you spend?
- James (Spokane , Washington) paid $893 and said:
I feel like I got robbed
Was it worth it? Yes
