FORD Explorer Cylinder head gasket replacement

The cost varies by year, engine size, and your location. Use the estimator above for an accurate breakdown of parts and labour specific to your FORD Explorer.

Common parts for this repair include: Cylinder head gasket.

Cylinder head gasket replacement on a FORD Explorer typically takes 6–15 hours of labour at a garage.

For a FORD Explorer, cylinder head gasket replacement is typically needed as needed; usually a once-in-the-cars-life repair caused by overheating or a blown head gasket.

Head gasket replacement is a major job that legitimately requires the cylinder head to be removed, inspected, and often resurfaced (skimmed flat) before refitting with a new gasket. The cylinder head surface must be measured for warpage — if it is out of specification, a machine shop skim is required ($150–$300 additional). Ask whether a skim is included in the quote or based on measurement. Also confirm whether the timing belt or chain is being replaced at the same time — since the head must come off anyway, this is the right time to do it at minimal extra labour cost. A quote that is significantly below others may be excluding the head inspection, skim and associated components.

An experienced independent with access to a machine shop (for cylinder head skimming) is the right choice for most FORD head gasket jobs. This is a major engine repair requiring precise torque sequences and correct head bolt replacement (stretch bolts must be replaced, not reused). Choose an independent with clear experience on FORD engines — certain FORD cylinder heads have known warpage issues or specific torque sequences that must be followed exactly. Dealers are not inherently more reliable on this repair and charge significantly more.

Tier-1 aftermarket head gaskets from Elring, Victor Reinz, Cometic, Fel-Pro and Ajusa are the industry standard and are used by professional garages routinely. These manufacturers supply many car brands as original equipment. A head gasket set (including all associated gaskets, seals and head bolts) from one of these brands is the appropriate choice. Multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets are preferred over older composite gaskets for their durability and superior sealing. Avoid very cheap unbranded gasket sets — head gasket failure on a recently repaired engine requires the entire job to be done again.

Both cause similar symptoms (coolant loss, overheating, white exhaust smoke, milky oil) but differ in severity. A blown head gasket is a sealing failure between the block and cylinder head — the gasket itself is the failed part and is replaced along with a head inspection and skim. A cracked cylinder head is a structural failure of the head casting itself, requiring head replacement (a significantly more expensive outcome). The distinction is confirmed by a pressure test of the cooling system and, if needed, a dye penetrant or pressure test of the head in isolation. Overheating a FORD engine repeatedly dramatically increases the risk of cracking the head from thermal stress.

Cylinder head gasket replacement requires specialist tools, precise torque settings and — for timing work — the risk of catastrophic engine damage if done incorrectly. This is not a job for a home mechanic. Use a qualified garage and ask them to show the old parts.