I just had this done at a local recommended indie, Mr. MB in Tarzana, CA.

Total was 1690 and included valve seals, by pass hose, spark plugs and temperature switch.

I later found out my Japanese indie would have done it for far less, but I am happy with the work from Mr. MB.

My knowledge of head gasket failure and repair is limited. My gasket leak was internal, oil in the coolant. I think the failure was related to my car overheating with a broken thermostat.

My impression is that if it is just a faulty gasket and the head does not have to be sent to a machine shop to be tested and refinished, the cost of the repair could be more modest.

glenmore
1991 300ce
1990 ls400