1999 Mercury Marquis Change the Head Gasket

STANLEPH

MEMBER
1999 MERCURY MARQUIS
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
159,000 MILES

I'm tired of being runaround, not knowing how much car parts cost, and not knowing how long certain things take to fix.

So, specifically, can you tell me how long it should take a good mechanic to replace my head gasket in a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis?

Second question. Where can I go (either online or in a bookstore) to get a guide that gives the "book hours" for doing repair on my car? I know that the mechanics have software for their computer. Is there another way that I can find out how many actual hours something is supposed to take. Or how many book hours a repair is supposed to take. So that if a hose is supposed to take 30 minutes to replace, I don't pay for 2 hours worth of labor at $90 an hour.

Thank you!

1 Reply

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

First of all, you can go here for info on the labor rates

https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm

The automotive industry pays on what is called a "flat rate" meaning a job pays X amount to do. If the tech can complete the job in less time, then he still gets paid for the "flat rate". Just like if a plumber charges you for a house call and can fix your problem in 5 minutes, you still get charged for him to roll out and then for the repair. Taht is how th e industry works and you will be charged book time regardless of who you use, unless you can strike up a deal with the tech doing it

To install a long block in your car pays 16.5 hours of labor
To install a complete engine assembly (manifolds and oil pan, valve covers, timing cover and water pump already on it pays 11.5 hours