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Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your intake manifolds gaskets replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimates for your intake manifold gasket replacement.
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John Davis
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does it cost to replace intake manifold gaskets?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $550-$615. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace an intake manifold gasket? In general, it takes around 2-3 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement. 
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

What parts do I need for my intake manifold gasket replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:
  1. Intake manifold gasket: This is the main gasket that needs to be replaced and is positioned between the intake manifold and the engine block. On its own, it costs approximately $10 to $80.
  2. Coolant: You need to have enough coolant to refill the cooling system after the intake manifold gasket replacement. On average, coolant costs between $10 and $25. 
  3. Intake manifold bolts: It's common to replace the intake manifold bolts while performing the gasket replacement, especially if they show signs of wear or if they’re torque-to-yield bolts that require replacement after removal. Bolts will vary depending on their number and type, but expect them to cost between $10 and $50. 
  4. Vacuum hoses: Inspect and replace any vacuum hoses or lines connected to the intake manifold if they are damaged, cracked, or worn out. These cost around $2 to $10 per hose. 
Important note: You may also need to check for deterioration on other parts, including the throttle body gasket, head gaskets, PCV valve, and Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. 
You can buy intake manifold gasket parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for intake manifold gasket parts are Fel-Pro, Victor Reinz, and MAHLE Original. However, the right parts and brands for your intake manifold gasket replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
When replacing your intake manifold gaskets, both the OEM and aftermarket options have their pros and cons. While choosing an aftermarket gasket may save you more money and provide you with improved performance in some cases, OEM gaskets tend to offer greater quality and compatibility.
You can find new gaskets at auto body shops, auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, and also on Amazon. You might also check your manufacturers’ website—automakers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge often sell parts online.
Pro tip: Before getting any new parts, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for all the replacement specifications and dealership warranty information you may need.

Where can I get my Intake manifold gaskets replaced?

It can be tricky to find the right mechanic to replace your intake manifold gasket, especially if you don’t have a go-to garage. Fortunately, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
is here to help you by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the US.
Jerry's GarageGuard™ evaluates fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their actual hourly labor rates. It will help you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and access genuine customer reviews to help you select the best service.
Take a look at our vetted shops and download the app to compare quotes for automotive repairs in your area.
170 Reviews
Foster's Automotive Service Inc
address
3909 Polk St, Houston, TX
Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$290
(Parts - $49, Labor - $241)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$108.45
127 Reviews
Ingleside Auto & Tire Care
address
34811 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL
Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$375
(Parts - $49, Labor - $326)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0
115 Reviews
University Tire & Auto Service
address
2908 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$364
(Parts - $49, Labor - $315)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$180
114 Reviews
RepairSmith - Inland Empire

Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$270
(Parts - $49, Labor - $221)
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my intake manifold gaskets?

If the intake manifold gasket requires replacement, a mechanic will typically do the following:
  • Allow the vehicle to cool down
  • Remove the engine hood
  • Take out all the engine parts that are in the way of the intake manifold, such as the accelerator cable, hoses, cruise control cable, electrical connections, and vacuum lines
  • Unbolt and remove the intake manifold from the engine
  • Replace the damaged intake manifold gasket and secure a new one
  • Reposition the intake manifold in the engine
  • Reinstall all removed components from earlier
Your vehicle will then be turned on to check for any leaks and to pressure test the cooling system. After a test drive, you’ll be all set!
Keep in mind: When an intake manifold gasket fails, it can leak coolant into the engine, mixing in with the engine oil. For this reason, the engine oil might also need to get changed after an intake manifold gasket repair or replacement. 

What happens when your intake manifold gaskets go bad?

A faulty intake manifold gasket can cause an overheating engine, chemical leaks, poor engine operation, and severe damage to other parts, such as the cylinder head and engine block.

What is an intake manifold gasket and what does it do?

The intake manifold is responsible for evenly pumping a fuel and air combination into the engine cylinders to maintain engine cooling and prevent overheating. 
The intake manifold gasket is made of molded plastic or aluminum. It seals the cylinder engine heads to the intake manifold and creates a tight vacuum to prevent any air, oil, or engine coolant leaks. 
It connects the openings of the manifold to the engine heads, ensuring that the fuel and air flow directly into the cylinders and nowhere else.

What are the symptoms of a bad intake manifold gasket?

Intake manifold gaskets experience a lot of temperature expansion and contraction, so it’s not uncommon for them to need replacement. Luckily, there are a few symptoms of a leaking intake manifold gasket, so you’re not likely to miss the problem:
  • Internal and/or external coolant leaks
  • External oil leaks
  • Engine overheating
  • Poor engine performance
  • Engine sputtering
  • An illuminated Check Engine light
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Engine stalling or misfiring

How often should the intake manifold gaskets be replaced?

Your intake manifold gaskets will likely need to be replaced every 50,000 to 75,000 miles because they get worn out over time and with repeated use.  

Can I replace my intake manifold gaskets myself?

If you consider yourself a home mechanic with strong DIY skills, you can definitely replace an intake manifold gasket on your own. 
However, for the average car owner, it’s best to visit a reputable auto shop and let certified technicians handle it. 

FAQs

Yes, it’s absolutely necessary. 
The intake manifold gasket provides an airtight seal, preventing fuel and air leaks that could potentially damage your car’s engine. If the gasket is damaged, it can lead to serious consequences like engine overheating, oil leaks, and long-term engine damage.
It takes an average of 1.5-2.5 hours to complete the job.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.