water loss pressure in the system exp tank TOLD headgasket say least 6 hours work head skim new head bolts if head is not cracked inbetween valves quote £500-800 is it that bad a job just head gasket surely starts runs ok 1 pint week about 200 miles.

adrian nr bath 07791178893, September 2009

A dreaded Astra problem, unfortunately....the head will need a skim, and cracking is possible - if indeed it is the gasket that has blown. A sniff test should be done to detect combustion gases in the coolant. A skim costs around £50, gasket £25, new bolts £15. As for the labour - depends where you go.

John, September 2009