Recently, I underwent a head assembly replacement for my 2012 Mira, which had clocked 160,000 miles. This vehicle was purchased second-hand and had received regular maintenance, including timely oil and transmission fluid changes. However, I noticed a decline in oil levels and had to bypass the filter pipe due to excessive oil entering the air filter. Although there was no smoke emanating from the cylinder, noticeable smoke was visible from the chamber. The car was consuming 1 liter of oil per 1000 kilometers.
After extensive research, I decided to proceed with the head assembly replacement. Initially, I received quotes from various reputable workshops, ranging from 8,000 PKR to 15,000 PKR for labor. Ultimately, I visited Bilal Gunj in Lahore and explored several shops offering Mira head assemblies. At Bilal Gunj, I found two types of head assemblies: one with a complete engine, which incurred an additional cost of approximately 10,000 PKR, and another assembly without plugs and coils.
After exploring multiple shops, I negotiated a deal with a shopkeeper who offered me an assembly for 40,000 PKR, including original fuel injectors, throttle body, and manifold. However, the manifold was damaged, so I decided to only replace the fuel injectors, only The labor cost for the replacement was 5,000 PKR. Additionally, I spent 3500 PKR on new oil and filter.
The total cost breakdown is as follows:
Head assembly: 38,000 PKR (with the old assembly returned)
Fuel injectors: 500 PKR
Labor: 5,000 PKR
New oil & filter: 3,500 PKR
Overall, I am highly satisfied with the replacement process. During the replacement, some nuts and bolts were misplaced or broken, including those related to the turbine and catalytic converter. However, nearby Khariadas were able to address these issues for a nominal fee.
I recommend sourcing parts from Bilal Gunj due to the availability of various components. Following the replacement, the car started smoothly on the fourth attempt, with the engine sounding robust. The oil retained its new-like quality and color.
When choosing a head assembly, it's crucial to inspect the internal condition. Different colors represent different engine conditions: brown indicates the end of life, golden indicates 50% life, and white indicates 80% life. I asked them to open four chambers to make an informed decision.
Following the replacement, there were no further issues, and I didn't need to visit any workshops for any reason. Additionally, there were no check engine lights. They began working on it at noon, and I was free by 6 PM.
While I could have opted for a better engine, I was pressed for time and needed the issue resolved promptly. Thankfully, there were no subsequent issues or engine lights post-replacement. I noticed a substantial improvement in overall performance, including pick-up and engine sound.
In conclusion, the entire process was smooth and efficient, sparing me the need for a complete engine overhaul.