Cylinder Head Repairs
The Cylinder Head is a key part of an engine that sits on top of the engine block, sealing the cylinders. The cylinder head works in conjunction with the engine block and pistons to form the combustion chamber.
The Cylinder Head is a key part of an engine that sits on top of the engine block, sealing the cylinders. The cylinder head works in conjunction with the engine block and pistons to form the combustion chamber.
The Cylinder Head houses important components like the intake and exhaust valves, spark plugs (in gasoline engines), fuel injectors (in diesel engines), and passages for coolant and oil
What the Cylinder Head Does
| Seals the combustion chamber: The cylinder head creates a seal with the engine block using a gasket to contain the combustion process. |
| Controls air and fuel flow: Intake and exhaust valves control the flow of air, fuel, and exhaust gases in and out of the combustion chamber. |
| Distributes coolant and oil: It contains passages for engine coolant and oil to help regulate engine temperature and lubricate components. |
Reasons for Cylinder Head Repair or Replacement
| 1. Cracked Cylinder Head: Overheating, due to coolant loss or poor cooling, can cause the metal to crack. This allows coolant to mix with engine oil or leak into the combustion chamber. |
| 2. Warped Cylinder Head: Overheating can also warp the cylinder head, preventing a proper seal with the engine block. This can lead to head gasket failure and loss of compression. |
| 3. Blown Head Gasket: When the gasket between the cylinder head and engine block fails, it can lead to coolant and oil leaks, poor engine performance, and overheating. In severe cases, this requires cylinder head resurfacing or replacement. |
| 4. Worn or Damaged Valves: Over time, the valves, valve seats, and valve guides in the cylinder head may wear out, causing loss of compression, oil burning, or engine misfires. |
| 5. Bent Valves: Timing belt or chain failure can cause the valves to collide with the pistons, bending the valves and damaging the cylinder head. |
| 6. Poor Performance: If the cylinder head components (such as the valves or valve seals) fail, you may experience reduced engine performance, oil consumption, or unusual noises. |
Â
Cylinder Head Repair Process
| 1. Disassembly: The cylinder head is removed from the engine and disassembled. Components like valves, valve springs, and camshafts (if applicable) are removed for inspection. |
| 2. Inspection: The cylinder head is checked for cracks, warping, and worn-out components like valves, guides, and seals. Special tools like pressure testers or dye penetrants are used to detect cracks. |
| 3. Resurfacing or Machining: If the cylinder head is warped but not cracked, it can often be machined or resurfaced to restore a flat surface for a proper seal with the engine block. |
| 4. Valve Replacement/Grinding: If the valves or valve seats are worn or damaged, they may be replaced or ground to ensure proper sealing in the combustion chamber. |
| 5. Crack Repair (Welding): Small cracks in the cylinder head may be repaired through welding and then machined to restore integrity. |
| 6. Reassembly: Once repairs are complete, the cylinder head is reassembled with new or refurbished valves, seals, guides, and gaskets. |
| 7. Pressure Testing: The repaired cylinder head is pressure tested to ensure there are no leaks in the coolant or oil passages. |
Â
Repair vs. Replacement
| Repair: In many cases, a cylinder head can be repaired by resurfacing or replacing valves and seals. This is more cost-effective than replacement if the head isn’t severely damaged. |
| Replacement: If the cylinder head is cracked or too warped to repair, it will need to be replaced. Replacement is more expensive but ensures the engine functions properly. |
Â
Cylinder Head Replacement Process
| 1. Removal of the Old Head: The damaged cylinder head is unbolted from the engine block, and the components attached to it (like the camshaft, valves, and manifolds) are removed. |
| 2. Inspection of the Engine Block: Before installing a new cylinder head, the engine block surface is inspected for warping or damage, ensuring it can properly mate with the new head. |
| 3. Installation of the New Cylinder Head: A new or remanufactured cylinder head is installed with a new head gasket. The head bolts are tightened in sequence to the manufacturer’s torque specifications. |
| 4. Reinstallation of Components: All associated components, such as the intake and exhaust manifolds, camshaft, and valve train, are reinstalled. |
| 5. Testing: After installation, the engine is tested to ensure proper operation, checking for leaks, performance, and compression. |
Â
Symptoms of Cylinder Head Problems
| Overheating: Continuous engine overheating may indicate a damaged head or head gasket. |
| White smoke from the exhaust: This is a sign of coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, often due to a cracked head or blown gasket. |
| Loss of power or misfires: A cracked or warped cylinder head can cause a loss of compression, leading to engine misfires or reduced performance. |
| Coolant or oil leaks: Leaks around the cylinder head could indicate gasket or head damage. |
| Milky oil or coolant: When oil mixes with coolant, it can create a milky appearance, which often points to a cracked cylinder head or blown gasket. |
Â
Importance of Cylinder Head Maintenance
| Maintaining your engine’s cooling system and monitoring oil levels can prevent cylinder head damage. Regular engine inspections can catch problems early, avoiding the need for costly repairs or replacements. |
Explore our services
Explore our services
Car Service
Comprehensive minor
and major car services.
Car Repairs
Repairs for all car makes and models with genuine parts.
Fleet Maintenance
Service a fleet of cars or trucks with a fast turnaround time.
Truck Services
Professional servicing tailored to trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.
Safety Checks
Stay Safe with Our Detailed Vehicle Safety Assessments
