Cylinder Head | Engine Top

For many years cylinder heads were made from cast iron and still is used for most diesel engines. However, in the 60’s aluminium took over, initially for it’s superior heat conductive properties, but these days it is used to also reduce engine mass.

When you are looking to buy a cylinder head there are also important criteria to consider. Firstly you have the option of buying a cylinder head on an exchange basis with a guarantee. There are many exchange shops around that offer cylinder heads on an exchange basis. The cylinder head is a part on a motor vehicle that is vulnerable to drastic heat exchanges.

Cylinder heads are the first components that will let you down if you abuse them they will distort, and by this we mean they don’t like drastic changes in temperature or a heat out of their acceptable range or limit. An engine is designed to run at approximately 80-90 degrees Celcius and any more than that for prolonged periods usually results in a blown cylinder head gasket. If you are lucky you will get away with the head being skimmed and refitted with a new cylinder head gasket.

The not so lucky will endure the pains of replacing a cracked cylinder head with a replacement head. Extreme overheating can also cause the block to crack or a combination of the two. Head and block sealer is an additive that can be used to temporarily seal a fine crack and maybe get you home. I have driven with head and block sealer from Harrismith to Johannesburg without losing too much water. Read the instructions carefully. The contents of the tin must be administered in a certain way for best results.

For the not so fortunate a cracked head is the result once it is determined by a compulsory pressure test. To have a pressure test the cylinder head must be removed from the sub assembly. I have witnessed desperate clients pleading to have the head stitch welded and machined. These guys usually take drastic measures only to sell the vehicle to some not so fortunate individual that buys it thinking he got a good deal on the car or bakkie, only to walk in weeks later with the same piece of junk and place it on the counter.

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