Symptoms of Cylinder Head Failure

What Are The Symptoms of Cylinder Head Failure?

The symptoms of cylinder head failure are varied – it is important that drivers are able to recognise them as quickly as possible so any damage can be limited. If the cylinder head fails, it will lead to the engine (and by extension the vehicle) breaking down.

Drop in coolant levels
Drop in oil levels
Drop in engine performance

The most common reason for cylinder head failure is overheating caused by coolant loss, head gasket failure or restricted flow of coolant. In extreme cases a cracked or damaged cylinder head can result in terminal damage to the entire engine.

How Much Will Cylinder Head Repair Cost at a Garage?

A good garage should be able to repair and recondition a cylinder head from as little as $500, but it can also cost hundreds of dollars to do the same job. This will depend on the value of the cylinder head and the price you are quoted to repair it if it develops a crack or stops working as effectively as it should. In many cases, it may be worth simply buying a new one.

What Is a Cylinder Head?

A cylinder head sits on top of the engine block and covers its cylinders, thus creating the combustion chamber. The cylinder head creates the space for the passages that feed air and fuel to the cylinders, and is sealed in place by the head gasket.

Cylinder Head

Due to constantly changing temperatures and high pressure levels, the head has to be robust enough to withstand the demands placed on it without cracking or breaking. It is a complicated and vital part of the engine and vehicle as a whole, meaning that any problem it might develop should be repaired as quickly as possible.

Cylinder head and the market value in Australia is good. They can be gotten at good prices, and they would last for such time that they would be of a great benefit to the user. And in terms of the repair of the damaged one, to change it does not pull up much prices as well. This changing of cylinder head can take from 500 dollars upwards depending on how affected the cylinder head has become. In the long run, it is even cheaper to replace or service Cylinder heads with aftermarket parts.

How Does a Cylinder Head Work?

The cylinder head allows the engine to perform at maximum capacity by connecting to the intake and exhaust manifolds to allow the quick burn of fuel and air that moves the engine’s pistons. The intake manifold feeds air into the head, where it is combusted with fuel to produce exhaust gases, which are expelled through the exhaust manifold. It’s important that the intake and exhaust valves, which allow the entry and exit of relevant gases, open and close at the correct times to keep the engine running smoothly.

Why Do Cylinder Heads Fail?

The most common reason for cylinder head failure is overheating caused by, for example, coolant loss, head gasket failure or restricted flow of coolant. In extreme cases a cracked or damaged cylinder head can result in terminal damage to the entire engine! You must deal with any problems as soon as possible to try and prevent this from happening.

Cylinder heads can also warp because of the tremendous pressure placed on them by extreme temperature changes. This means that it is no longer providing a flat surface to hold the head gasket in the right position, which can lead to expensive problems later on in the form of major repairs or total engine replacement being required.

Warping is a particular problem for cylinder heads made of aluminium. Different engines have different levels of tolerance for cylinder head warping – some can withstand a high amount of warping while still working effectively. If your cylinder head does warp, you may be able to take it to a mechanic who specialises in realigning them – if not, you will probably need a replacement and cylinder head repair.

Could Other Parts of My Engine Be Affected?

Your cylinder head isn’t the only part of your engine that might be suffering. Select an engine part in the interactive diagram below to explore your engine and the important components that keep everything ticking over.