Cylinder Head Failure

Cylinder heads are key components of an engine.

The cylinder head is a cast iron or aluminum casting bolted on top of the engine block. It is one of the most critical components of combustion engines. The cylinder head seals the cylinders and combustion chambers of the engine. Cracking the cylinder head can result in severe engine damage.

Overheating

Running the engine with inadequate coolant can lead to severe overheating, which can lead to cylinder head failure. Stress is placed on all metal components when the engine overheats. This can cause the head gasket to fail, which can lead to warping or swelling of the cylinder head.

Poor Installation

Cylinder head failure can result if there is weakness in the metal or if the cylinder head is installed incorrectly. Incorrect installation consists of using the wrong head gasket, not aligning the gasket properly or not properly cleaning the surfaces of the cylinder head and engine block. This can lead to cracking of the cylinder head.

Mixed Materials

The engines of many new cars have parts made from two types of metal.The engine block would be cast iron and the cylinder head aluminum. These metals expand and contract at different rates, which can lead to cracking of the cylinder head.

References

• Wise Geek: What Causes Cylinder Head Cracking
• Auto Parts Warehouse: Head Gasket
• "Reader's Digest Complete Car Care Manual, Robert Beason, 1981

Resources

• AA 1 Car: Why Head Gaskets Fail