How to Prepare a Cylinder Head for Inspection

If you blew a head gasket, you need to have the cylinder head inspected before you reinstall it, especially if it is aluminum, instead of cast iron. Aluminum is a lighter material and expands from heat at a different rate than the cast iron block, thus is more susceptible to warping or cracking when the engine becomes overheated. If you put a warped or cracked head on the engine, the vehicle will overheat right away.

Things You'll Need

• Spring compressor
• Magnet
• Needle nose pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the springs by installing the spring compressor on the valve springs. Compress the springs, then, using a magnet, remove the keepers.

2. Remove the spring and the compressor from the head, then carefully release tension on the compressor. Repeat for all springs.

3. Remove the valve seals, using needle nose pliers. Discard the seals. Flip the head on its side and push the valves out of the head. Contact a local machine shop and let them know you will be bringing in the head to check it for cracks and warpage. They will give you a price to check it.