The engine head, or head gasket, is one of the vital parts of a vehicle, playing a crucial role in the operation of the internal combustion engine.
The gasket is a part that sits between the engine’s cylinder block and the head, also known as the head gasket.
Like any part subject to wear and tear and continuous use, the engine head may eventually require maintenance or even extensive repairs to restore its functionality.
Find out in this article what it is, how it works and what you should pay attention to.
What is the Engine Head?
The engine head, also known as the cylinder head, is a fundamental part of an internal combustion engine.
It is located at the top of the engine block and performs several critical functions in the operation of the engine.
What is the Engine Head for?
This component performs several essential functions in the internal combustion engine, the main ones being:
- Housing the intake and exhaust valves;
- Facilitating the circulation of coolant and oil;
- Improving combustion efficiency;
- Sealing the combustion chamber;
- Support components of the distribution system;
- Support spark plugs or injectors
What are the Engine Head Components?
The main components found in the cylinder head are:
- Combustion chamber, where the mixture of air and fuel burns;
- Valve control (or Camshaft), responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves at the right time, synchronizing them with the movement of the pistons;
- Valve springs, to keep the valves closed when not in use;
- Intake valves to control the entry of air and fuel into the combustion chamber (intake valves);
- Exhaust valves for the exit of gases;
- Spark plugs or fuel injectors, where the spark plugs generate the spark needed to start combustion.
What Causes Damage to the Engine Head?
There are several factors that can cause damage to the engine head, compromising its functioning and, in some cases, requiring the repair or complete replacement of the part.
Among the main reasons are:
1. Overheating
Engine overheating can damage the engine head and can lead to warping or cracking due to excessive heat.
In turn, overheating can result from faults in the cooling system, loss of coolant, faulty thermostat, faulty water pump, among others.
2. Failure in the Gasket
The gasket is a part that seals the joint between the cylinder head and the engine block.
If the gasket fails, it can result in losses of coolant, oil or cylinder compression, causing damage to the engine head.
3. Oil or Cooling System Contamination
Contamination of the oil or cooling system by coolant, fuel or foreign particles can cause damage to the engine head, resulting in premature wear or component failure.
4. Lubrication Failure
Lack of proper lubrication can cause premature wear of the engine head components, such as the valve controls, resulting in malfunctions and damage.
5. Inadequate Maintenance
Lack of preventive maintenance, including oil and coolant changes, valve adjustments and periodic inspections, can lead to wear problems and engine head failures over time.
How do I Know if the Engine Head is Damaged?
In addition to the engine overheating, there are other symptoms that indicate that the glue is damaged, such as:
- White smoke coming out of the exhaust;
- Contaminated engine oil;
- Loss of compression;Perda de líquido de refrigeração;
- Loss of power, increased fuel consumption or difficulty starting the engine;
- Abnormal noises coming from the gasket.
What to do if you Detect an Oil Leak in the Engine Head?
If you detect an oil leak in the cylinder head, stop the vehicle safely, turn off the engine and assess the extent of the problem.
Avoid driving if possible and seek professional assistance immediately for assessment and repair. Consider a towing service if necessary.
After identifying the source of the leak, follow the mechanic’s recommendations to repair the problem and avoid further damage to the engine.
What Tools are Needed to Service or Repair the Engine Head?
Servicing or repairing the engine head gasket requires a variety of specialized tools to disassemble, inspect, repair and reassemble the components. The following tools are required for this task:
- Impact wrench;
- Wrench;
- Diagnostic tools, such as a compression pressure gauge, to check the compression of the cylinders before and after the repair;
- Tools for measuring valve clearance;
- Set of screwdrivers and Phillips screwdrivers;
- Torque wrench.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix an Engine Head?
On the other hand, the cost of fixing the engine head is one of the most difficult mechanical repairs to carry out, and can run into thousands of euros.
What are the Maintenance Tips for Preserving the Engine Head?
To preserve the engine head gasket and ensure that the engine runs smoothly, it is important to take care of maintenance.
You should change the oil regularly, as well as maintaining the cooling system. After each oil change, replace the oil filter to ensure that the new fluid remains clean.
When there are signs of oil or fluid loss, check the cylinder head gasket for signs of wear.
Avoid overloading the engine with heavy loads or excessive speeds for long periods, as this can put additional pressure on the glue and related components.
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