Do you suspect a problem with your engine? There’s a chance your cylinder head might be the culprit.
The cylinder head is a key component of your car’s engine. So, it’s critical to keep an eye on it to make sure it’s in tip-top shape.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Cylinder Head
No matter how many miles you’re putting on your car, every engine is due for repairs at some point. One of the most important components of your engine is the cylinder head.
So, if your cylinder head is damaged, and doesn’t get the repairs it needs, it can result in severe damage. This could ultimately ruin your engine, which is a highly expensive part to replace.
So, what symptoms signal the need for cylinder head replacement or repair? Let’s find out below:
- Weak engine:
- Coolant leakage:
- Oil leakage:
- Engine misfires:
- White smoke:
- Overheating:
If your vehicle is showing any of these signs, be sure to take it to a mechanic to fix the problem right away. The type of cylinder head service you receive will depend on the severity of the damage to your cylinder head.
However, if the damage to your cylinder head is more severe (i.e., engine misfires, smoking engine, etc.), this often signals that your cylinder head needs replacement as soon as possible. In this case, you’ll have two choices—a rebuilt cylinder head or a remanufactured cylinder head.
What is a Rebuilt Cylinder Head?
Rebuilding a cylinder involves replacing only the broken or out-of-spec components. For example, a mechanic might replace only the guides, springs, valves, or injector sleeves within the damaged cylinder head.
However, if neither of these components is damaged or malfunctioning, the cylinder rebuilding process may take another form.
Imagine that your cylinder head is cracked. If this is the case, a repair technician may weld those cracks to fix the cylinder head. After this process, they’ll put everything back together and then test the part to see if it’s working properly. Because you’re only fixing components that are broken, rebuilding a cylinder head is a pretty cost-effective option.
Rebuilt vs. Remanufactured: What’s the Difference?
Remanufactured cylinder heads are ones that go through all the steps that they did when they were new at the factory. These steps might include:
- Casting
- Machining
- Pressure testing
- Cleaning
- Installing new parts
Because remanufacturing cylinder heads involves all these steps, they’re usually more expensive than their rebuilt counterparts.
When it comes to choosing between a rebuilt or remanufactured cylinder head, we recommend consulting a professional cylinder head shop near me. The right decision will depend on the current mileage of your vehicle, the current status of your engine, your specific needs, and your budget. A trustworthy mechanic will work with you to help you decide.
Considerations for Rebuilding/Remanufacturing Cylinder Heads
After you’ve decided on the best cylinder head replacement for your engine—rebuilt vs. remanufactured—be sure to go to a shop that has a positive reputation.
Also, ask to see all the documentation for the new parts used in the rebuild (if you choose to go that route). And if you have a pretty old vehicle or one with a lot of miles, it may be feasible to go with rebuilt cylinder heads that might not outlast pricey new heads.
Other things to consider include:
- Choosing compatible metal:
- Ensuring the bolts match:
- Looking for a warranty:
Take Care of Your Engine with Proper Maintenance
To keep your car’s engine in optimal condition, maintaining various engine parts such as the cylinder head is necessary. This may seem obvious, but many people don’t realize their engine requires periodic attention.
As a result, they end up needing total cylinder head replacement or cylinder head exchange. Are you one of those people? If so, don’t go it alone. A cylinder head replacement is a tough job—a job that only an experienced mechanic should take care of.