It is essential to resurface your vehicle's cylinder head to keep the engine at its peak performance and health. By ignoring this procedure, you run the risk of a head gasket failing and compromising the quality of your cylinder head. Resurfaced heads not only have a smoother surface, but they also increase the compression ratio. Your cylinder head will then function perfectly and have a similar look to the original. When carried out by a qualified mechanic, this service is affordable. However, some people may want to tackle a DIY project. It is possible, but you must weigh the cost, the time commitment, and the effort to decide if it's worth the effort.
In This Article
Different Cylinder Head Resurfacing Tools
The cylinder heads resurfacing machine can be used to restore the engine's smoothness and uniformity. Machines used to maintain auto parts have evolved over time with the automotive industry. Older options such as grinders and belt sanders are being replaced by reliable and precise alternatives. Wet grinding may still produce comparable results, but it can be messy and expensive. Belt sanding is a more difficult method for mechanics.
Dry milling is the most reliable, affordable, and time-efficient method for resurfacing cylinder heads. This simple and quick process creates a professional-looking resurface on your engine parts.
Breaking Down the Costs
It's important to realize that a cylinder-head resurfacing machine may cost more than you think. If you're a professional mechanic or plan to do many resurfacing projects, then investing in a cylinder head repair machine is a good investment. It will pay for itself eventually. If you only plan to use it occasionally for DIY, expect to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 for a new machine. You can determine if the investment is worth it by considering your needs and anticipated usage.
It is also possible to hire a mechanic to do the work, but this will cost you between $500 and $700. Service prices may vary based on engine size and shape. Smaller 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines will have lower costs than larger 8-cylinder ones. The cost of the resurfacing equipment and the time involved in resurfacing are both factors that make it more efficient to hire a professional. Regular maintenance and maintaining your vehicle can reduce the frequency of resurfacing.
Indicators Your Cylinder Head Requires Resurfacing
Are you unsure if the cylinder head on your vehicle needs to be resurfaced? Here's what you should do if you see any of these three signs.
Uneven Surface Finish: A cylinder head that functions properly requires an even surface. Uneven surfaces can affect other engine components. Use a comparator to check the surface finish.
Head Gasket Failure: If the surface is uneven, the head gasket seal can fail with the cylinder. Resurfacing the cylinder heads creates a clean, even seal between components.
Leakage of Coolant or Oil: If you notice coolant or oil leaking from your car, this could indicate that your cylinder head is having a problem. It's important to have the cylinder head checked if you notice any leaks.
The following symptoms should be reported to your mechanic as soon as possible. Delaying action could lead to engine and vehicle damage. Trust Allied Motor Parts for quality cylinder head replacements and a wide range of other vehicle repair parts.
