Cylinder Head Warped? Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Fix it!

A warped cylinder head is a serious problem that can cause significant damage to your engine. But can warped cylinder heads be fixed? The answer is yes, but it depends on the severity of the warp. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of warped cylinder heads, the symptoms, and the different methods for fixing them.

Causes of Warped Cylinder Heads

Warped cylinder heads are typically caused by overheating. When an engine overheats, the metal in the cylinder head can expand and contract unevenly, causing it to warp. Other causes of warped cylinder heads include:

• Improper tightening of the cylinder head bolts: If the cylinder head bolts are not tightened properly, it can cause the cylinder head to warp.
• Using the wrong head gasket: Using the wrong head gasket can also cause the cylinder head to warp.
• A defective cylinder head: In some cases, a cylinder head can be defective from the factory, which can make it more susceptible to warping.

Symptoms of Warped Cylinder Heads

The symptoms of warped cylinder heads can vary depending on the severity of the warp. Some common symptoms include:

• Coolant leaks: A warped cylinder head can cause coolant to leak from the engine.
• Oil leaks: A warped cylinder head can also cause oil to leak from the engine.
• Overheating: A warped cylinder head can cause the engine to overheat.
• Loss of power: A warped cylinder head can cause a loss of power in the engine.
• Rough idle: A warped cylinder head can cause the engine to idle rough.

Diagnosing Warped Cylinder Heads

If you suspect that your cylinder head is warped, it’s important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will typically perform a compression test and a leak-down test to determine if the cylinder head is warped.

Fixing Warped Cylinder Heads

There are two main methods for fixing warped cylinder heads:

1. Resurfacing the Cylinder Head

Resurfacing the cylinder head involves removing a small amount of material from the surface of the cylinder head to make it flat again. This is a relatively inexpensive repair, but it can only be done if the warp is not too severe.

2. Replacing the Cylinder Head

If the warp is too severe to be resurfaced, the cylinder head will need to be replaced. This is a more expensive repair, but it is the only option if the warp is severe.

Preventing Warped Cylinder Heads

There are a few things you can do to prevent warped cylinder heads:

• Keep your engine cool: Make sure that your engine is always running at the proper temperature.
• Use the correct head gasket: Use the head gasket that is specified for your engine.
• Tighten the cylinder head bolts properly: Follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications when tightening the cylinder head bolts.

Wrap-Up

Warped cylinder heads can be a serious problem, but they can be fixed. If you suspect that your cylinder head is warped, it’s important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to determine the severity of the warp and recommend the best course of action.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I fix a warped cylinder head myself?

A: It is not recommended to try to fix a warped cylinder head yourself. This is a complex repair that requires specialized tools and knowledge.

Q: How much does it cost to fix a warped cylinder head?

A: The cost of fixing a warped cylinder head will vary depending on the severity of the warp and the method of repair. Resurfacing a cylinder head typically costs between $200 and $500, while replacing a cylinder head can cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Q: How can I prevent my cylinder head from warping?

A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your cylinder head from warping, including:

• Keeping your engine cool
• Using the correct head gasket