Cleaning an engine’s cylinder head is an important operation that improves engine performance and reduces pollutant emissions. Nevertheless, this task can be complex and requires a specific level of skill. Here are some tips and advice from expert mechanics on how to effectively clean your engine’s cylinder head.
Why clean the cylinder head?
The cylinder head is an essential part of the engine, sealing the combustion chamber and cooling the engine. It is subjected to high levels of thermal and mechanical stress, which can lead to the formation of carbon deposits and soot. These deposits can impair engine operation by reducing compression, disrupting exhaust gas flow and causing engine overheating.
Cylinder head cleaning removes these deposits and restores engine performance.
Here are some signs that the cylinder head needs cleaning:
- Motor power loss
- Increased fuel consumption
- Motor overheating
- Black or blue exhaust fumes
- Unstable idle
- A difficult start
If you notice any of these signs, have the cylinder head cleaned by a qualified mechanic.
Tools and products needed to clean a cylinder head
To clean the cylinder head, you will need the following tools and products:
- A set of ratchet wrenches
- A set of sockets
- Torque wrench
- A breech scraper
- A wire brush
- A detergent or cylinder head cleaner
- A clean cloth
- A recycling bin
You can buy them at an auto parts store or online. Before cleaning, make sure the engine is cold and the battery disconnected.
Here are some recommendations for selecting the right tools and products:
- The cylinder head cleaner must be specially designed for your type of engine.
- The product used to descale pistons and cylinder head gaskets must be non-abrasive and must not contain ammonia.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth.
If you’re not sure which tools and products to use, qualified mechanics for cylinder head cleaning and cylinder head preparation can advise you.
Cylinder head cleaning steps
Here are the steps to follow to clean a cylinder head:
- Remove the cylinder head from the engine, removing the bolts or nuts that hold it in place, as well as the gaskets and washers.
- Clean the contact surfaces between the cylinder head and the engine block to ensure a good seal and prevent leaks.
- Remove carbon deposits that have built up on the cylinder head over time.
- Clean valves using a valve cleaner or wire brush.
- Replace seals and washers removed during disassembly.
- Also clean the cooling system after replacing the cylinder head gasket.
- Refit the cylinder head on the engine, and tighten the bolts or nuts according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Cylinder head cleaning can be carried out without disassembly, using specific techniques to remove carbon deposits and residues without removing the cylinder head from the engine.
Different methods for cleaning the cylinder head
There are several ways to clean a cylinder head, including manual cleaning, oven cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning.
Manual cleaning is the simplest and least expensive method. It involves using a wire brush and a product to dissolve scale. However, this method can be time-consuming and tedious, and doesn’t always remove all deposits.
Cylinder head cleaning by oven stripping is a more effective method than manual cleaning. This involves placing the cylinder head in a high-temperature furnace to burn off carbon and scale deposits. This method is faster and more efficient, but can damage the cylinder head if not carried out correctly.
Ultrasonic cylinder head cleaning is the most effective method of cleaning an aluminum cylinder head. Ultrasonic waves are used to remove carbon and scale deposits. This method is fast, efficient and safe for the cylinder head.
Choose quality and expertise for the preparation of your cylinder head
Are you looking for a professional service to prepare and clean your engine’s cylinder head ? L’team of experts at Gasflow mechanical experts is there to meet all your needs. With our know-how and experience, we guarantee quality work. We use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art cleaning products to achieve optimum results, while preserving the integrity of your engine. What’s more, our exceptional customer service is there to guide you every step of the way, from booking an appointment to handing over your fully prepared engine. Trust our team to take care of your engine and restore its power and efficiency. Contact us and discover the difference our cylinder head preparation service can make to your vehicle!
