The cylinder head sits above the engine block and seals the combustion chambers. It houses critical engine components including the intake and exhaust valves, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, while also containing internal passages for coolant and oil. Its design dictates how efficiently air and fuel flow into the engine, directly impacting compression and power output.
We need to pull the cylinder head and send it to the machine shop to get milled after the engine overheated.
Also heard as
- head
Related terms
Head gasket
The critical seal positioned between the engine block and the cylinder head.
Short block
A partially assembled engine bottom end lacking the cylinder head and oil pan.
Long block
A replacement engine assembly that includes the engine block, rotating assembly, cylinder heads, and valvetrain.
Overhead valve
An engine design where the intake and exhaust valves sit in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber.
Intake valve
A mechanical valve in the cylinder head that opens to allow air into the combustion chamber.