The cylinder head is an internal combustion engine component which covers the engine block. It is mounted atop the engine block and comprises several parts. Moreover, the cylinder head has openings for intake and exhaust ports, through which air and exhaust gases flow.

Let’s learn more about the role of the cylinder head in a car engine, its components and function. 

The cylinder head is a vital component that covers the parts of an internal combustion engine. It forms the combustion chambers where fuel and air ignite to produce power. 

In addition, the basic function of a cylinder head lies in housing the intake and exhaust ports. The engine valves within the cylinder head regulate air and exhaust gas flow. They open and close at precise moments during the engine’s operation. 

Furthermore, the cylinder head contains spark plugs (in petrol engines) that ignite the air-fuel ratio, initiating the combustion process. Coolant passages in a cylinder head help maintain optimal operating temperatures by circulating coolant to dissipate heat generated during combustion.

Simply put, this part of a car engine creates a sealed environment within the block. It manages airflow, controls combustion and ensures efficient heat dissipation to sustain engine performance.

It consists of several key components, listed as follows. 

Inlets and exhaust valves are parts of a combustion chamber that control the flow of air and other gases. In addition, the camshaft controls the opening and closing of these valves to let in and exhaust the combustion gases. 

The head gasket is positioned midway between the cylinder head and the engine block. It acts as a seal between the two components and is set on the top of the engine housing.  Moreover, a head gasket helps prevent any coolant leaks and keeps up the required pressure of the combustion gases. 

Spark plugs are a part of petrol engines. They ignite the air-fuel mixture to initiate the combustion process.  

In overhead camshaft engines, the cylinder head houses one or more camshafts. It operates the opening and closing of valves via cam lobes and lifters. 

Fuel injectors are another component on a cylinder head cover. They are usually found in diesel engines and mounted on the intake manifold or directly into the engine’s intake ports. 

Valve seats are machined surfaces within the cylinder head. Against them, when the valves seal close, it helps prevent gas leakage.

These springs are responsible for returning the valves to their closed position after they open during the engine’s operation.

Coolant passages circulate coolant to regulate engine temperature, preventing overheating. These passages are crucial for dissipating heat generated by combustion and other engine components.

In the combustion chamber, the air-fuel mixture undergoes compression by the piston before the spark plug ignites it. Once ignited, the mixture rapidly expands, generating pressure that drives the piston downward, producing power to propel the vehicle.

Valve guides provide support and guidance for the movement of the valves within the cylinder head.

The types of cylinder heads vary according to the design and valve placement. These various types are employed in numerous engineering applications and different types of car engine layouts. 

Moving forward, here are different types of cylinder heads. 

 It is mostly a part of small engines like those in motorcycles. A single-cylinder head covers the combustion chamber of a single cylinder.

Common in automotive engines, a multi-cylinder head covers multiple cylinders. They are often in a line or a V-configuration, with each cylinder having its combustion chamber.

As the name suggests, this type has a flat design. In addition, it is an older design where valves are within the engine block and the cylinder head is flat, lacking separate combustion chambers.

In OHV engines, valves are aligned with the engine block. However, the camshaft is located in the block, operating the valves through pushrods and rocker arms.

You can also go through this comparison of overhead cam vs overhead valve engines to learn the difference between the two. 

This design allows for efficient airflow and optimal combustion, often associated with high-performance engines.

This type uses rotary valves instead of conventional poppet valves. That is why, this design offers simpler valve operation and improved performance in certain applications, like two-stroke engines.

In OHC engines, the camshaft is located within the cylinder head. It is directly above the valves, enabling precise valve control and higher engine speeds.

Cylinder heads are made from various materials chosen for their strength, heat resistance and manufacturability. Some Common materials are as follows.

It is lightweight and offers good heat conductivity. Moreover, aluminium alloy cylinder heads are prevalent in modern engines for their ability to dissipate heat efficiently. They are often used in both cast and machined forms.

Traditionally used in older engines, cast iron cylinder heads are durable and provide excellent heat retention. This makes them suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty applications. However, they are heavier than aluminium alloy heads.

It is a component that seals the top of the engine block, housing the combustion chambers and components such as valves and coolant passages.

Common signs of cracked engine cylinder heads include oil leakage, engine misfiring and failure.

These engine components come in various types based on design and configuration, including overhead valve (OHV), overhead camshaft (OHC) and hemispherical cylinder heads.

A cylinder head can fail due to many reasons such as as coolant leaks, overheating, mechanical stress or corrosion.  

This brings us to the end of our discussion on cylinder heads in a car engine. It is a crucial component that houses various parts of an engine, preventing leaks. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that such primary components are functioning properly when buying a used car in the UAE.

To learn more about different car parts and their functions, keep reading dubizzle’s Autos blog.