What is the function of the cylinder head?
2 Answers
The functions of the cylinder head are: 1. To seal the upper part of the cylinder and form the combustion chamber; 2. To serve as the support for the camshaft, rocker arm shaft, and intake/exhaust pipes; 3. To draw air into the cylinder, where the spark plug ignites the combustible air-fuel mixture, driving the piston to perform work and allowing exhaust gases to exit through the exhaust pipe. The method for removing the cylinder head is: 1. After securing the engine to a rotating stand, place the stand on the workbench; 2. Remove the valve cover; 3. Remove the oil deflector cover on the cylinder head; 4. Loosen the cylinder head bolts, removing all bolts starting from the sides and then the middle; 5. Use a soft hammer to tap the joint between the cylinder head and the cylinder block to loosen it, then remove the cylinder head.
The cylinder head, to be honest, plays a major role in the engine. Having studied the internal structures of many cars, the cylinder head primarily sits atop the cylinders, acting like a super bodyguard to seal the combustion chamber, preventing the high-temperature and high-pressure gases from leaking out during fuel combustion. It is an integral part of the combustion chamber—housing spark plugs in gasoline engines and fuel injectors in diesel engines. Its cooling capability is also noteworthy—the cylinder head contains water passages that allow coolant to circulate and dissipate heat, ensuring the engine runs smoothly without overheating. In daily driving, if the cylinder head is damaged, engine efficiency plummets, fuel consumption spikes, and the engine may even stall. During routine maintenance, keep an eye on the temperature gauge; if it gets too high, promptly check the cylinder head gasket and related components. Overall, it’s an unsung hero that ensures the engine’s reliability and performance.
