What is the main function of a cylinder head?
2 Answers
The main function of a cylinder head is to seal the cylinder, forming a closed space that allows the piston to properly compress fuel and the air-fuel mixture to generate power. The method for removing a cylinder head is as follows: 1. Secure the engine on a rotating stand and place the stand on a workbench; 2. Remove the valve cover; 3. Remove the oil deflector on the cylinder head; 4. Loosen the cylinder head bolts, starting from the sides and then moving to the center, and remove all the cylinder head bolts; 5. Gently tap the joint between the cylinder head and the cylinder block with a soft hammer to loosen it, then remove the cylinder head. A cylinder is a cylindrical metal component that guides the piston in linear reciprocating motion inside the cylinder, consisting of the cylinder barrel, end cover, piston, piston rod, and sealing elements.
I think the cylinder head plays a crucial role in a car engine, much like a protective shield for the heart. Its core function is to seal the top of the cylinder, preventing compressed gas from leaking during combustion, while also forming the combustion chamber together with the cylinder block. Having driven for decades, I know that if the cylinder head doesn't seal properly, it can easily lead to coolant leaks or oil seepage, causing engine overheating or performance issues. I remember once when the cylinder head of my old truck cracked, the engine started smoking and stalled, costing me a hefty repair bill. It also houses ignition components like spark plugs or fuel injectors and controls the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves, directly affecting engine efficiency and fuel economy. For maintenance, regularly checking the integrity of the cylinder head gasket is essential to avoid dust contamination and unexpected wear. Overall, the cylinder head is the first line of defense in ensuring stable engine operation—neglecting it is not an option. It's best to have professionals inspect it during routine maintenance to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
