In the complex structure of a car engine, the cylinder head plays a vital role. It is not only related to the performance of the engine, but also directly affects the fuel efficiency and emission standards of the vehicle. This article will introduce in detail the functions, types and importance of maintenance of cylinder heads.

Function of cylinder head

The cylinder head is located on the top of the engine and covers the cylinder block. Its main functions include:

Sealing function: The cylinder head seals the cylinder block tightly to ensure that the pressure in the combustion chamber does not leak out, thereby ensuring the normal working pressure of the engine.

Cooling effect: The cylinder head is usually equipped with a cooling water channel, which circulates coolant to reduce the engine temperature and prevent overheating.

Intake and exhaust: The cylinder head is equipped with intake valves and exhaust valves to control the entry of air and fuel and the discharge of combustion exhaust gases.

Install accessories: The cylinder head is also used to install key components such as spark plugs and fuel injectors to ensure the normal operation of these components.

Type of cylinder head

According to different engine designs and application requirements, cylinder heads are mainly divided into the following types:

Overhead camshaft (OHC) cylinder head: In this design, the camshaft is located on the cylinder head, which can more directly control the opening and closing of the valves and improve engine efficiency.

Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head: This design uses two camshafts to control the intake and exhaust valves separately, providing higher performance and more precise valve control.

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) cylinder head: Compared with DOHC, SOHC has a simpler design and lower cost, but its performance is slightly inferior.

Importance of maintenance

Regular cylinder head maintenance is critical to maintaining engine performance. Here are some maintenance suggestions:

Regular inspection: Check the cylinder head for cracks or deformation, which may cause reduced engine performance.

Cleaning: Clean the cylinder head regularly to remove carbon deposits and other impurities to ensure the cleanliness of the valve and combustion chamber.

Cooling system check: Make sure the cooling system is working properly to prevent the cylinder head from overheating.