How Cylinder Heads Work

This video details how some cylinders heads are made and the basic idea of how they all work. Understanding how they work is critical in diagnosing problems. I only had 15 minutes so I put in as much detail as I could. Enjoy!

[@PetesGarage]

You, my friend, are the entire reason I make videos; to help people learn and understand. Thank you for watching!

[@tdsdogsquad4284]

You are awesome to watch, I have always been interested in mechanics & cars but my choices in life took me down a different career path. Now over 40 I am still trying to learn many of the basics & I am so grateful someone like you takes the time out to help others learn - you really should have over a million subscribers! Thanks heaps from Down Under.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much my friend

[@PetesGarage]

As a veteran....thank you for being a rider for the Sons of Liberty. You are doing a wonderful and very respectful thing....I admire you very much!

[@D.T.3.]

10 years later and your videos are still teaching people. Thank you! I was bless with buying a '14 Town and Country and its rocker arms failing. Trying to fully understand how an engine works. Your video was INCREDIBLY informative! Thanks again!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@tonyleongjr]

Having one of my cylinder heads replaced and wanted information about it. This video was EXCELLENT...interesting the lost foam technique is used to make cylinder heads. Very clear and concise explanation. Thanks!

[@PetesGarage]

An educated consumer never gets taken advantage of.

[@stewartnoble4647]

Pete I'm 58 and have recently become obsessed with mechanical stuff including the workings of vehicle engines. Lots of videos on the block but your video has been the absolute best explanation of how things work in the head of the block. The extra stuff on the casting was gold. Great work mate. Stew - Queensland Australia

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Stew, I appreciate that

[@MRGF78]

Good, detailed explanation... The visuals help out immensely... the foam head and the cutaway were impressive... thanks...

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend, gotta have good props

[@MRGF78]

👍props on the props... 😆😆😆

[@PetesGarage]

I am glad you learned something. I am working on a video for blocks. The head is the only way in and out on all engines. V8's, straight 4's, V6's....every engine needs a way to get air in and exhaust gases out. Even 2-cycle engines need a cylinder head to hold the ignition source and exhaust port.

[@PetesGarage]

You are much too kind. I enjoy making videos that help people. If you are buying used parts, first look for any spot where it may have been dropped. Inspect the entire part for any visible cracks. Find out the return policy on any used part, if you can't return it, don't buy it. After buying it, have the head magnafluxed to check for cracks. It is worth the investment and you will be sure the heads you bought are solid. Good luck with your LS!

[@PetesGarage]

Lost foam is about 15 years old I would guess. Many parts are made like this for the cost and accuracy. Pretty neat process.

[@VenturiLife]

I always wondered how the valve stem keepers actually stayed on the valve stem, (without having to open an engine up), and you answered that perfectly, I knew it had something to do with the spring tension keeping them on, but you pointed out the taper, and the taper on the cap and my mystery was solved. : )

[@michaelbilson6776]

Thank you for a great description of the cylinder head and valve components.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you liked it

[@PetesGarage]

Fuel injectors are now directly in the combustion chamber. Only air comes through the cylinder head. There is now variable displacement, variable timing, and variable cam position. Things are advancing pretty quick.

[@BraapAddict]

You have by far the best youtube page. Motors are my thing and its nice to see a page that has clear hd videos and someone that actually knows what they're talking about making the videos

[@charyhutalla849]

I barely understand the teaching in our school. thanks for uploading this video I now understand. I might drop my subject and just keep on watching your videos. thanks a lot

[@PetesGarage]

I'm happy they help you

[@PetesGarage]

That is really cool for you to say and I really appreciate it. Thank you for watching...it is a blast just to hang out in the garage.

[@PetesGarage]

I'm glad you like it. It really helps diagnosing problems if you understand how they work.

[@KarlDonovan]

Nice explanation of the workings of a cylinder head. I have just had mine ported and now I know why!

[@PetesGarage]

+Karl Donovan It makes a huge difference. Thank you my friend

[@sabgonzalez8222]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm currently going to school for automotive technology and our professor shared this video with us. This video gave me a better picture of what is going on in the engine. It's very clear, insightful and very cool to watch. Thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful! What school?

[@PetesGarage]

You made my day...thank you. I am happy to help anyone willing to learn....thank you my friend!

[@PetesGarage]

Before you take the head of, take a dead blow mallet and hit the valve stems (fairly hard) a few times to push them open and let them slam shut. That will seat any valves that may be leaking. Then try the test again. Spray soapy water aound the valve stem to check for leaks there.

[@PetesGarage]

I'm always here to help. Thank you for watching!

[@cogtag29DOM]

Just wanted to tell you that you have great videos and it looks like you have a great time in your garage! Keep the videos coming!

[@braydenpark5707]

Thanks for the lesson! I’ve worked in machining (head) for 4 years and never knew the full anatomy of it.

[@PetesGarage]

Happy to help!

[@mdanny445]

hello Pete! hope u having a great wknd, nice and sunny here in SoCal! B ) ok then, well even though I had previously performed this procedure, I didnt use the soap and water (good idea, thanks) so, i just performed it and confirmed. still leaking, over 50% and soap bubbles confirmed! don't know HOW machine shop performed the their test, but I'm clearly showing a massive leak at #1 cyl. didn't even bother checking the others! head is coming off, heading to shop monday with the video I took of it

[@alexandersmith2441]

What an incredible lesson, and all for free! Thanks so much!!

[@PetesGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@PetesGarage]

The first thing I would check for is a worn cam. You could simply not be getting enough fuel or vacuum to keep the engine running at idle. Rebuilding the carb would not hurt, but it is probalby a bit more.

[@Shafiksz]

ahh finally i understand the difference between the valve seal and valve spring retainer! ! ! Thanks a lot :D

[@ashlynwang2155]

It is very helpful for me, i just started working in a cylinder head factory，thank you very much!

[@PetesGarage]

You are welcome!

[@PetesGarage]

Most new engines for 2013 will be direct injection. The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber at 4,800 psi via a high pressure fuel pump driven off a cam lobe. There are still intake valves but efficiency goes up. Injecting air into the cylinder as well is a bit away because it is more difficult to meter at different atmospheric pressures. Great thinking!

[@PetesGarage]

A friend loaned it to me. Most Loc-Tite is pre-applied to fasteners by the supplier. Auto manfacturers would not waste the time to apply it. It would require too many controls, not to mention the variability. I can't think of anything used for anti-tampering other than special fasteners or sealed parts.

[@PetesGarage]

Its actually an HLA.... Hydralic Lift Assist. It works just oike a lifter but is stationary. It supports the side opposite the valvle for the RFF Roller Finger Follower.

[@denovankayser8865]

Wow Thanks a lot sir, it was my first time doing my own do over of my cylinder head and my car runs like a wildfire. The video was a big help. AL the way from South Africa

[@PetesGarage]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching

[@kaktusjack1033]

Best explanation of how a Cylinder head works ever! This is pretty amazing. Gotta share it as much as i can.

[@PetesGarage]

+Kaktus Jack Thank you very much

[@kyne96]

Wow, not only are your youtube video's entertaining but very educational. Carry on the good work! :)

[@scottk2226]

Thanks for the awesome video!

[@appu95247]

This is by far the best explanation I have ever seen. Thank you sooo much

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much

[@aldinoarendse3421]

All your videos and your teachings are incredible. Thank you very much for the excellent information.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you for watching Aldino

[@VenturiLife]

Excellent explanation and cut-away, thanks.

[@nirmalaliyanaarachchi8724]

Incredible explanation! Thanks man!

[@Miaoyu1207]

Cylinder head is bolted to the top of the machine body and becomes the top part of diesel engine. Its functions are as follows: 1,Close the top of the cylinder sleeve; form a sealed cylinder working space with piston and cylinder sleeve. 2,The cylinder sleeve is pressed in the correct position so that the piston operates normally. 3,Install all kinds of diesel engine accessories. such as injection valve, intake & exhaust valve,cylinder starting valve, indicator valve, safety valves and valve rocker arm device etc. 4,Arrange intake & exhaust, cooling channel. etc. In the small high-speed machine of cylinder sleeve is also decorated with swirl chamber or precombustion chamber, so the hole and channel in the cylinder sleeve is various and make its structure more complex shapes.

[@smp22]

awesome video!!! I've been watching your vids over lunch the past few days and I have to say, you have a very clear way of describing things. A lot of people fall into the trap of taking for granted things that they know, and then fail to communicate. You make it very simple for the novice to understand because you don't leave out important details. SHAKE n' BAKE!!!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much my friend. It is my goal to help people understand and be more confident when the have to have their car repaired or do it themselves. I try to include every little thing that is salient to the content of the video. I could just tell the "how," but the "why" is just as important. El Diablo

[@SolidVermillion]

Wonderful explanation on cylinder heads

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you for watching and good luck in school!

[@mdanny445]

thank you for this detailed video, really good explanation sir. I think this narrows down my list of issues I been having with a cylinder head that I just got back from the machine shop that is STILL leaking "moderately" through the intake after performing a leakdown test. basically the only thing actually sealing there are the intake valves if I'm not mistaken. I'm thinking if the cam, cam guides, or lifters are damaged/won out, that it can be enough wear, to not let the valves seat properly.

[@cajontracktrack8391]

Thanks for the upload, this is the best I have ever heard.

[@123yoagan]

Highly detailed, amazing video. Thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

+123yoagan Thank you my friend

[@PetesGarage]

Very good. I obtained these samples for training purposes so I cannot be specific about the make because I do not officially represent the company. All the videos I make are my own property and I make no claims on behalf of a manufacturer. I am just trying to share the concepts and details on general operation. Gotta follow the rules :-)

[@maythao1926]

This is so awesome. Great tutorial. I am teaching my son engine basics and this is so simple and thorough to understand. Please make more videos.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend. I have over 100 videos and I make them as fast as I can.

[@PetesGarage]

A broken push rod will not mess up the engine unless you don't find all the pieces. Just put in new one and you should be fine. That is a lucky find.

[@mdanny445]

thnks Pete! I love my hobby! and Im always interested in hearing others experiences, trial and errors, as well as triumph over tricky issues!!! keep doing ur thang, ur videos have inspired me to start making my own. : )

[@kreativelanguage1684]

Thanks Pete! I learned a lot. I look forward to watching more of your work

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@MegaSwageristic]

I'm new to your channel and I have watched a good bit of your videos. They have taught me so much of things I already thought I knew. They are very helpful and I'm sure I will continue watching them and I might be giving you a call soon.

[@PetesGarage]

That is really cool Austin....thank you very much. I try my best.

[@PetesGarage]

It's a pretty neat process huh? Lots fo parts are made like that. If you see a cast part that looks like foam, chances are this was how it was made.

[@wilfig]

Man, I dig your videos! Thank you so much for your instruction! This is invaluable information for a greenhorn such as myself!

[@heeschenaar0412]

Thanks a lot Pete, for taking the effort of making these vids.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Michael

[@PetesGarage]

You are much too kind...I just sort of wing it....my channel is all about sharing knowledge. That is a great question. I can't think of any steel used in making a car that is galvanized. Galvanizing is a zinc coating that changes the surface properties including paintability. Even if it were you could stil use lead.

[@AceHikes]

Fantastic video, great detail, very informative and educational. Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@dss2mtm]

This was like the best seat at engineering class free of charge. Gracias.

[@PetesGarage]

+dss2mtm De nada mi amigo

[@VTC83]

Great video sir. Extremely informative and love the details provided via the sawed off head.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Victor

[@scuddryvr8784]

Nice vid. Informative and explained clearly. The lost foam part was very interesting too.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you...I think technology is really cool

[@carlosavila8155]

Thanks for these thoroughly explained videos Pete....excellent, simply excellent. Albert Einstein quotes: If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough". Surely you understand and can explain this complex engineering clearly. Great, great, great job! I will simply keep watching these videos. I am not a mechanic....just love watching how the engineering in machines work.

[@PetesGarage]

+Carlos Avila That is so kind of you, thank you. I try to make things easy enough to understand so anyone can learn.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks William...I will check it out...thanks for sharing

[@sohail16]

Dude you literally have like the best car KZbin channel of all time. Itd be cool if you worked on things such as transmission and suspension though.

[@PetesGarage]

That's a great compliment, thank you. Transmissions are really a specialty, but, I will be doing suspension vides as I work on my Cobra.

[@setamaluka]

Awesome video! Learned a lot. Thank you very much!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you for watching. A 20 minute video takes a few hours to make, but I enjoy sharing what I know.

[@PetesGarage]

Any time you break open a fuel or hydraulic line there is a risk of FM entering the system. It would not hurt to flush a new filter with gas before installing it. Great idea and comment!

[@valeriecarole]

This was incredibly helpful! Reading about this from my automotive book with minimal photos is difficult to really understand it all. This video gave me even more information than I was looking for. Also, did anybody notice the little buggie on the bottom right side of the screen that got his "15 seconds" of fame starting @11:07 lol?

[@PetesGarage]

I'm glad it helped Valerie...that bug is getting pretty famous...lol

[@PetesGarage]

I think it helps with trouble shooting......thank you.

[@lalamorena22]

Watching in 2019 & still useful! Thank you 😊

[@PetesGarage]

I try to make all my videos information that will last.

[@youtubeaccount24569]

Straight to the point ! 🙏🙏🙏❤️ Much love !

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@cozydram1]

This absolutly fascinating I always wondered what it was like inside.....thank you

[@123jozef]

FR500's, long tube headers with X pipe and a simple CAI.... I have Catbacks only, no mufflers. Turned 280 HP into 390... natural asssssspiration. Not much money, not much work. Awesome for a V8 GT

[@PetesGarage]

The main objective, as is with all my videos, is to show those willing to learn that engines are not that complicated and you can do any job yourself if you want to try. Of course there are variations, but the general idea is there. Glad your mystery was solved : > )

[@kojack635]

very informative. thank you

[@davidbuecherl]

Dude, you are awesome! I'm 3D-modeling an AC Cobra 427 for animation, including the technical stuff inside. you already helped me a damn lot! thanks sincerly, Dave

[@PetesGarage]

Hey Dave...that's really cool. I'm glad to help

[@PetesGarage]

That is awesome...let me know when you do so I can check them out!

[@esterromero5251]

YOU HOPE I LEARNED SOMETHING! awesome explanation! this is the kind of stuff us newbies need! once again! awesome explanation!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Ester

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

great info, thanks for taking the time to make this video man! cheers! great job!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Will....I try to make them have some value...not just for the hell of making them....I'm getting better

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you....its a bit choppy. I had over 20 minutes of video and had to cut it down to 15. I should make another one with the extra footage.

[@JG54206]

very informative, i had known that the head was basically the cap to the engine, and the only way in and out as long as we are taking OHV, SOHC or DOHC, but i always wondered how they made the coolant passages, and the ports

[@admirkalari6451]

Thank you for your videos men they are all great. I am in college and you are a great help to me. Thank you again and keep it up 😊

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you and good luck in school!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend!

[@christianleija4506]

Bro your explanation is awesome 👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mdanny445]

ok, how you doing Pete! thanks for the quick reply, well it is a kia sephia 1.8L and I installed new rings, cylinders were in good shape, sent head to machine shop for repairs after engine overheated, checked block with straightedge, performed cylinder leakdown test after recieving head back from shop, no intake or exhauset manifolds installed yet when performing ldt, but can actually feel gust of air coming through intake valve!!!

[@mogomotsibalebanye3945]

Thank you sir for a great detailed video!

[@PetesGarage]

Very welcome

[@PetesGarage]

A high-density polystyrene with a water-based glue that will also evaporate

[@DrLexic]

Thank you very much! Very well explained. Waiting to see more videos like this. All the best to you!

[@PetesGarage]

Many thanks!

[@DylanMorehouse]

Dude. Very good explanation. Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

You're welcome!

[@doruxlakers]

Another great, informative video, thanks!

[@410ytlmustang]

Great vids Peter. And nice projects.

[@MichaelRicci]

Another great video. All your videos are very informative.

[@PetesGarage]

Greetings from the US. If you have an exisiting head I can certainly get another made, but it would be expensive. Can you send me some pictures so I have an idea of what it looks like? You have very good English. Let's keep talking until I get you what you need.

[@Dr_Xyzt]

I always wondered how some complicated parts were cast. The lost foam technique makes a lot of sense since foam is mostly air, so there might be a bit of the aluminum having an affinity for foam, and presto, it spreads. For a while, I just guessed they did this in a fancy CAD program that could figure if it would leave voids or not, and then make a wax mold with a 3-d printer.

[@lindalyn2490]

Your explanation is so clear very easy understandAnd with the way have shown with Engine Model How I not learn something from you Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@PetesGarage]

+Linda Lyn Thank you for watching....it is my pleasure

[@zachbrackin993]

Dude this is truly a perfect video thank you so much this solved all my questions

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Zach

[@Zhexss]

This was very informative. Thanks Pete

[@PetesGarage]

+Hitesh Aggarwal Thank you my friend

[@George14215]

Thanks, that was very helpful!