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!

[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..]

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!

[tdsdogsquad]

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]

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]

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.

[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!

[stewartnoble]

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

[MRGF]

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

[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

[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. : )

[mdanny]

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

[PetesGarage]

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

[sabgonzalez]

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!

[cogtagDOM]

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!

[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.

[charyhutalla]

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]

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!

[michaelbilson]

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

[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.