cylinderhead

A cylinder head is a component of internal combustion engines. It forms the top part of the combustion chamber and encloses critical engine parts. The cylinder head typically houses valves, spark plugs (in gasoline engines), and fuel injectors (in diesel engines). It seals the top of the cylinder block, creating the combustion chamber where the fuel-air mixture is ignited and burned.

The primary functions of a cylinder head include controlling the intake of the fuel-air mixture and the exhaust of burnt gases, and facilitating ignition. It is usually made of cast iron or aluminum alloys, chosen for their strength, heat resistance, and machinability. The design of the cylinder head significantly impacts engine performance, efficiency, and emissions. Factors such as valve size and placement, combustion chamber shape, and port design are crucial.

Cylinder heads are bolted to the engine block and sealed by a head gasket. This gasket is vital for preventing coolant and oil leaks between the cylinder head and block, and also for maintaining compression within the combustion chamber. Overheating or detonation can cause cylinder head warping or cracking, requiring repair or replacement. The complexity of cylinder head design has evolved with engine technology, leading to features like overhead camshafts (OHC) and double overhead camshafts (DOHC) for improved valve control.