Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

48. Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection




Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools
* J 8089 - Carbon Removal Brush
* J 9666 - Valve Spring Tester

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.




Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning Safety Glasses Warning.


Note:
* When cleaning a cylinder head in a thermal type oven, do not exceed 204°C (400°F).
* Be careful not to scuff the chamber.

1. Clean the following components:

* Use the J 8089 - brush in order to remove the carbon from the combustion chambers.
* Gasket surfaces - Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets Replacing Engine Gaskets.
* Valve stems and heads on a buffing wheel
* Bolt hole threads
Remove all dirt, debris, or threadlocking material from the bolt holes.

2. Inspect the cylinder head for the following conditions:

1. Cracks in the exhaust ports and combustion chambers
2. External cracks in the water chambers
3. Gasket surfaces for excessive scratches or gouging - Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets Replacing Engine Gaskets.
4. Bolt hole threads for debris or damaged threads - Refer to Thread Repair 63. Thread Repair or Thread Repair Specifications Thread Repair Specifications.




3. Inspect the cylinder head for warpage. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.




4. Use the J 9666 - tester in order to measure the valve spring tension. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.




5. Inspect for a leaking plug. Second design applications use a rivet-type plug (1) at the top rear coolant passage of each cylinder head. If service of a leaking plug is required, it is necessary to remove the cylinder head from the engine to properly remove the plug. Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble 47. Cylinder Head Disassemble.