Cylinder Head - Cleaning & Inspection

Tools Required

Inspect the cylinder head gasket and the mating surfaces. Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and blow-by.
If the gasket failed, determine the cause.
The following conditions may cause gasket failure:
- Improper installation
- A loose or warped cylinder head
- Missing, off location, or not fully seated dowel pins
- Low torque on the cylinder head bolts
- Cylinder head bolts with the incorrect length
- A warped engine block surface
- Scratched surfaces
- Excessive intake manifold torque
- Cracked engine block threaded holes
Fig 1: Inspecting Cylinder Head Gasket & Mating Surfaces
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not scuff the chamber.
Use the J 8089 in order to remove the carbon from the combustion chambers.
Clean the following components:
- The gasket surfaces. Do not use a motorized brush on any gasket sealing surface.
- Valve stems and heads on a buffing wheel
- The bolt hole threads. Remove all dirt, debris, or threadlocking material from the bolt holes.
Fig 2: Cleaning Gasket Surfaces
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the cylinder head mating surfaces for flatness. Recondition the cylinder head mating surface, if necessary, by milling. Replace the cylinder head if you must remove more than 0.25 mm (0.010 in).

Fig 3: Checking Cylinder Head Mating Surfaces For Flatness

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the cylinder head for cracks.
Inspect the cylinder head deck for corrosion. Do not attempt to weld the cylinder head. If the cylinder head is damaged, replace the cylinder head.
Inspect the valve springs for squareness.

Fig 4: Inspecting Valve Springs For Squareness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Use the J 9666 in order to measure the valve spring tension. Replace the spring if the spring tension is not within specification.

Fig 5: Measuring Valve Spring Tension
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.