Cylinder Head Distortion Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Measure only the outboard surface of the cylinder head, from the push rod openings to the outer edge of the cylinder head.
- Check for distortion only at the 13 locations shown.
- Place the 0.1 mm (0.003 in) feeler gauge on the cylinder head at one of the specified locations. Then place the Gauge Bar (or straightedge) on top of the feeler gauge. Lightly press on the center of the Gauge Bar (or straightedge) while checking the measurement.
- Attempt to pull the feeler gauge out from under the Gauge Bar (or straight edge).
- If the 0.1 mm (0.003 in) feeler gauge can be easily pulled out from under the Gauge Bar (or straight edge) without resistance, the cylinder head is out of specification and must be replaced.
- Repeat the cylinder head distortion measurement at each of the 13 locations shown.
NOTE:
Staining of the metal surface is normal and does not affect sealing ability.
NOTE:
Witness marks or indentations in the cylinder head resulting from the head gasket fire rings are normal and do not affect sealing ability.
NOTE:
Do not measure for cylinder head distortion along the length, across the full width, or across a diagonal of the cylinder head. These types of measurement will provide inaccurate results.
NOTE:
When checking the 13 locations on the combustion chamber sealing surface, keep the Feeler Gauge Set away from the valve area as they may lead to incorrect measurement.
NOTE:
Avoid running the tip of the Feeler Gauge Set into the Gauge Bar (or straightedge). This may cause damage to, or distort the tip of, the Feeler Gauge Set. The result may be inaccurate readings.
NOTE:
If the Gauge Bar is not available, use a calibrated straightedge that is calibrated by the manufacturer to be flat within 0.0127 mm (0.0005 in) per running foot length, such as a Snap-On® GA438A, or equivalent.
NOTE:
If a location is measured to be out of specification, verify that all carbon deposits that may influence measurement accuracy have been removed with a plastic scraper and re-measure.
NOTE:
The cylinder heads used on the diesel engine cannot be resurfaced. Do not attempt to machine or resurface the cylinder heads.