Cylinder Head Distortion Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

Measure only the outboard surface of the cylinder head, from the push rod openings to the outer edge of the cylinder head.

Fig 1: Identifying Cylinder Head Outboard Surface
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.

Check for distortion only at the 13 locations shown in the illustration.

Fig 2: Identifying Distortion Check Points
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.

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.

Fig 3: Checking Cylinder Head Measurement At Specified Locations Using Feeler Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Attempt to pull the feeler gauge out from under the Gauge Bar (or straight edge).

Fig 4: Pulling Feeler Gauge From Gauge Bar
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.

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 in the illustration.

Fig 5: Identifying Distortion Check Points
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.