Cylinder Heads FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

What is a Cylinder Head?

It's a housing, often comprised of cast-iron or aluminum, located on the top of your vehicle's engine block. It contains several major engine parts -- among them, intake and exhaust valves, springs and lifters, and the combustion chamber.

What Does One Do?

Three things. One is taking in air and fuel via ports or tracts and expelling exhaust gases. Another is helping keep the many parts of the engine cooler by channeling coolant into the block. The last is, with help from a head gasket, preventing water and oil from leaking into the combustion chambers.

What Types are There?

Three main ones. Flathead cylinder heads, for one, help protect cylinder blocks, and they have no moving parts. Overhead valve cylinder heads, for another example, have camshafts above them, and their pushrods and valves are connected, smoothing out airflow. The third, overhead camshaft cylinder heads, have camshafts located inside them, which eliminates the need for pushrods; they optimize airflow and increase engine efficiency.

What are the Signs of a Bad One?

There are many, including:

• Cracks (often from engine overheats)
• Oil leaks
• Coolant leaks (which can cause further overheating)
• A misfiring engine
• General engine performance problems

If you think yours is bad, do a thorough inspection and replace your cylinder head, if not your entire engine, according to the results. Before you buy either, however, be sure it's the genuine article.

Why Buy a Genuine OEM Cylinder Head?

Mopar manufactures them to fit your brand and model specifically. That's a fitment guarantee that you may not get on the aftermarket.

Where Can I Order Mopar Cylinder Heads?

Online, right here at our auto parts store. Simply browse our catalog according to make, model, and year. Order one today, and we'll ship it fast; it'll be on your doorstep in no time.