Diagnose & Repair a Cracked Cylinder Head

Summary: Whether or not you are a mechanic, you most likely have experienced that feeling of hopelessness when the body-shop manager breaks the news to you. What you had hoped would be a hole in the muffler or a bit of water in the gas turns out to be a repair costing hundreds--if not thousands--of dollars. At least that’s what the body shop manager tells you. The hours tick past as you wait for your ride to get fixed, and you start to wonder if perhaps this particular business might have exaggerated their estimate just a bit, maybe enough for a new stereo or a trip to Cancun. But how can you be sure? The solution is to know more about your car and what can go wrong with it. In this free auto repair series, Expert Village examines one of the costliest car repairs, so watch and learn what to look for so you don’t get taken advantage of next time at the repair shop.

Doug Jenkins has seen many a cracked cylinder head in his time. Damaged cylinder heads are a constant risk in the hot rods that his body shop specializes in: Push a car to the limit on the race track and it may show signs of stress and strain. Doug tells you what signs to look for if you think you might have a cracked head. Does the antifreeze level go down too fast? Notice anything unusual about the oil color or hose pressure? Check all of the warning signs first because actually getting to the cylinder head is a very complicated process, which involves removing everything from the v-belt and AC compressor to the intake manifold and headers. But Expert Village takes you every step of the way.