1997 Geo Tracker - Cylinder Head

What is a Cylinder Head?

The cylinder head seals the combustion chamber and houses the valves and spark plugs. The valves in the cylinder head facilitate the flow of air and fuel into the cylinders and allow exhaust gasses to exit the engine. Engines typically have one or two cylinder heads depending on its configuration, and the head will be sealed to the engine block with a head gasket to prevent compression loss, leaks, and to seal coolant and oil channels. Older cylinder heads feature a single intake and exhaust valve per cylinder, but many modern vehicles can have two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder. When the valves are sealed, the piston creates compression which allows the fuel and air mixture to be ignited and combust, but over time, the valves or head may suffer damage that prevents them from properly sealing. If your vehicle is misfiring or has low compression, these are both signs your cylinder head should be inspected for cracks or damage and repaired if necessary. An overheating engine can also damage the head gasket or warp the cylinder head. A blown head gasketor warped cylinder head may lead to coolant leaks, which can contaminate the oil or damage the engine. If you've noticed any signs of head or valve damage, the head and valvetrain should be inspected and repaired as necessary to restore your vehicle's performance and prevent more severe damage. In some cases, cylinder heads may be able to be resurfaced and restored to service at a machine shop, but if the head is unable to be repaired, it needs to be replaced. If you're ready to make your cylinder head repair, O'Reilly Auto offers replacement cylinder heads for many vehicles, along with replacement camshafts, valves, lifters, and the tools needed to get the job done right.