Cylinder Block and Cylinder Head

Cylinder block and head

Engine cylinder head

Engine cylinder heads are generally made out of iron or aluminum. The engine cylinder head holds the valves, valve springs, retainers, and 1-2 camshafts. The engine cylinder head only holds camshafts when it is an overhead cam. Inline 4 and 6 cylinder engines only have one cylinder head. V6-10 engines have more then one cylinder head. The cylinder head covers the engine’s cylinders along with the seals of the cylinders; this allows compression. To take care of the cylinder head you have to do regular oil and filter changes, engine check ups, and cooling system maintenance. Overheating can severely damage the cylinder head.

Cylinder block

The cylinder box holds the crankshaft and is generally made out of aluminum and iron. The cylinder block also holds the connecting rods, pistons and camshafts. Cylinder blocks only hold camshafts when the camshafts are cam-in-box or overhead valves. The cylinder box is used as a main cast or structure for the engine and holds the “bottom end”. The cylinder block must be made strong to withstand lots of torque and also keep in line everything connected to it such as transmission.