Cylinder Head Reconditioning - Metal Machines Engineering Services

1-WHY

Why recondition your cylinder heads?

Cylinder head reconditioning is essential for maintaining efficient airflow and ensuring your engine operates at optimal output..

Problems we look for

•Carbon deposits and oil residues
•Cracks not visible to the naked eye
•Uneven head surface on combustion deck, causing gasket failure
•Worn valve seats and valve spindles
•Worn valve guides
•Weak valve springs
•Seal leaks

What reconditioning gives you

•Restored performance and reliability
•Proper seal between head and engine block
•Improved fuel efficiency and longevity
•Heads restored to peak condition

Cylinder head areas we check and recondition

Explode Drag to rotate

Combustion deck Valve seats Valve guides Valve spring

3D illustration only. Shape and number of valves vary by engine.

Reconditioning work we carry out

Combustion Deck

•Head surface machined to restore flatness
•Ensures a proper seal with the engine block
•Prevents gasket failures

Valve spindles and seats

•Valve spindles and seats re-ground
•Valves lapped to the seats by hand, using diamond lapping compound
•Restores sealing and airflow
•New valve seats installed if needed

Valve guides

•Knurled to improve oil retention
•Or replaced for smooth valve movement
•Reduces wear

Valve springs

•Checked for proper tension and wear
•Weak springs affect valve timing and performance

Crack test

•Dye penetrant test for cracks
•Finds weaknesses not visible to the naked eye

Water Inlet

•Checks for seal leaks using Hydrostatic pressure test
•Confirms the head is ready for operation

2-WHAT

Equipment we use

Surfacing

•Machining equipment for head surfacing

Chris-Marine Valve Seat Lathe (VSL)

•Valve seat diameter: 50 to 230 mm
•Machining angles set to the engine’s requirement
•Self-centring pilot spindle, stepless speed, automatic feed
•Operators equipped and trained on the VSL

Testing

•Diamond lapping compound for hand lapping of valve seats
•Dye penetrant testing kit
•Hydrostatic pressure testing equipment
•Spring tension testing

Measuring tools

•Flatness and dimensional checks
•Instruments calibrated yearly

3-HOW

How we carry out the process

Every cylinder head goes through the same controlled sequence, from receiving inspection to final hand-over.

1 Stage 1 – Receive and identify

– Record received condition

– Verify engine model and identify marking numbers

– Photographs taken

a Disassemble and clean

– Cylinder head carefully disassembled

– All components thoroughly cleaned

– Debris, carbon deposits and oil residues removed

b Dye penetrant test

– Test for cracks and structural weaknesses

– Conducted by certified technicians

2 Stage 2 – Discuss findings with you

– Report with photographs

– Agree the corrective action

– Replacement recommended if beyond limits

a Selection – Combustion Deck

– Conduct dye penetrant crack test and surface deviation check

– Head surface machined to restore flatness

– Achieve required flatness to fulfill proper sealing between head and engine block

b Selection – Valve spindles and seats

– Valve spindles and seats machined or grinded to the required angle

– Using the Chris-Marine Valve Seat Lathe (VSL)

– Valves lapped to the seats by hand, using diamond lapping compound

– New valve seats installed if needed

c Selection – Valve guides and springs

– Conduct measurement check on guides

– Guides knurled or replaced

– Springs checked for tension and wear

d Selection – Rotator

– Check for tension and wear

– Rotator replaced if necessary

e Selection – Injector and Injector Sleeve

– Conduct measurement check on injector and injector sleeve

– Injector machined or replaced

– Injector sleeve replaced if necessary

f Selection – Water Inlet

– Conduct Hydrostatic pressure test to check for seal leaks

– Head confirmed ready for operation

3 Selection – Protect, pack and report

– Protective coating and packing

– Reconditioning report issued with the head

SERVICES

Related Services

Learn more about each service, including how we carry it out.

Cylinder liner

•Refurbishment for improved engine efficiency

Engine bearing pocket boring

•Climax BB5000 and laser alignment
•In-situ or in our workshop

Connecting rod

•Reconditioning to restore optimal performance

In-situ machining

•Machining at your site or vessel

Metrology Services

•Advanced laser measurement and alignment
•Verification for absolute flatness and accuracy

Engineering Turnkey Solutions

•End-to-end project management
•Planning, overhaul, and final execution

Come Talk To Us!

Let us know how we can help you. Send us the engine model, liner marking number, bore size and a few photos, with your preference for workshop or onboard service, and for deglazing and/or honing.