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Cylinder head repair at Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland usually follows an overheat or a failed head gasket. The cylinder head sits on top of the block and holds the valves, and often the camshafts. We confirm the failure with tests, remove the head, inspect it for warping and cracks, and give you a written estimate for the work it needs before it goes back on.
What are the signs of a head or head gasket problem?
- Sweet-smelling white exhaust that does not clear once warm
- Coolant dropping with no drip under the car
- Bubbles rising in the coolant reservoir with the engine running
- Overheating on climbs like the Cajon Pass
- A misfire in one cylinder after a cold start
- Oil and coolant mixing
What do we check once the head is off?
The head gasket gets laid out and read. A burned section between two cylinders tells a different story than a breach into a coolant passage. The head is cleaned and checked with a precision straightedge and feeler gauges across several directions. If it is warped beyond the manufacturer's limit, it needs cylinder head resurfacing or replacement.
We also look for cracks between valve seats, check valves for leaks, and inspect the block deck the gasket sealed against. Head bolts on many modern engines stretch on install and must be replaced. If overheating caused the failure, the cause gets fixed too, often through our cooling system services.
Our cylinder head repair process
Step 1: Confirm
Pressure, combustion gas and leak-down tests confirm the head or gasket.
Step 2: Remove
Intake, exhaust, timing parts and the head come off in order.
Step 3: Inspect and measure
Flatness, cracks and valve condition are checked and photographed.
Step 4: Estimate the head work
You approve the head work and parts list, with every step shown.
Step 5: Reassemble
New gasket and bolts go on, torqued in sequence, then timing is set and verified.
What's included in cylinder head repair
Included on the work order
- 01Confirming tests before removal
- 02Head gasket and required gaskets
- 03Flatness measurement and crack check
- 04New head bolts where the design requires
- 05Coolant and oil refill
- 06Leak check, quality check and road test
Need-now or need-later?
Need now: call
- Overheating or steady coolant loss
- Coolant in the oil
Need later: book
- An external head gasket seep with a steady coolant level, watched closely
How pricing and timing work
Price depends on engine layout, whether it has one head or two, and what the inspection shows. V6 and V8 engines often call for both heads to be done together. Head work can add time, and we update your pickup window if it does. Your written estimate shows every step.
Aftercare
Watch the coolant level and temperature gauge for the first two weeks. Air pockets can work their way out and lower the level slightly. See the engine repair page for how comebacks are handled.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of a blown head gasket?
Sweet white exhaust, coolant loss without a leak, reservoir bubbles, overheating and milky oil are the usual signs. We confirm with a combustion gas test before removing anything.
Can a head gasket sealer fix it?
Sealers can sometimes slow a small leak for a short time, but they can also clog the radiator and heater core. Tell us if one was used, because it changes our cooling system work.
Do both heads need work on a V6?
Often, yes. Both heads saw the same heat, and much of the labor overlaps. We show you measurements for each head so you can decide.