Cylinder Head Cleaning

The contents of this article/image reflects the changes identified in TSB 09-22-1

Cylinder Head Cleaning





1. NOTE: The cylinder head cleaning and the cylinder head distortion check procedures are different than other engines. Watching the video prior to carrying out the procedure may be helpful if doing the procedure for the first time.

2. NOTICE: Do not clean the cylinder heads with steel scrapers or blades, which can cause scratches or gouges that result in leak paths. Also, do not use rotary abrasive tools including: pads, disc, wire brushes, sand paper or emery cloth. These products can alter the surface finish of the head, adversely affecting the combustion chamber sealing.

NOTICE: Cleaning the cylinder head employing any other method may cause a non-warrantable condition.

NOTE: Use a brass scraper such as the Grainger 5LL98 brass scraper and a non-abrasive Scotch-Brite(TM) General Purpose Scouring Pad 96, or equivalent to clean the cylinder head.

With the valves installed, clean all the cylinder head gasket surfaces with metal brake parts cleaner and a brass scraper to remove the hardened carbon deposits. Repeat the process as necessary to remove the hardened carbon deposits. Then, use the general purpose scouring pad to remove the remaining residual deposits.
- Use only a lint-free rag to wipe the head gasket surface after cleaning.

3. NOTE: Staining of the metal surface is normal and does not affect sealing ability.

NOTE: Witness marks or indentations in the cylinder head resulting from the head gasket fire rings are normal and do not affect sealing ability.

Clean all bolt holes and be sure that the gasket surfaces, oil return holes and coolant passages are clean. After rinsing thoroughly in hot water, blow the passages out using filtered compressed air.

4. NOTE: The cylinder heads used on the diesel engine cannot be resurfaced.

Wash all bolts (except head bolts, which must be replaced) with a suitable solvent and dry thoroughly.