The cylinder head in Saab is the metal-alloy covering of the engine chambers and houses multiple crucial engine activities. It is connected to the engine chamber with bolts and a gasket sandwiched between them. The cylinder head is made up of Aluminum alloy for equal weight and even heat distribution on the engine.

However, the cylinder head is not just any usual covering. It houses several critical engine components, such as camshafts, intake and exhaust valves, valve springs, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and pathways for engine oil and coolant. A well-maintained engine head is crucial for the engine timing, cooling, lubrication, and combustion. Its many functions include;

• Sealing the combustion chamber so that the power and pressure generated could be channeled into generating power for the vehicle.
• Maintaining proper air flow and fuel air mixing.
• It provides structural support and lubrication to the entire drivetrain.
• Houses the coolant and oil lines that conduct the engine cooling in Saab.

Common Causes Behind Engine Cylinder Damage in Saab

Overheating

If the Saab’s cooling system fails due to a faulty thermostat, a leaking radiator, or a defective water pump, the overall engine temperature skyrockets. Under the heat, the cylinder head expands dramatically, as it is made up of Aluminum. This causes metal wrapping and head gasket failure, causing damage to the cylinder head.

Head gasket Failure

Apart from the heat, the head gasket fails due to wear and corrosion due to age. This results in a coolant leak and a malfunction of the cooling system. As a result, the vehicle faces an overheating issue, causing the cylinder head to get warped and damaged.

Cracks and damage

Often, due to extreme heat conditions, the cylinder head faces microscopic cracks. These cracks progressively expand after encountering numerous heat and pressure cycles, causing damage to the cylinder head. This results in irregular combustion and cooling.

Timing Chain Damage

If the timing chain in Saab controls the camshaft movement, and if it fails, the valves stay in their position. Due to a timing chain malfunction, if any valve remains open during piston movement, a collision between the valve and the piston occurs. This violent impact causes damage to the valve seals, pistons, and the cylinder head itself, often requiring a full replacement.

Corrosion

Using the incorrect type of coolant can cause corrosion on the surface of the cylinder head. This damages the sealing ability of the head and causes leaks that can’t be fixed, necessitating cylinder head replacement.

Repair for Damaged Cylinder Head near Kalamazoo

The cylinder head repair is a labor-intensive process that requires technicians with specialized expertise and access to exceptional repair and service tools. Master Mechanics Auto Repair in Kalamazoo provides you with all the above facilities for your Saab in Kalamazoo.

The repairs start with disconnecting the battery, draining the fluids, and disassembling the engine components such as intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbocharger, fuel lines, dozens of electrical connectors, vacuum hoses, timing belt/chain cover, and timing components.

Then the removed cylinder head undergoes rigorous repairs and tests under specialized tools. These include pressure testing, decking, resurfacing, and valve jobs. The connecting engine block surface also undergoes a similar process, allowing both parts to join properly. After rectifying the damage to the cylinder head, the components are reassembled and properly torqued, ensuring the correct positioning of the elements. Then the fluids are refilled, and a driving test is conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the repair.

Comprehensive Auto Service at Master Mechanics Auto Repair

At Master Mechanics Auto Repair, we are able to provide these specific and complex services because of the ASE-certified master mechanics we employ. Our facility has more than 20 years of experience, and in the Kalamazoo area, we serve a vast array of brands that include European, Domestic, and Asian import brands.

Our facility uses high-quality, genuine parts and components for all our repairs. We ensure your vehicle gets brand-approved fluids for all the fluid services. Operating from Kalamazoo, we also extend our services to the surrounding cities, including Battle Creek and Portage.