Find Out How A Cylinder Head Works

Located at the top of the engine block, the cylinder head is a critical component that plays a vital role in the function of a combustion engine. It is an essential engine part, used to power vehicles, locomotives and marine vessels.

In this blog, we will look at the workings of a cylinder head and explore its significance, particularly within the design of marine, locomotive, and heavy machinery diesel engines.

The Cylinder Head Explained

The cylinder head has three primary functions:

• Act as a seal to the combustion chamber
• Allow fuel and air to flow through the cylinders and the exhaust to flow out
• Provide a passage for cooling water from the liner to the exhaust valve

The cylinder head is made from a robust material. Due to its immense strength and durability, cast iron is used in ships, locomotives, and industrial machinery. The cylinder head must be able to withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures, as a fault will compromise the whole engine.

Inside, it houses various monitoring instruments such as the fuel valve, starting air valve, cylinder relief valve, injection valve etc. It also has cavities for cooling water circulation. The cylinder head also has a safety valve to release pressure if needed.

These elements assist the combustion process and make the engine work. The cylinder head plays a critical role in regulating air flow in and out of the cylinders and in the precise deployment of fuel. It is a solid component that effectively conceals its internal mechanisms and is fixed in place by the head gasket. The head gasket forms a crucial seal between the cylinder head and the engine block, preventing any leakage of combustion gases and coolant.

Marine diesel engines generate power using the following process…

• A piston traps air and pushes it up the cylinder, compressing the air
• The air is heated to around 600 degrees as it rises
• Diesel fuel is then injected at high pressure
• When the fuel hits the hot air a powerful force is created

INDUCTION – COMPRESSION – POWER – EXHAUST

Cylinder Head Cooling

Marine engine cylinder heads are kept cool using the ‘high temperature cooling water system’.

The temperature is controlled using a thermostatically controlled valve, which passes water through the engine as necessary to achieve the optimal temperature. The temperature of the cooling water is important as if it is too cold thermal shocking may cause components to fail. If the water is too hot then it will not cool the components enough to prevent excessive wear and overheating.

The Crucial Role Of The Cylinder Head In Engine Efficiency

The cylinder head is a crucial component that influences the performance and efficiency of a combustion engine, including diesel engines. Its design and functionality define the compression air : fuel ratio, which will optimise combustion efficiency.