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Cylinder Head Repairs Service – Skimming
Remanufacturing can save up to 75% of the cost of a new replacement component.
For decades, the skilled technicians at Cast Iron Welding Services have applied their expert repair processes to mend broken and defective cast iron components in the marine power industry. Our innovative methods offer repair and remanufacturing as a cost-effective alternative to buying new.
One of the methods regularly employed in our workshop is cylinder head skimming. A marine cylinder head is repeatedly impacted by extreme levels of thermal and mechanical stress, which can damage the surface and, often, its deeper structural integrity. Cylinder head skimming is a precision machining process that extracts the damaged surface of a cylinder head, to reveal a faultless, smooth surface.
The Cast Iron Welding Services team have been at the forefront of marine component repair for almost thirty years. Trust in our excellence and proven track record to keep your cast iron machinery running smoothly.
What is Cylinder Head Skimming?
Cylinder head skimming is a technique often used to repair a damaged, corroded or defective cylinder head. The process involves ‘skimming’ a small amount of metal from the surface of the cylinder head to remove imperfections and create a perfectly smooth mating surface. A flat surface is needed to create a faultless seal with the engine block and head gasket, preventing leaks of combustion gases, coolant and oil. In marine engines, particularly two-stroke and four-stroke diesel versions, the high operating temperatures and pressures can lead to warping, distortion and pitting which can compromise the efficiency and performance of the engine.
How to Check if a Cylinder Head Needs Skimming
After cleaning the cylinder head, our technicians run a straight edge and feeler gauge across the surface to check for warping and distortion. To investigate cracking or other internal damage, we use a dye penetrant or magnetic particle testing method. If you have questions about a suspect cylinder head, contact the experts at Cast Iron Welding Services.
The Process
After removing the cylinder head, a thin layer of metal is removed using a precision milling machine or surface grinder to accurately create a perfectly flat, smooth surface.
Cylinder Head Failure
A cast iron cylinder head is a hefty piece of equipment, particularly in a marine setting. Built to withstand extreme pressure, vibration, and temperature, a marine cylinder head is critical to the operation of the internal combustion engine. Sitting at the head of the engine, the cylinder head covers the combustion chamber and houses valves and other components. One of the primary functions of a marine cylinder head is to allow the passage of fuel and air into the combustion chamber and facilitate the release of exhaust fumes out. The combustion process alone subjects a cylinder head to extreme thermal and mechanical stress levels.
Over time and repeated use, the cylinder head can develop cracks and other defects. Valves may also become worn, causing leaks into the combustion chamber. Signs that you have a problem within your cylinder head include:
- Overheating beyond the normal temperature range. Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder head failure in marine diesel engines.
- Poor, inefficient engine performance, including misfires and reduced power.
- Unusual engine noises.
- White oil or exhaust smoke, indicating coolant is mixing with oil through a leak in the head gasket.
Investing in regular maintenance of cast iron engine components is essential to getting the most out of your equipment and avoiding costly repairs and unexpected downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cylinder head skimming cost?
Can a cylinder head be skimmed twice?
How long does it take to skim a cylinder head?
What is the function of the head gasket?
How do I know if I need a new cylinder head?
Can all cylinder heads be skimmed?
Get in Touch
Trust Cast Iron Welding Services for all your cast iron welding requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and benefit from our expertise in restoring and enhancing the performance of your cast iron components.
