OEM Cylinder Heads

The cylinder head seals the combustion chamber and housing components like the valves and spark plugs. It works in tandem with the head gasket to maintain proper compression and engine performance. Over time, heat and pressure can cause cracks, leaks, or warping.

What to Check When Inspecting Your Volkswagen's Cylinder Head

If your Volkswagen Jetta is running rough, overheating, or losing power, your cylinder head may be the culprit. Here’s what to look for:

Cracks or Warping

Use a straight edge and feeler gauge to check for warping along the surface. Even slight bends can break the seal with the head gasket, leading to leaks or misfires.

Oil in the Coolant or Vice Versa

If you notice milky oil or coolant contamination, it’s a red flag. This may signal a failing cylinder head gasket or damage to the compressor head area within the assembly.

Exhaust Smoke

White or blue exhaust smoke can point to oil or coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. A cracked head or worn cylinder head gasket is often to blame.

Loss of Compression

Poor acceleration or engine misfires might mean the combustion chamber isn’t sealed properly. Compression tests can help confirm if the cylinder head is at fault.

Protect Vital Seals with Durable Valve Covers

While servicing your top end, consider replacing worn valve covers to keep oil leaks at bay and extend the life of your cylinder components.

Get trusted parts from Awesome Parts for reliable performance and factory fit. Questions about compatibility? Contact us today.