Lonsdale, Adelaide
Cylinder head reconditioning in Adelaide
Cylinder heads are where Lonsdale Engine Worx started. The business was established in 1994 as Lonsdale Cylinder Head Services, and all cylinder head repairs are still completed in house at our workshop in Lonsdale, in Adelaide's southern suburbs.
The process
What’s involved.
We work on both alloy and cast iron heads, from a single valve grind through to a full head reconditioning.
- Step 01
Clean and inspect
The head is stripped and cleaned, often glass bead blasted, so every surface can be inspected.
- Step 02
Test for cracks and leaks
Cast iron heads are crack tested and alloy heads are pressure tested, to find cracks and leaks that cannot be seen.
- Step 03
Check it is straight
Heads can warp, especially after overheating. A warped head is straightened where possible, then the gasket face is machined flat.
- Step 04
Valves, seats and guides
Worn valve guides can be replaced with bronze guides, and the valves and seats are ground so each valve seals.
- Step 05
Repairs
Corroded areas can be built up by welding and stripped threads repaired. On overhead cam heads the cam tunnel can be line bored back into alignment.
What we do
Done in house.
Every job is different, so we quote after inspecting the part. Call (08) 8382 3388 or send photos through the quote form.
- Valve grindsRe-cutting valves and seats so each valve seals properly again, restoring compression.
- Head facing (alloy and cast iron)Machining the gasket face flat so the head gasket can seal.
- Pressure testing (alloy heads)Pressurising the water passages to find leaks and cracks you cannot see.
- Crack testing (cast iron)Checking cast iron heads for cracks before any money is spent on machining.
- Bronze guidesReplacing worn valve guides with bronze guides to keep each valve running true.
- Welding of corrosionBuilding up corroded areas, typically around water passages, so the head can be saved.
- StraighteningCorrecting a warped head, common after overheating, before it is faced.
- Thread repairsRestoring stripped or damaged threads such as spark plug and bolt holes.
- Line boringBringing the camshaft tunnel back into straight alignment on overhead cam heads.
- Glass bead blastingCleaning the head back to a bright, even finish ready for assembly.
- Overhauling to suit LPGSetting up the head so the valves and seats cope with running on LPG.
Can I bring in just the cylinder head?
Yes. Use the quote form and choose 'Just the part', or call (08) 8382 3388.
Do you work on alloy and cast iron heads?
Yes. We face both alloy and cast iron heads. Alloy heads are pressure tested and cast iron heads are crack tested.
My engine overheated. Can the head be saved?
It depends on what testing finds. Overheating can warp or crack a head, so it is tested and checked for straightness before any machining. Send photos through the quote form or call (08) 8382 3388.
Do you overhaul cylinder heads for LPG?
Yes. Overhauling heads to suit LPG is one of our cylinder head services.
How much does a cylinder head job cost?
Every job is different, so we quote after inspecting the part. Call (08) 8382 3388 or send photos through the quote form.
More services
More services.
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01
Engine reconditioning
Block, head, crank, rods and pistons, machined in house and brought back to a healthy, reliable engine.
Read more -
02
Engine block machining
Boring, power honing, block facing, line boring, sleeves, testing and acid cleaning.
Read more -
03
Crankshaft grinding
Crankshaft grinding and crack testing, with con rod pin fitting and fitting pistons.
Read more -
04
LPG cylinder head overhauls
Cylinder heads overhauled to suit running on LPG.
Read more -
05
Engine builds and installations
Engines built to suit and fitted, including our Holden 355 Stroker engines.
Read more
Get in touch
Ready for a quote?
Tell us about the car and the engine, and add a few photos if you can. We will come back to you with honest advice and a quote.