Contenu
Car engines perform fast actions, such as the pistons moving within the cylinders, over many years of use. If the engine begins to fail, cylinder heads can be milled to bring the engine back into proper performance standards.
Function
Typically, milling engine cylinder heads is part of a larger repair called an engine rebuild. The lower portion of the engine block is detached, inspected and cleaned. The cylinder heads are then resurfaced to properly seat the pistons and rings within the cylinders body.
Expert Insight
Cars Direct estimates that a common four-cylinder engine rebuild can cost from $400 to $500, and as the amount of cylinders increases, so does the pricing. A six-cylinder vehicle costs about $500 to $600, and an eight-cylinder increases to between $600 and $700. Estimates are as of early 2011.
Considerations
The extent of damage to the cylinder heads can increase the cost of rebuilding. The more resurfacing that is needed requires extra labor hours to create the correct effect for a properly functioning vehicle.
