Cylinder Heads

Maintain Engine Performance with Cylinder Heads

Why pay inflated prices elsewhere for authentic OEM parts when Gates Nissan offers competitive rates? Cylinder heads form the top portion of your engine and contain many essential components. We provide genuine Nissan cylinder heads engineered specifically for your Pathfinder and Sentra. Aftermarket cylinder heads frequently use inferior casting methods that create weak points prone to early failure.

The Function of Cylinder Heads

Cylinder heads bolt directly to your engine block and cap off the combustion chambers where fuel burns. They house intake and exhaust valves that control air and fuel flow into the cylinders and exhaust gases out. Internal passages within the heads circulate coolant to manage extreme temperatures from combustion. The heads also position spark plugs at precise angles for efficient ignition. Camshafts mounted in the heads control valve timing and lift. This complex assembly must seal perfectly to maintain compression and prevent fluid leaks.

Why Cylinder Heads Fail

Repeated thermal expansion and contraction from engine operation causes metal fatigue over time. Severe overheating from cooling system malfunctions warps the sealing surface permanently. Corrosive coolant eats away at internal passages and weakens structural integrity. Generic aftermarket heads often lack the metallurgical quality to withstand sustained high temperatures. Pre-ignition or detonation from poor fuel quality can crack cylinder head surfaces. Age-related wear eventually compromises the precision needed for proper sealing.

Knowing When Cylinder Heads Need Replacement

White smoke billowing from the exhaust indicates coolant entering combustion chambers through cracks. Chronic overheating despite proper coolant levels suggests warped head surfaces. Milky residue in the oil cap or radiator means coolant and oil are mixing internally. Loss of engine power and rough running often accompany head gasket or head failure. Compression testing revealing low readings across cylinders points to sealing problems. Replacing failed heads along with valve covers ensures your engine stays leak-free and reliable.

You can trust Gates Nissan to always have the parts you need at a great price.