Ford Transit Cylinder Head Replacement Case Study
This Ford Transit came into Progressive Vans with a suspected head-gasket/cylinder-head issue. Rather than refitting a questionable cylinder head, we removed it and had it checked for hardness and pressure integrity before deciding on the repair path.
Book a Workshop AssessmentWhat We Found
Once the cylinder head was removed, it was sent for quality checks including hardness testing and pressure testing. The original head did not meet our quality standard for reuse, so we did not simply machine it and refit it.
The purpose of hardness and pressure testing is to confirm whether the casting is still suitable for reliable service. In this case, the head failed our checks and we considered it unsuitable to put back into a working commercial vehicle.
Workshop Photo Evidence
The Repair Decision
Because the original head failed our quality checks, we chose a new cylinder-head casting instead of a second-hand head. On a working commercial van, a second-hand casting can introduce another unknown into an already labour-intensive repair. Our preference in this case was to fit a new casting to give the customer a better long-term outcome.
Confirm the fault and determine that cylinder-head removal is required.
Remove the head and assess hardness and pressure integrity.
If the casting does not meet our reuse standard, do not refit it.
Install a new replacement head and complete the repair using the appropriate components and procedures.
Why We Chose New Instead of Second-Hand
For a commercial vehicle, downtime and repeat repairs can cost more than the component itself. A new casting removes much of the uncertainty that comes with a used cylinder head whose prior thermal history and service life may be unknown.
This repair is backed by our 1-year workshop warranty, giving the customer additional confidence in the work completed.
We do not automatically reuse a major engine component just because it can be machined or physically refitted. Where testing shows a cylinder head does not meet our quality standard, we would rather replace it than build a repair around a questionable casting.
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