Sometimes, you just have to replace your cylinder head. You might be rebuilding your engine, or completing a repair from a blown head gasket or cracks between your exhaust valves.
All these things are cause for a cylinder head replacement. And when it’s time, you want to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your engine.
That’s where we come in. We want to help make sure you’re getting exactly the parts you need.
What Does a Cylinder Head Do For Your Diesel Engine?
First, it’s important to understand just what a cylinder head is for.
This is the part that allows for the necessary combustion to occur in your diesel engine.
It’s found on top of the engine block, and involves several other components. These include the intake valves, exhaust valves, and the fuel injectors, which go through the center of the cylinder head.
How Does the Cylinder Head Allow for Combustion?
As we mentioned, your cylinder head works with several other components to help combustion. All these parts have to be working together correctly for the process to happen as it should.
Basically, clean air comes in through the intake valves. Then, the injectors inject the fuel. Finally, the exhaust valves open to release the spent air/fuel mix.
It’s essential that your cylinder head works properly, or the process won’t work efficiently. If your head is damaged or cracked, combustion can be disrupted. This can lead to further problems in your engine.
About the Cylinder Head for the C15, C15 ACERT, 3406E
This diesel engine cylinder head is made to fit on your Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E.
This head is new, and it’s crafted with a higher nickel content. This increases the strength and durability of the head.
You’ll be getting new intake and exhaust valves with it, and it also comes with new valve keepers, spring retainers, and new valve springs. The cam bearing comes pre-installed.
To enhance the coolant flow, this head has wider fluid passages and a thicker deck. This means that you’ll be getting a longer-lasting power.
You’re getting all brand new components with this head. We also have the parts you need to get the job done, like the valve bridges.
Valve bridges sit across the top of the valves, and they can wear easily. You can see wear on the top of the stem, and on the bottom of the valve bridge, but they won’t wear perfectly flat.
It’s important not to put old valve bridges on your new, flat cylinder head.
Other Components You Might Need
If you’re replacing your cylinder head, there are a few other things you might want to pick up.
These include:
- New spacer plate
- New head bolts
- New injector hold-down bolts
These injector bolts are only meant for one use because they stretch when you torque them. That means they won’t hold the torque you need a second time. They stay stretched out.
It’s important to replace these bolts when you replace your cylinder head.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new cylinder head for your Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E, Highway and Heavy Parts can help!
We have ASE Certified Technicians on staff who can help you diagnose your diesel engine issues and make sure you’re getting the parts you need.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts!
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FAQs for the Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, and 3406E Cylinder Head
1. What does the cylinder head do on a Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E diesel engine?
The cylinder head on a Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E diesel engine plays a critical role in the combustion process. It houses components such as the intake valves, exhaust valves, and fuel injectors. Clean air enters through the intake valves, fuel is injected at the right moment, and the exhaust valves release the spent gases. If the cylinder head is cracked or damaged, combustion can be disrupted, leading to decreased performance and more serious engine problems. Keeping this part in good condition ensures efficient operation, better fuel economy, and longer engine life.
2. What makes the Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, and 3406E cylinder head from Highway and Heavy Parts better than others?
The Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, and 3406E cylinder head from Highway and Heavy Parts is brand new—not remanufactured—and built with premium materials. It contains a higher nickel content for increased strength and durability. This cylinder head also includes brand new intake and exhaust valves, valve springs, valve keepers, and spring retainers, with a pre-installed cam bearing. Its design features enhanced coolant passages and a thicker deck surface, giving you better cooling and longer-lasting engine performance. When you purchase from Highway and Heavy Parts, you’re getting a top-tier product engineered for longevity.
3. Should I replace the valve bridges when installing a new cylinder head?
Yes, replacing the valve bridges is highly recommended when installing a new cylinder head. Valve bridges are components that sit on top of the valves and help distribute the load. Over time, they can wear unevenly, particularly on the top of the valve stem and the bottom surface of the bridge. Reusing worn valve bridges on a new, flat cylinder head can lead to improper valve function and increased wear on the new head. For the best performance and longevity, Highway and Heavy Parts recommends always installing new valve bridges during a cylinder head replacement.
4. Do I need to replace the injector hold-down bolts with a new cylinder head?
Absolutely. Injector hold-down bolts are designed to be used only once because they stretch during the torqueing process. Reusing these bolts means they may not maintain the proper torque, which can lead to loose injectors, compression issues, or fuel delivery problems. When installing a new Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E cylinder head, Highway and Heavy Parts recommends always replacing the injector hold-down bolts to ensure a secure and proper installation.
5. Can Highway and Heavy Parts help me select the right cylinder head for my Caterpillar engine?
Yes, Highway and Heavy Parts has ASE Certified Technicians on staff who can help you identify the correct cylinder head for your specific Caterpillar engine. Whether you’re working with a C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E model, their expert team will help you confirm fitment, guide you through the installation components you might need, and ensure you get the right parts the first time. From diagnosis through delivery, Highway and Heavy Parts is committed to getting you back on the road with confidence.
