Cylinder head reconditioning
Need your cylinder head reconditioned? A cylinder head reconditioning means the head is stripped down, pressure tested, resurfaced and rebuilt with new valve guides, valve seals and machined valve seats. We carry out valve seat cutting, valve grinding, resurfacing and unleaded conversion in our workshop south of Stockholm.
Guide price: from around 750 kr per operation; a complete reconditioning of a 4-cyl 16v cylinder head is normally 3 000-5 000 kr excl. VAT. Typical turnaround: 3-7 working days. 12-month warranty.
We take in cylinder heads for cars, motorcycles, marine, industrial and classic vehicles. Reconditioned cylinder heads for common engines are in stock for a quick swap.
From inspection to finished result
White smoke? Coolant disappearing? The problem is often in the cylinder head. High temperature, pressure and mechanical load cause cracks to form, valve seats to wear and sealing surfaces to become uneven. A cylinder head reconditioning restores the head to full working order and significantly extends the life of the engine.
Reconditioning a cylinder head is precision work where the right equipment and the right tolerances decide the result. The work is carried out mainly in our own workshop, from inspection and pressure testing to a finished, tested head. Over 30 years of experience and our own machine shop with a Mira seat cutter, valve grinding machine and pressure testing rig.
What does a cylinder head reconditioning include?
- Pressure testing - we test the cylinder head for cracks and leaks before any work begins. Read more
- Resurfacing the sealing face - machining the face flat for a perfect seal against the gasket
- Valve seat cutting - precision cutting of the valve seats at the correct angles for an optimal seal
- Valve grinding - the valves are ground for a correct seal against the seats
- Valve guide replacement - when worn, the guides are replaced to eliminate play
- Valve clearance adjustment - the valve clearances are set to specification
- Unleaded conversion - conversion with new valve seats for unleaded fuel
Valve reconditioning: seats, guides and grinding
The valves are the most exposed components in the cylinder head. They open and close thousands of times a minute under extreme heat and pressure. Worn valves and valve seats lead to loss of compression, higher fuel consumption and, in the worst case, engine failure.
Valve seat cutting is a precision technique where the seat contact faces are cut at exact angles. The result is a gas-tight seal that gives the right compression and optimal gas flow. We combine this with grinding the valves themselves and, where needed, replacing the valve guides - the parts that control how the valve moves in the head.
This is craftsmanship that takes experience. Every engine has its tolerances and every cylinder head has its history. We assess each detail individually and tailor the work to exactly what your head needs.
Cylinder head resurfacing
The cylinder head's sealing face against the block has to be perfectly flat. Heat and mechanical load can warp it - sometimes only a few hundredths of a millimetre, but that is enough to stop the head gasket sealing. We measure the head and resurface the face to the correct specification.
Unleaded conversion
Engines built before the 1990s were often designed for leaded petrol. The lead in the fuel acted as a lubricant for the valve seats. Without lead the seats wear quickly, which leads to loss of compression and poor running. In an unleaded conversion the original valve seats are replaced with new ones in a harder material that copes with modern unleaded petrol. It is a common job when reconditioning classic engines and vintage cars.
When do you need to recondition your cylinder head?
The cylinder head is one of the most heavily stressed components in the engine. Here are the most common faults that call for cylinder head reconditioning:
Cracks between valve seats
Common on engines that have overheated. Leads to loss of compression and coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. We can weld cracks in cylinder heads, but it is mainly worthwhile on expensive or rare heads. Otherwise we recommend replacement.
Burnt valves
Valves that do not seal properly get burnt by the hot exhaust gas. The result is a rough idle, loss of power and sometimes unusual noises.
Warped cylinder head
Heat and mechanical load can warp the cylinder head. Just hundredths of a millimetre is enough for the gasket to leak.
Worn valve guides
Leads to noise, higher oil consumption (blue smoke) and poor valve guidance. We replace the valve guides for an exact fit.
Leaking head gasket
Can show up as white smoke, loss of coolant, oil in the coolant or loss of compression. Often called a blown head gasket. The head usually needs resurfacing and pressure testing before a new gasket is fitted.
Our equipment
We carry out every operation in our own machine shop. That means faster turnaround and full control over quality. Our equipment for cylinder head work:
- Mira seat cutter - precision cutting of valve seats at the correct angles and surface finish
- Valve grinding machine - for grinding valves to an exact seal against the seats
- Surfacing machine - resurfacing the head's sealing face to the correct specification
- Pressure testing rig - to detect hidden cracks and leaks
- Cleaning equipment - thorough cleaning of all parts before and after reconditioning
Guide prices: cylinder head reconditioning
The prices below are for a 4-cylinder 16-valve engine and are guide prices excl. VAT. The exact price depends on the condition of the cylinder head and which operations are needed. You always get a detailed quote after inspection.
| Operation | Price from |
|---|---|
| Valve seat cutting | 1 612 kr |
| Valve grinding | 832 kr |
| Cylinder head resurfacing | 1 330 kr |
| Valve seal replacement | 832 kr |
| Valve guide replacement | 1 274 kr |
| Valve seat replacement | 2 660 kr |
| Pressure testing | 1 876 kr |
All prices excl. VAT. Prices apply to a 4-cyl 16v cylinder head. Other engine types: contact us for a quote. See the full price list
Reconditioned cylinder heads in stock
Has the engine already stopped and you need a cylinder head fast? We keep reconditioned cylinder heads for many common engines in stock, ready to fit. Through our exchange system you send in your old head and get a fully reconditioned replacement head straight away, without waiting for machining.
- Less downtime - you avoid the 3-7 working days a reconditioning normally takes
- The same quality - every head in stock is pressure tested and reconditioned to the process above
- 12-month warranty - the same warranty as when we recondition your own head
Call 076-324 10 66 with your engine code and we will check whether we have a reconditioned cylinder head to fit your car in stock.
How it works, step by step
You always know what needs doing before we start. A detailed quote with every part and all the work specified.
Quote and needs assessment
Tell us about the job via the form, by phone or by email. We talk through what you need and give an initial assessment.
Send-in and inspection
You post the cylinder head to us or drop it off at our workshop south of Stockholm. We strip it down, pressure test and inspect it - assessing exactly which operations are required.
Detailed quote
You get a quote by email with every part and all labour specified. Most jobs have a fixed price - no hidden costs. Say no? You only pay for the inspection time.
Reconditioning
Once the quote is approved we start the work - resurfacing, valve seat cutting, valve grinding and every operation included in your quote.
Ready - return or collection
We let you know by email and SMS when the cylinder head is ready. You pay by payment link or invoice once the job is done. We ship the reconditioned head back to you, or you collect it in person.
What our customers say
5 out of 5 based on 49 reviews on Google
These reviews are translated from Swedish. See the original reviews on Google
"I had a cylinder head reconditioning on my T5 and will definitely come back to Meksta. Friendly staff, good price."
"Professional, very accommodating, simply superb. My corroded cylinder head came out like new. Highly recommended."
"Had the cylinder head from an Audi in for reconditioning after the chain jumped. They did a really nice job on it at a reasonable cost. I can really recommend the Meksta workshop!"
"Sent in my cylinder head where the valves had seized. They fixed it fairly quickly. Good service and good value."
"I brought in my cylinder head for resurfacing and they also vacuum tested it for any leaks, brilliant! They did the job the same day at a good price. Highly recommend!"
"Sent in my cylinder head for reconditioning, it was finished the same day. Incredibly fast and great service, highly recommend!"
"Happy with the cylinder head reconditioning."
"Thanks for the help with my cylinder head."
Frequently asked questions about cylinder head reconditioning
Ready to get started?
Tell us about the job and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Quote after inspection.
Common engines we recondition
See what a reconditioning means for your specific engine - prices, common faults and specifications per engine family.