by 
The Curious Bag
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An engine's cylinder head contains the intake and exhaust valves, and also the combustion chamber. Cylinder heads are subject to extreme temperatures and pressure, which makes them susceptible to problems. Most cylinder head problems are caused by excessive heat, which can cause the head gasket to blow and, in extreme cases, the cylinder head itself to either crack or warp.
Testing the Head
Ensure that the engine is cool, as it can reach temperatures that can easily burn skin, and then pull the spark plug wire off the tip of any one spark plug on the cylinder head. Remove one of the cylinder head's spark plugs with a deep socket connected to a socket wrench. Note that the compression gauge has a hose extending from the bottom of it. At the tip of this hose is a threaded fitting. Turn this fitting into the spark plug hole until secure, then turn the engine on and allow it to idle. Observe the needle on the gauge and have a partner slowly press down on the accelerator pedal to increase the speed of the engine. If the needle on the gauge fluctuates as the engine's speed is increased, either the cylinder head or the head gasket is most likely damaged. If the needle stays steady as the engine's speed is increased, remove the compression gauge, reinstall the spark plug and repeat the test again at the next spark plug opening until you have tested each of the spark plug openings.
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