So the head gasket is gone on my Fiat Stilo 1.6 16V. As I do not have 600+ to have it done by Fiat dealership I decided to call my friend and get him to change it. He is a skilled mechanic I know from since we were little. He asked me couple of questions I do not know the answers for.

First: What is the torque settings on head bolts ??? Is there any special procedure to tighten them ??


Second: What socket do I need to loosen them ?? Normal hex key or something "Fiat special" ??

Is there anything else I should be aware of ??

We will be doing this on Sunday so there is no way I can buy the missing tools when the engine is half way stripped.


Any little detail may help.

Might as well do a guide for others while I am at it

Cam locking tool is a must..and there is a tightening sequence..and I believe you have to change the head bolts as they stretch..cant give you any tech details torque etc I got rid of my user CD..change the cam belt while your at it if its not been done..also as Morty mort has already said you need to check if the head is warped and if it is you need to get it skimmed or you will be doing the job again soon..

http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/index.cfm?action=catalogue.list

http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/index.cfm?action=catalogue.list

You wont be doing it in a day. Once the head is off, you must send it to a machinist be skimmed. If you don't, you will just get HGF again.

The car has never overheated ...what is the chance I do not need the head skimmed. Or is it a must ??

hydrantekk said:

The car has never overheated ...what is the chance I do not need the head skimmed. Or is it a must ??

Click to expand...

It is a risk if you don't skimm it. They may be able to check it and say it is OK.
Maybe someone else can say if it is possible to get away without skimming on a Stilo head but on Rover K engines I know you must skim it otherwise you will have HGF again within a mater of days / weeks.

So I attempted to change the head gasket today. MISSION FAILED.

I did not expect the engine belt pulley to be held by a huge nut and the access is only from underneath the car. Damn FIAT engineering.

So I bought the parts worth more than £350 but no way I can change them :bang:

Now I need to find a garage who will take the car in and do not whinge about my own parts :bang:



I am off to get my Oyster card toped up. Public transport here I come :bang: