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Fair enough, it’s hard to understand from that pic the true damage....If it’s beyond repair then do be it..
Technical Strange Issue
- Thread starter Labman
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Technical Strange Issue
Fair enough, it’s hard to understand from that pic the true damage....If it’s beyond repair then do be it..
OP
OP
I’m going to have an expert (Italian Ferrari mechanic) look at the head to see if it’s salvageable. But repair might be cost prohibitive compared to the cost of a good used one or a NOS (if I can find one). I will post more detailed pics of the head once I remove the debris and remove the valve in question before I drop off the engine.
OP
OP
So without removing the valve, you can see that valve sitting up higher in the head compared to the other three valves. Valve seat was definitely the culprit. Posting new pics of the bad side of the head and cylinder. I don’t think this head can be repaired but will see. I also have a spark plug insert in that cylinder (came out with spark plug) because someone years ago must have stripped it. Pic #4 is the good side of the head.
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Never seen a valve seat installation like that before...….
That is a new one on me
That is a new one on me
OP
OP
Never seen a valve seat installation like that before...….
That is a new one on me
Which I'm guessing is the reason it failed
If the sparkplug insert extends past the spark tip then its purpose is to not foul the plug with oil on a worn sloppy engine. Mine had one because she threw lots of oil into the cylinder. Or you could be right and the may have stripped it in the past
OP
OP
My head can’t be repaired. Brought it to a reputable shop here in New York City. Plus both spark plug holes have inserts. So I’m still on the hunt for a 500F head. I contacted someone in San Diego California and waiting for him to get back to me.
the hobbler
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Morning Steven;
I have just checked the "Axel Gerstl" site and the 'bare' overhauled 500F head is still listed as 'available'. If you bought their head, you would know what you have bought, whereas with a 2nd hand head you have no idea of the quality that you are buying.
I have just checked the "Axel Gerstl" site and the 'bare' overhauled 500F head is still listed as 'available'. If you bought their head, you would know what you have bought, whereas with a 2nd hand head you have no idea of the quality that you are buying.
It's worthwhile to check that any new head is modified for unleaded fuel or that any reconditioned head or reconditioning work you might obtain covers the same.
OP
OP
Tom,
This head requires my old scrap head in exchange. Sending mine back from the US will be quite costly I believe. It’s too bad I couldn’t just buy it outright. But this might be my only option at this point.
lazylobster
Established member
Hi Labman, chatting with a NY based Fiat 500 importer on Instagram,
https://instagram.com/dibellafiats?igshid=wsnef2f4ap9f
They have a head.
Give them a call, their cell is 8453041677
Regards
Rob
https://instagram.com/dibellafiats?igshid=wsnef2f4ap9f
They have a head.
Give them a call, their cell is 8453041677
Regards
Rob
OP
OP
OP
OP
Rob,
Thank you for hooking me up with Rosario. He is a wealth of information and not only could get me the head but a complete engine as well. So I chose the latter. A totally rebuilt 650cc engine done in Sicily! I have to wait until January or February to get it, but I don't mind. This way I have more power and don't have to worry about rebuilding mine and hoping I do it correctly being I've never tackled anything like that before. So my little car will have a new heart real soon. Thank you for all the advice that was given to me here.
lazylobster
Established member
Hey, good news! Great that it’s working out. Need to get that 500 back out on the road tearing up the tarmac :slayer:
OP
OP
Hey, good news! Great that it’s working out. Need to get that 500 back out on the road tearing up the tarmac :slayer:
With all the extra horsepower I’m getting from the 650cc engine, I just might! [emoji41]
If you are running a standard 500 engine and transmission the 652 will not fit your gearbox so you will need to change the bell housing and starter motor. Then you may have an issue with Dynamo/alternator and tinware so best to check.
OP
OP
Sorry. I should have clarified. It's a 500F engine that will be bored out to 650cc. So it will hook right up to the bell housing of my standard 500 gearbox.
OP
OP
Just to follow up...received my new 650cc engine from Sicily that I bought from DiBella Fiats. Installed it last month. The difference is huge. Amazing what 50% more horsepower means to these little cars. Now I can keep up and even pass cars on the roads. I could never do that before. And the engine and new muffler look and sound great!
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