(T) Strange Issue

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hi Labman - I just PM'ed you with a possible lead on engine parts. I'm also in NY (Long Island).

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

Thanks! I will give them a call.

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.

Hey, good news! Great that it’s working out. Need to get that 500 back out on the road tearing up the tarmac

With all the extra horsepower I’m getting from the 650cc engine, I just might!

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.

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.