I have a 2007 Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet 150bhp with 40000 on the clock.
Serviced regularly never overheated.
A few weeks ago I went to start it but it just turned over with out starting.
Tried again and started ok. This happened a few times over a couple of weeks then started to idle roughly. Plugged in my code reader and got cylinder 4 misfire error.
Bought and fitted a new set of the Fiat recommended NGK IKR9F8 spark plugs.
No change in the idle and now started with white smoke from the exhaust and a small amount of mayo on the inside of the oil cap.

I would like to know is this all pointing to a head gasket failure or could it be caused by something else?
Are there any recommended mechanics in the Warrington Cheshire area?
Has anyone attempted this job before and how easy is it? I have changed head gaskets before on MX5s and a mk2 golf.

Can also be the coil or the wiring to the coil.
Move the no4 cylinder coil to the no2 cylinder, clear the codes.. then see it it returns and on which cylinder.
If it still misfires on 4 then check that the wires are OK (if you have spark on that cylinder):
-pull the coil off the spark plug ( reconnect the coil to the wires)
-ground a tester light http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/dodgetech2875/2010-01-03_233029_test_light.jpg
- get someone to crank the car (or even start it) and get the tester light close enough to the coil so it can arc to it ( ~1-2 cm)
If it arcs then the problem is not the ignition..it might be the injector or compression.

For the injector you an start to check the impedance... if it's totally different (20-30% difference) to the other injectors, then it's bad you can replace it.
Then you would need to do a pressure drop down test on each injector (special tools required - take it to a garage).
For the compression test ... also take it to a garage.
The t-jets are not known for HG failures; the white smoke is probably just condensation in the exhaust.

Thanks for the info aurick86 I will give it a try and post the results

Well the bad news, I took it into the garage to be tested. They have used a gas analyser on the coolant and it is definitely the head gasket.
Any idea what could have caused this as the car has never overheated, been serviced regularly and only covered 42000 miles.

Just ordered all the parts to attempt the job myself this weekend.
Timing belt & tensioner.
Water pump
Thermostat
Head gasket
Rocker gasket
Head bolts

pfrench69 said:

Just ordered all the parts to attempt the job myself this weekend.
Timing belt & tensioner.
Water pump
Thermostat
Head gasket
Rocker gasket
Head bolts

Click to expand...

Take pictures along the way and do a guide

You need special tools for the timing ( it's the same as the 1.2 16v fiat engines).
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7c4jLzlPRDILzKiUrSZVlJhHeqbcJ2S6pKJxluTXQL_6INN_P

I would not take the head off without having the intake cam locked. Get the toos as they are pretty cheap compared to troubleshooting bad timing, not to mention bent valves.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Engine-Timing-Tool-Kit-Fiat-Punto-Bravo-Brava-1-2-16v-Twincam-Petrol-/281574319179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item418f23244b
This kit seems to have other bits used to look the cam wheel to loosen the bolt(do not use the cam lock tool for this!!), and a tool to turn the crank: ( on the t-jet the cam cogs/wheel is not held on the cam with a key!! It's suposed to move independently when setting the timing, then tighten the bolt to lock the cam to the cog)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIMING-TOOL-PETROL-ENGINE-ALFA-FIAT-1-2-1-4-16v-T-JET-ENGINE-PUNTO-MAREA-BRAVA-/181077041083?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a29085fbb

And Yes take pictures to help others but mostly you... if the job takes more than one day you will likely forget what bold goes where and in what order.
Also i read somewhere that the t-jet HG are different to the n.a. 1.4 16v engines.


Here's the instructions from eLearn :
View attachment ToothedTimingBelt.pdf

You may have to get the head skimmed.

HG is not a straight swap job, you know it, right?

HG failure is like the lottery, it just happens randomly to a rare few.
If it's your first time replacing a HG, I would think long and hard before removing that engine cover if I were you. It's one of the hardest things to repair on a car and if they can't get it right all the the time in the factory, you can bet you will absolutely not get it right and cause even more damage to your engine.

Thanks for all the advise so far, still waiting for my parts to arrive and just ordering the timing tools.
I will take lots of pics along the way.
Just need the weather to warm up a few degrees.

Any chance you had poor fuel consumption? I to have the same issue and i am only getting around 28mpg (local). Not sure if this is because of the cold weather

pfrench69 said:

Thanks for all the advise so far, still waiting for my parts to arrive and just ordering the timing tools.
I will take lots of pics along the way.
Just need the weather to warm up a few degrees.

Click to expand...

Make sure the head is flat 1000% before replacing HG or it will go again very soon.

pfrench69 said:

Thanks for all the advise so far, still waiting for my parts to arrive and just ordering the timing tools.
I will take lots of pics along the way.
Just need the weather to warm up a few degrees.

Click to expand...

any updates ?
everything ok?