Hi guys

must give a big thanks for all of you that helped with the heating venting issue that i had... all has been resolved...apparently

im off to pick up Cinquecento sporting this afternoon.

however, the mechanic is telling me that there seems to be a minor leak elsewhere, and that the 2 out of three core plugs is leaking.

now, i realize the implications of water leakage and over heating etc, and i also know that i can get my hands on the correct core plugs for a couple of quid, but i would hate to pay labour charges if i knew that it was possible to do the job myself.

has anyone done this operation before, and how straight forward would the job be (i.e. tools list and time est. pics etc)

would it be safe to drive away from the mechanic if i felt the leak wasnt too bad? surely it would jus be a question of rehydrating...

any info would be much appreciated


kindly


Blanco

the saga continues

ps
what would be the best coolant/antifreeze to use??

if i remember correctly there are 8 core plugs in total.3 on front and 3 on rear of engine block,1 behind the flywheel and another by the water pump.its one of those jobs that will either go easily or not:bang:
it depends on which ones on urs that are leaking?????
i certainly wouldnt drive it as mine just suddenly went and dumped all the water.....but the risk is upto u

Hi

Several core plugs leaking could mean engine has been neglected, and therefore probably the rest of the auto.
I'd only offer a parts price, even if you were happy removing the gear box and cam belt cover.
If you want to risk it take 4 off 5 litre containers and antifreeze concentrate, fill with water and stop ever ten miles to cool off and top up.

Noel

We had a corroded core plug (under the inlet manifold) on the Seicento my son bought unseen with a 'slight water leak' Water came out nearly as fast as it went in.........

Drove home with bottles of water and very slowly, my what fun conversations we had on how to buy a car...... Had my usual mobile mechanic change the core plug (including removing the inlet manifold) Sort of job that doesn't need a fully equipped garage but he had 'wobbly sockets' in his tool kit that made it much easier and quicker. £20 labour.

Ta for the guidance guys

already driven about 50 miles, temp gauge seems fine and driving aswell as before, maybe the mechanic was scaring me with the extent of the damage although with the age of the car and its current state have no doubt that they will need changing.

was really hoping someone had done the jobs themselves and give me a quick rundown, or even put a guide up.

maybe, i'll just have to throw myself in and give it a go, the hard way.

i'll be sure to document the procedure and put a guide up for you guys, just for future reference.

thanks again


Blanco

Hi

There is a Haynes manual for the Cinq applicable to the Sei sort of.
The core plugs shoulr be easy apart from access...
Removing the gear box or the cam belt cover take time., for the driver and pass side plugs (LHD) repsectively only difficulty.
Tap a screw driver into old plug and lever out using a bit of soft wood to protect the crankcase.
Clean the core plug surround with kitchen nylon disk scrubber, wipe off with solvert meths, petrol, whatever, apply a setting sealent sparigly, RTV rubber is ok, instant gasket.
Tap in new plug dome side towards you gently, when it is seated hit it centre with soft wood driver about same diameter, to flatten the dome a bit, the RTV will do the rest if you leace it for 24 hours without coolant or disturbance...
Fill up with coolant, bleed both bleed points cold, until coolant comes out, wash off coolant like it was poison, it is...

Noel