Here goes

My 1.2 R reg Punto is drinking water, running rough as hell and the coolant smells like petrol/exhaust so I assume the head gasket has gone.

I've got all the bits to change it but the engineer who is going to skim the head says that the camshaft needs to come off to ensure all the valves are closed, is this correct, I was hoping to leave the cam in place.

Also if correct, what problems can I expect in removing the cam and then replacing it, I have got plenty of numbered plastic bags.

Thanks V much

yer it a come off but id mark it all up with tippex so it all go back in order, you can fit a new timing belt kit at the some time to.

OK thanks.

I got a new belt and tensioner fitted about 5000 miles back so at least I don't need to do this, otherwise definatly would.

no the camshaft does not need to come out the valves sit below the skimmed area

if you have already taken it off you will need some 0 gap sealer to put it back or you will have 4 oil leaks

also don't mix up the shims or it will tap like hell and burn valves out

Well the engineer decided to take the cam out as he has his own way of working (no extra charge). Really glad he did, one of the valve springs had snapped near one end, it was an old break as the steel was dull so looks like I've been quite lucky. Anyway £1.70 for a spring from Fiat and this time tomorrow I should be back in business.
I've been amazed at just how easily the head and all the other componenets have come off the car and I'm pleased at how much money I've saved from not going to a garage. Only problem is I've now got a really good socket and an angle gauge that I hope never to need again.

alifink said:

Well the engineer decided to take the cam out as he has his own way of working (no extra charge). Really glad he did, one of the valve springs had snapped near one end, it was an old break as the steel was dull so looks like I've been quite lucky. Anyway £1.70 for a spring from Fiat and this time tomorrow I should be back in business.
I've been amazed at just how easily the head and all the other componenets have come off the car and I'm pleased at how much money I've saved from not going to a garage. Only problem is I've now got a really good socket and an angle gauge that I hope never to need again.

Click to expand...

ok well your engine would have a seriouse missfire with a broken valve spring so i'm sure it was broken when he took em out not before it will look dull due to the metal they are made from

when you come to put the camshaft back you will need to run a bead of 0 gap sealer from the camshaft seal to the roker cover seal sealing the metal to metal surfaced of the cap onto the head and the same on the other end only that will be from the coil pack seal to the rocker cover seal on both ends

if he puts the camshaft back you will need to ask if he has done this otherwise you will have to do it

if you don't your engine will seap oil forever more

sounds like a crap engineer if he cant mount the head on the milling machine with the camshaft in place

I've got it all back together, I used the sealer you mentioned and the car is now running smoother than it ever has, thanks.

Just need to sort out the other niggles, like the radiator leaking.

put a egg in it works on tv

alifink said:

I've got it all back together, I used the sealer you mentioned and the car is now running smoother than it ever has, thanks.

Just need to sort out the other niggles, like the radiator leaking.

Click to expand...

araldite is good if you get the area nice and clean with brake cleaner