Hi All,

I've just signed up to this forum, as there seems to be a lot of knowledgeable people people on here with regard to their Fiats, and I'm hoping some of you can help me.

My Neice's MK1 Punto (1.1 8v I am lead to believe) seems to have blown a head gasket. Niece is in Bristol, I am in London, Car is in Hythe.... So, having done head gaskets before, I have offered to do the work for her, to save the £800 quoted by the garage (yep, sounds a lot doesn't it!)

Ok, so before i take th trip to Kent to do this work, I wanted to get as much info as possible on ...
What I need to look out for when doing the work
What are sensible spares to have to hand (New head bolts obviously, but is it also wise to have new manifold studs, timing belt...???)
What I should also replace when I'm doing the head gasket. (Timing Belt?)

Also what special tools I will need, if any.

So, as I can't find an online step by step head gasket article, can you offer me any words of advice please?

Also, does anyone know of anywhere that will skim the head while I wait, in the Hythe/Folkstone area? Also, if having head skimmed, will I have to present it totally free of anything else such as the cam, valves etc?

Cheers
Eric

if you have previous experiance it will be a piece of cake, you will need head gasket kit and timing belt kit and if you want new bolts (autodata say they dont need to be replaced though)

there is a guide on this forum for a cinquecento (same engine at punto)
https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento-guides/136702-cylinder-head-gasket-remove-refit.html

doubt your need it though, i didnt, its just so simple

beau said:

if you have previous experiance it will be a piece of cake, you will need head gasket kit and timing belt kit and ....

Click to expand...

Is there a recommended manufacturer for the gaskets, belts & bolts? or shall I just drop into EuroCarParts and get what I'm given?

All thoughts welcome. Also, if anyone can recommend a place in Hythe/Folkstone for a head skim I'd be grateful...

TIA

Eric

Test the head first!!

A good old tourch and a FLAT METAL RULER

lay the ruller on its side standing up and shine the light below it - Now if you can see light then the head is warped and needs skimming, but if there is no light - Why waste money on a flat head still?

Ziggy

LostThePlot said:

Is there a recommended manufacturer for the gaskets, belts & bolts? or shall I just drop into EuroCarParts and get what I'm given?

All thoughts welcome. Also, if anyone can recommend a place in Hythe/Folkstone for a head skim I'd be grateful...

TIA

Eric

Click to expand...

i used eurocarpars, they gave me a gasket kit which said 'best under pressure' labeled on it, seemed ok to me.

Ziggy122 said:

but if there is no light - Why waste money on a flat head still?

Ziggy

Click to expand...

because it gets it ultra clean for a good seal and will show up any cracks. many on here have though head is flat i wont skim, only to be re doing the job 3 months later.

use gates belts and payen gaskets

As you have got the head off you might as well replace the oil seals, re-grind the valves and check valve clearences as well. With new head gasket and cam belt kit should last a long while then.
Also to get to the head bolts you need to remove the rocker cover so you will need a new gasket for there and a good quality sealent as otherwise it will just leak again!