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Technical Head Gasket replacement...

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Technical Head Gasket replacement...

J

Jimbo89

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Feb 14, 2011
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Hi all,

Been given a 1.2 98 Punto.

Head Gasket is going, car is still running however.

Just wondered if anyone could offer any advice or tips for a successful replacement?

Never attempted a head gasket on a Punto before, looking to turn this into a nice runner for myself, always feels good to know the ins and outs of a car you drive which is why i am attempting it on this.

Thanks.
 
8v engine?
Well worth doing yourself(y)
I recommend replacing your timing belt, Tensioner & water pump at the same time(y)

Eurocarparts currently have 20% off timing belt kits and other service parts
Promo code "sersave"
 
MadMan0 said:
8v engine?
Well worth doing yourself(y)
I recommend replacing your timing belt, Tensioner & water pump at the same time(y)

Eurocarparts currently have 20% off timing belt kits and other service parts
Promo code "sersave"
Click to expand...

it is worth doing yourself, expecially on the mechanically simple 8v.

however if the head gasket is going you will still need to get the cylinders skimmed, otherwise the risk of the gasket going again is extremely high. (n)
 
russ12 said:
it is worth doing yourself, expecially on the mechanically simple 8v.

however if the head gasket is going you will still need to get the cylinders skimmed, otherwise the risk of the gasket going again is extremely high. (n)
Click to expand...

you don't have to skim it, if it's not warped any - you can see if it's wraped using a straight edge. - then you should be fine(y)

But you should use new Head Bolts
 
Thanks guys thats a big help.

If the head is worth getting skimmed as a matter of course, i don't mind, any ideas how much roughly?
 
About 25 quid. If you know the head bolts are new, you can use them again, once. I'd advise skimming the head (if only to make absolutely sure it's clean) and getting the valves re-cut (which will mean the valve clearances need adjusting -- shimming). Fairly straightforward job, I'd replace the 'stat as well. Make sure the head gasket isn't upside down!
 
fingers99 said:
About 25 quid. If you know the head bolts are new, you can use them again, once. I'd advise skimming the head (if only to make absolutely sure it's clean) and getting the valves re-cut (which will mean the valve clearances need adjusting -- shimming). Fairly straightforward job, I'd replace the 'stat as well. Make sure the head gasket isn't upside down!
Click to expand...

Cheers buddy.

A small price to pay for peace of mind me thinks.

I will probably replace all of the coolant hoses as well, might as well do everything i can do whilst i have everything out.
 
The head face can be skimmed with the lightest touch just to clean the face. The valves will have to come out. Unless there is actual damage the seats can be reground with lapping paste. If regrinding wont create a clean seat they will have to be re-cut at the machine shop. Again the lightest touch is all it needs.

Dont forget the bleeding routine when its refilled with coolant. If the hoses are not stretching or cracking no need to replace. Unless you want the glam of silicone hoses.

It's also worth considering a cooling system flush with proper cleaning chemicals. But not with a leaking head gasket. Fill the system with water and follow the cleaning solution instructions The downside it might uncover radiator leaks blocked with sludge but better to know now than on the M-way in summer queues. When done, fill with proper red coolant.
 
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WhiteSei said:
The head face can be skimmed with the lightest touch just to clean the face. The valves will have to come out. Unless there is actual damage the seats can be reground with lapping paste. If regrinding wont create a clean seat they will have to be re-cut at the machine shop. Again the lightest touch is all it needs.

Dont forget the bleeding routine when its refilled with coolant. If the hoses are not stretching or cracking no need to replace. Unless you want the glam of silicone hoses.

It's also worth considering a cooling system flush with proper cleaning chemicals. But not with a leaking head gasket. Fill the system with water and follow the cleaning solution instructions The downside it might uncover radiator leaks blocked with sludge but better to know now than on the M-way in summer queues. When done, fill with proper red coolant.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, the Rad may be on its way out, there must have been a reason it went in the first place unless its just down to the age of the car.

Hopefully i can get away with just having the head skimmed, the car is still running, and driving, or was up until last week when i told the person who is giving it to me to stop :)

As for the red coolant, is that part mix?
 
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Red is the long life stuff. Dilute 50:50 in uk or use readymix. Blue and red are not compatible so if in doubt what used to be there always flush the system before filling new coolant. I like to add 2.5 or 3 litres of coolant and top up with water. Then I know that any flushing water trapped in the system is not diluting it less than 50:50

Low coolant = a leak & after last winter an old radiator with (probably) old coolant is at risk.

Make sure the machine shop take off the minimum metal. It its not warped they can take less than 5 thou or 0.1mm (approx).
 
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Got the Punto this morning, it needs work but nothing i didn't expect.

Head gasket hasn't gone fully yet, but temps fly up while driving and RPM builds very quickly with little accelerator pressure, no more driving now.

Its the SX75 Model (?) which according to research is quite nippy.

It has a badly sun damaged bonnet, which may be salveageable, few dings and what not but in all not too bad, most of the work bar the Head Gasket will be cosmetic.

59k on the clock as well.
 
All good advice if you are changing parts due to age , i would recommend changing the thermostat at the same time , not much money and from bitter experiance its worth doing .
 
WhiteSei said:
Dont drive with a blown head gasket as that often takes out the lambda sensor and can scrap the cat as well.
Click to expand...

your car will not pick at higher speeds either - i ran on a blown HG for around 2,000 miles before repairing it.

60 to 70 mph took a long time, but low speeds where fine(y) - you will also need a new back box as the water will sit in it and rust though:doh: - still can't afford a new one a while later:( - i need a job really..
 
Thanks for the advice, car has only covered a few miles since HG was diagnosed.

It isn't being driven anymore.

Does anyone have a link to a Gasket kit? Euro car parts don't seem to have a full kit.

Cheers.
 
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