Hi all, this is my first post on the forum! Ive spent the last couple of days reading posts and tutorials, and now im ready to post!

I have aquired (zero cost!) a Punto 60 SX. Its got a few issues and my aim is to fix it and sell on.

As far as i can diagnose the issues are:

1. It won start! It was running, but firing on 3 cylinders, now it wont run at all. It begins to turn over and shows signs of starting but doesnt. Im thinking its a head gasket issue, but even if its not, ill change it as its an 80k miles engine. Ill also do plugs and leads while im there.
2. Cam belt
3. Thermostat
4. Cat
5. Passenger front door needs replacing (big dent!)
6. Rear passenger side window has come off its runners (wont stay up so is held in place temporarily)
7. Driver side fog lamp smashed.

Relatively simple list and im aiming to do all the work myself for under £400. It also needs tax within that price. Its got a 12 month MOT which makes it more worth while.

I will be getting the head pressure checked and checked for warp etc, and resurfaced if needed.

This thread will be more of a project diary than anything else!

if you've got an integrated manifold cat you'll be looking at £50 from scrappy. cheapest i seen doors is £40. dont think you thunk this through. for all that work i reckons u'll be lucky to get 700.

Thanks for your thoughts, but i have thought this through! id be well happy with 700!

Can anyone tell me if the following is normal...i took a quick look at fluid levels and on loosening the water tank cap, pressurised coolant came spuing out! The engine hasnt run, so its not hot. Could there be some sort of blockage that kept the pressure in?

That's not normal at all. I would disconnect the coolant pipes and flush (and reverse flush) the lot if its having a lot of work done on it anyway!

There's been a major airlock through engine overheating (the water has boiled, released steam and built up pressure). So a blown headgasket seems like a good assumption. As said above, replace liquid in coolant system and re-bleed. There's a guide available

Thermostat might also be a good idea as this could have been the original problem. Also, most people say to do waterpump while doing cambelt changes as it's reasonable easy to do both at the same time.

Thanks for the useful replies!

Took the cylinder head off today and the gasket has gone between cyl 3 & 4 and looks to have been going in other areas. Ive got replacement thermostat but didnt think to get a water pump.

The head is going in to be check over and resurface on monday.

Its interesting that i havent found any mayo and there was no oil in the coolant, i thought that would be a given if the gasket fails. I also found the HT lead to cyl 2 had basically snapped! Im sure that wouldnt help!

If youve got the head of you might as well re-con the head, re grind the valves and replace the stem seals. You get the stem seals in gasket set anyway. I would look at having the head skimmed as well, I only pay £25 for mine. Never seen a head gasket that obvious before.