Technical 1.2 8v 75 BHP : head gasket failure

[Mateusz]

Hi, I have 99' Fiat Siena (in technical terms it's basically Fiat Punto Mk1, including engine). There are typical symptoms of head gasket failure such as quick engine overheating, loss of anti freeze liquid and its tank is full of black bits. Also unusual and worrying amount of steam comes out from exhaust. In addition ventilation blows only cold air. Also the engine doesn't work properly, something like if just 3 valves were working. I have already ordered genuine parts from Fiat in Poland but I don't dare to drive such a long distance while car is in a such state. Also couple of other things need to done like thermostat, water pump, oil and filter change, spark plugs, new manifold bolts. How much would it cost in the UK (I'm providing all genuine and recommended Fiat parts so labour costs just count really and maybe stuff like compression and sniff tests etc.) If genuine Fiat dealer will do it for similar price as individual specialist then I would give to Fiat people.

 

[ST60SX]

Hi, I have 99' Fiat Siena (in technical terms it's basically Fiat Punto Mk1, including engine). There are typical symptoms of head gasket failure such as quick engine overheating, loss of anti freeze liquid and its tank is full of black bits. Also unusual and worrying amount of steam comes out from exhaust. In addition ventilation blows only cold air. Also the engine doesn't work properly, something like if just 3 valves were working. I have already ordered genuine parts from Fiat in Poland but I don't dare to drive such a long distance while car is in a such state.

You are right it definitely sounds like head gasket failure. You are right not to drive it.

Also couple of other things need to done like thermostat, water pump, oil and filter change, spark plugs, new manifold bolts. How much would it cost in the UK (I'm providing all genuine and recommended Fiat parts so labour costs just count really and maybe stuff like compression and sniff tests etc.) If genuine Fiat dealer will do it for similar price as individual specialist then I would give to Fiat people.

The water pump and thermostat are really convenient to change with the head off and the cooling system empty. Same with the plugs and bolts.

If you are providing all the parts, I would expect labour to be around £150 - £200.

What about the head, though? are you going to get it skimmed? Definitely needed if the car has overheated.

 

[Mateusz]

Yes I want to have it skimmed because I don't want the head gasket problem to repeat in future Cost of all parts will be around 150 pounds (including new lubricants) as I have calculated and eventually futher costs if something else will pop up...

 

[DaveMcT]

When getting the head skimmed clean up all valves and lap the seats. Also fit new valve stem oil seals. You will also need a new cam belt kit.

When that's done you need to find why the coolant level dropped enough to damage the head gasket - most likely a leak elsewhere. The water pump is being changed so that is taken out of the picture but the radiator might be leaking.