Thanks buggsy. Really appreciate your advice. Sometimes it feels like there telling me off. Anyway, I’m still struggling with my head cylinder head problem. Do I remove the intake manifold? Will it come off with the head? Can I just undo the exhaust manifold and remove the head or do I have the turbo to dismantle?
From working on the later ones 2.5 and 2.8, I think you will find access is the main problem, so the more "junk" you can get out the way the better to see what you are doing.
I would say take photos as you go, if it is your first time as it can be a bit of a learning curve.
It may sound silly but if you go on the internet and put your engine series and engine in the search you will find some old engines photographed for sale on eBay etc. with the ancillaries on which may give you a idea of how to proceed.
The old Ivecos with basically the same engine, being rear wheel drive four nuts behind the headlights and a few hoses then the whole radiator and grill etc. came away so you could see easily what you were working on.
When you have the head off I would stress clean all the thread holes for the cylinder head bolts and have the cylinder head machined flat, this may involve removing the cam and valves but must be done carefully so all parts including any shims and valves etc. go back in exactly their original position.
One other very important point, head gaskets do not just fail, so you need to find the cause of the over heating otherwise all your hard work will be ruined on it's first journey!!!
It is a big undertaking for your first time, but with care and asking if you are not sure about something it should be possible, there are several owners of older Ducatos on Forum so I am sure you can get advice.
