Gaskets

[fiat_fandango]

Hi,

I have a leak from my head, for which I was going to change the gasket.

Reading into the process I have seen people mentioning the head gasket and also rocker cover gasket.

Could someone please state what the difference is and also their locations?

Regards
fiat_fandango

 

[jug]

the head gasket seals the gap between the head and the block. to replace it you must remove the head completely. its a big job even for a competent DIYer.

the rocker gasket seals the gap between the head and the rocker cover. that is basically the head's lid. you can easily replace this gasket, a leak is obvious by the oil oozing out the head.

 

[fiat_fandango]

Cool, must be the rocker cover gasket that needs replacing. (This is the first gasket from the top of the head.)

Do you need to drop the oil before changing the gasket?

Thanks

 

[H2DaE]

Nope, just...
undo the bolts
lift the cover off
remove the gasket
clean up all the parts where the gasket sits (try not to get bits of it in the oil)
fit new gasket
place cover back on
do bolts up to torque

and you're done!

 

[fiat_fandango]

Cool, sounds like a job for the weekend!

Thanks

 

[H2DaE]

What engine do you have btw?

Gaskets aren't usually more than a tenner

 

[fiat_fandango]

2003 Punto 8V 1.2 Dynamic

Thanks

 

[H2DaE]

Then they are around a fiver from Fiat

Very common on these engines, just clean up the oil that has come out already!

 

[pinnkmoose]

its a good thing it is the rocker cover gasket and not the head gasket, i got quoted a ridiculous amount by the garage to get the head gasket replaced on my first car, mi' old Cinquecento, cudnt afford it n had to sell it cheap.

 

[jug]

its a good thing it is the rocker cover gasket and not the head gasket, i got quoted a ridiculous amount by the garage to get the head gasket replaced on my first car, mi' old Cinquecento, cudnt afford it n had to sell it cheap.

it should cost £150 for head gasket repair on the 1.1 cinq, no more than £175 at most. you always need to shop about to get a good quote.

 

[fiat_fandango]

What torque setting is recommended for the rocker cover?

Thanks

 

[jug]

i always do them hand tight with a socket on a screwdriver style tool, then after a few hours of use i give them another 1/4-1/2 turn nip with a ratchet to take up the settlement of the gasket. this is especially important with cork rocker gaskets.

 

[H2DaE]

What torque setting is recommended for the rocker cover?

Thanks

Just do them to 10NM, and make sure both surfaces are cleaned properly or it will most likely go again after a few weeks