Technical Head gasket 1.9D 1992

[Alb1992]

Hi,

The classic issue, blown head gasket on my 1992 Ducato 1.9D, non turbo.

Tried searching bit could not find any decent help.
Is there any guides och workshop manuals for this?
Would be nice to have the steps and torque specs and other useful information.

Thanks!

 

[Communicator]

Hi,

The classic issue, blown head gasket on my 1992 Ducato 1.9D, non turbo.

Tried searching bit could not find any decent help.
Is there any guides och workshop manuals for this?
Would be nice to have the steps and torque specs and other useful information.

Thanks!

@bugsymike ?

 

[bugsymike]

@bugsymike ?

If engine Series number etc. supplied I may have torque settings etc. Plus cam belt timing details.
No fitting instructions as Trade Manual so for experienced motor engineer use.
One thing I would say is once head off, check cylinder head and engine block for flatness using a straight edge and 2 thou of inch feeler gauge in all directions, anything outside of that will cause gasket failure.
Also thoroughly clean thread holes so when tightened down correctly you know it is right.
Another small point, find the cause of failure in the first place as head gasket doesn't just decide to stop working! i.e. leaking hose/radiator/water pump/blocked radiator/etc./etc.

 

[Alb1992]

If engine Series number etc. supplied I may have torque settings etc. Plus cam belt timing details.
No fitting instructions as Trade Manual so for experienced motor engineer use.
One thing I would say is once head off, check cylinder head and engine block for flatness using a straight edge and 2 thou of inch feeler gauge in all directions, anything outside of that will cause gasket failure.
Also thoroughly clean thread holes so when tightened down correctly you know it is right.
Another small point, find the cause of failure in the first place as head gasket doesn't just decide to stop working! i.e. leaking hose/radiator/water pump/blocked radiator/etc./etc.

Thanks!

Think engine code is 149 B1.000, if you have any info on this it would be highly appreciated

I did have a leaking radiator hose and a lot of crap in the cooling system, this is fixed as I thought this was the only issue but now I suspect the head gasket...

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks!

Think engine code is 149 B1.000, if you have any info on this it would be highly appreciated

I did have a leaking radiator hose and a lot of crap in the cooling system, this is fixed as I thought this was the only issue but now I suspect the head gasket...

Any good?
Just seen special note No.2 re head torque so see last photo.

 

[Alb1992]

Any good?
Just seen special note No.2 re head torque so see last photo.

Thanks! That looks great!

Do you know if there is any common problems to look out for or be careful about with this engine when doing the head gasket?

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks! That looks great!

Do you know if there is any common problems to look out for or be careful about with this engine when doing the head gasket?

Not that I am aware of, unless other Forum Members know better.
So hopefully you have cured the cause of the failure, then new cambelt kit, good quality gaskets, follow head tightening instructions, etc.
What is the water pump like?

 

[Alb1992]

Not that I am aware of, unless other Forum Members know better.
So hopefully you have cured the cause of the failure, then new cambelt kit, good quality gaskets, follow head tightening instructions, etc.
What is the water pump like?

Not sure about the waterpump... Not leaking and not making any weird noises but I'm sure it pretty old.

 

[bugsymike]

Not sure about the waterpump... Not leaking and not making any weird noises but I'm sure it pretty old.

Sometimes you can see coolant stains underneath where a vent hole is.
Also often after a new cambelt is fitted the extra tension causes water pump failure even though correctly tensioned, so good practice to replace the water pump if driven by the cam belt or if easier to fit when cambelt out the way as in your case where not driven by cam belt.

 

[Alb1992]

Sometimes you can see coolant stains underneath where a vent hole is.
Also often after a new cambelt is fitted the extra tension causes water pump failure even though correctly tensioned, so good practice to replace the water pump if driven by the cam belt or if easier to fit when cambelt out the way as in your case where not driven by cam belt.

I will look into changing waterpump at the same time, feels like it would be worth it.
How do I know what kind of thickness of the head gasket I need? Measure the thickness of the current one or is there a way to know so I can order it beforehand?

 

[bugsymike]

I will look into changing waterpump at the same time, feels like it would be worth it.
How do I know what kind of thickness of the head gasket I need? Measure the thickness of the current one or is there a way to know so I can order it beforehand?

On VW diesels there used to be groves like saw teeth on a front edge that told you how thick the gasket was. You counted the teeth.
Not sure about Fiat ones, maybe use a micrometer or speak to your cylinder head skimmer/machinest for advice.
Given the age you may fine only the thickest one is available/maybe little choice.

 

[Alb1992]

On VW diesels there used to be groves like saw teeth on a front edge that told you how thick the gasket was. You counted the teeth.
Not sure about Fiat ones, maybe use a micrometer or speak to your cylinder head skimmer/machinest for advice.
Given the age you may fine only the thickest one is available/maybe little choice.

Thanks so much for the help! I might have some more questions during the process but you have answered everything at the moment