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I think I might be stuffed!!

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I think I might be stuffed!!

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Scoop69

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I think I have done something really stupid!!. My lady wife has a '99 Bravo, she also has a great deal of misplaced confidence in my abilities. My previous post outlined the problem I had with replacing the cam shaft. Several answers(all good, thanks guys) later I am prepared to change the cam and rebuild the top end of the engine. However I seemed to have stripped the thread off of one of the bolt holes going into the block and may have cracked the housing when tightening the bolts. I'm fairly certain of the answer...but is there ANYTHING I can do to fix this...BTW if any of you are near Chelmsford, you can come and have a look at an idiot in action if you want.

Thanks in advance
John
 
When I said I'd had camshaft troubles I thought it would be obvious it was a 1.4 !!! :)
Interesting article on the block welding but is probably cheaper to buy new car!!
Thought about getting an engine from a breakers but I can't tighten bolts without stripping the thread!! what chance with an engine change :)
 
I'd go for a new engine then while its out take it to a garage and get the cambelt changed by them then fit. It'd be cheaper and easier in the long run.

Chris



Fiat Bravo 1.2 80sx - 100,000 miles - and a new exhaust! :)
 
Thanks Chris.....any idea where to source an engine...could I fit a 1.6 instead of the crappy 1.4?
 
ShaunCo is the one you want to speak to about putting a 1.6 into a 1.4? Where are you? I think he is Manchester. Best bet for an engine is a local scrapyard or ebay. I'll see if I can find his conversion thread....

Chris


Fiat Bravo 1.2 80sx - 101,896 miles - and cleaned with Auto Glym! :):):):)
 
Stripped thread and cracked the head!! This is easily done. Thing is before putting any bolts in be sure to clean out the hole of oil.Tightening bolts into any enclosed threading with oil in can cause hydraulic preasure. enough to crack it. Mentioned this as you say you will be doing it later
 
could I tap the hole?. I mean drill out the existing thread. Cut a new thread and then fabricate the correct bolt? Sounds possible but would there be problems?. Also the cracks are on the internal castings that support the cam shaft covers, are hairline cracks in these a real issue? Just trying to avoid screwing up an engine replacement. Thanks guys
 
I reckon the cracks would be a problem, I still think the easiest option would be to get a whole new engine or at least a new head.

Chris


Fiat Bravo 1.2 80sx - 101,896 miles - and cleaned with Auto Glym! :):):):)
 
I wouldn't chance it, Better try and get a damaged bottom end engine and buy the head from a scraper. You only need the head, your engine is ok I take it?. That way gets your timing back as well. Mark the camshaft sprocket at a common point on the head when number 1 piston on firing stroke. that is all valves closed on number one and crankshaft at its mark.
 
OF COURSE!!! great idea!! Bought a new camshaft, cambelt, rockers, cam sprocket so I would just need to fit these to the new top section..yes?
 
Cant see why not?


Fiat Bravo 1.2 80sx - 101,896 miles - and cleaned with Auto Glym! :):):):)
 
Yes you can do that. Just mark the sprocket and head, before removing,Remove the camshaft sprocket bolt and use the keyway and a straight edge as a guide to mark the head and sprocket. then mark your new sprocket in same position
 
Agreed ^^ - You could try a cheap bodge repair with chemical metal, but it's not likely to be successful - best get a diferent cylinder head, should'nt cost much secondhand.
 
Thanks a lot guys...Got some feelers out for a cylinder head. Anything I should look out for either on the new head or whilst I have the head off...as you might be aware, this is my first time doing this kind of job and I'm not very mechanical.

Btw what is a keyway
 
Keyway is a slot on the camshaft and a slot on the sprocket they are kept in place by a bit of metal that slots in the shaft and the sprocket therefore keeping the sprocket in the correct place. The bit of metal is called a woodruff key
 
Thanks for that. Problem is that I have already removed the camshaft and cam sprocket from the engine. I have however found tdc on the number 1 piston (Sprocket end) and advice is to place the new camshaft with the lobs facing upwards. One further question...should I get new camshaft brackets whilst I'm doing the rebuild?
 
Should be ok with the ones you have. Re my advice on the cam lobes facing upwards. That is only a rough guide. If you can get to the scrapyard yourself,You would be able to mark the sprocket before you take it off the engine block. mark as said then put the same mark on the new sprocket. Head may be good enough to use without changing anything. just take rocker cover off engine at tdc wit valves closed then mark sprocket and the head before removal. that way it is spot on valve timing
 
Camshaft covers have numbers on them...are these numbers important?
 
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