New to forum so I guess hello to all,

First things first, Today my girlfriends Fiat UNo 92 1.0ie started and proceeded to splurt out a lot of steam. Yesterday I filled the topped up the coolant. I put in over 3 litres into what i believe is a 4.5 litre capacity cooling sytem (pretty empty). Anyway the steam...

Down to the Garage, fears confirmed. Head gasket gone. £350 to sort it. We have neither the money or inclination to spend that much on what is intrinsically an old cheap run about. So basically tomorrow it is coming home to sit on our drive.

I am the first to admit I am a complete mechanic novice but am wondering about the possibilities ahead (other than the £10 scrap metal). Any suggestions tips clues, problems advice would be much appreciated. It will be my first attempt to do anything more than tyre change, top up fluids etc and so as much help as possible will be appreciated.

Thanks for your help,

Jon

Hi welcome to the fiat forum.
First thing have you got a workshop manual like haynes or porter? next can you get hold of all the tools that you will need like a torque wrench decent socket set?

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thanks for the swift reply and the welcome dave.

I am still at the stage of, "is this a viable project to undertake"?

I must admit my array of tools is very limited. I have access to a socket set but have no torque wrench. Seen various ones online but the prices seem to be a little steep. £60 and upwards. I am also currently logged onto haynes website and just putting in details to order the manual. I guess a little fear is setting in, basically purchase the manual and I am beginning the project. Just wondering if someone like me with very little experience is heading off down a road to expense and frustration.

You can do it. It takes some time though. And lots of cursing. And some new bolts and clamps (is it clamp or cramp guys???) you never thought of.

I had never ever done anything but refilling oil and coolant - and petrol ofcourse until two years ago. The Uno is an excellent start.

Good luck, and make sure you post any problems and also important - the things that go smooth.

Morten.


Today: Abarth alloys. Inter Alloy lowering. Phoenix Gold & Kenwood stereo.

Projects: Abarth / Momo steering wheel, K&N induction kit, racing seats, exhaust, door refurnishing, window tinting.

oh no i should have said if you haven't got a manual try ebay first sorry.
post up in general chat fiat related there are a few members from leeds maybe one could lend you a torque wrench.
Its a standing up job which makes it easier.
If you get stuck just post back and someone will help.
BTW you may as well get the head skimmed when its off this only costs £30ish.
oh and its normal to renew timming belt as you have to take it off anyway only about £10, headgasket set with headgasket and all the other gaskets you will need from £25 £40 look in yellow pages phone motor factors for cheepest price "don't go to halfords"

Morten clamp is correct, cramp is somthing you get in your leg when having sex

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cheers lads,

indeed ebay offers a much cheaper alternative for the manual. (if they come through). Seen another torque wrentch for £20. So hopefully this weekend work can begin. No doubt will have many questions but cheers for the advice / motivation so far.

Jon

spoke to a friend today who suggested that when changing head gasket it is advisable to check cylinders to see if cracked. Won't this require me to basically remove the engine?

Your cylinders won't be cracked, think he means the head but that not very common either.

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theres a guy up in the punto section getting his gasket done at a garage for £180, don't know what town though.
https://www.fiatforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4997

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Please do not Email or PM me asking for support. Post on the forums instead. Your reply may help someone else. Thank you