Head gasket help needed

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TheRobster

Head gasket help needed

Post by TheRobster »

I just bought my 1981 Spider. Apparently with a leaking water pump, and in need of a head gasket.
She arrived on a flat deck, and when they lowered her into my driveway, I saw a small amount of coolant run out of the exhaust.
I checked the oil, and it has no coolant in it.
Swapping out the water pump is well within my experience and comfort level, But I have never swapped a head gasket.

Does anyone have a good write up on how to do it step my step.
I am an entirely self taught backyard mechanic.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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hayesbd
Posts: 171
Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:20 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Spider
Location: Newark, Ohio, USA

Re: Head gasket help needed

Post by hayesbd »

This will be a pretty straightforward repair. On my '73, I took only about 30 minutes to remove the head. Keep things clean, use a new head gasket from Autoricambi or other modern suppliers and simply follow the standard instructions - it's pretty easy. This Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKikeOWInbk may be useful. The biggest issue will be getting the (new) timing belt installed correctly - make sure you rotate the engine by hand to ensure the correct timing of the valves. The best reference for timing is the mark on the cam housings and not the pointers shown in the video. It's easy to get one tooth off, so be patient and search the forum for timing posts that should help you a lot.

Good luck!,

Brian
Current: 1973 124 Spider
Previous: 1961 600D, 1970 850 Racer, 1973 124 Special, 1974 124 Special TC
narfire
Posts: 3959
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:14 am
Your car is a: 1980 124 spider
Location: Naramata B.C.

Re: Head gasket help needed

Post by narfire »

I agree regarding the suppliers but if required in a hurry, Lordco sells gasket kits and timing belts for our cars. Use a timing light to set at 10 deg btdc.
I personally like the idea of machining the head surface when the head is off. Valve seals usually are included in a complete gasket kit and are not a bad idea. (many miles on the engine?)
Once the head is off and a new gasket is installed, setting the valve clearances might be required as well. Not really a big thing to do if you can watch someone for the first time or as mentioned, sounds like you have some mechanical where-with-all and a video or two and you can do it yourself. Just need that elusive Fiat valve tool....
If you were a bit closer, I'd be happy to pop in and help... I might be down for the fathers day show in N Van. weather permitting. Actually, I might be in Mission on Thurs.(4th June) for a custom cut sawmill auction....
Chris
80 FI spider
72 work in progress
2017 Golf R ( APR Stg. 1)
2018 F350 crew long box
djape1977
Posts: 985
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2012 6:08 pm
Your car is a: 1970 fiat 124bc
Location: Belgrade, Serbia, eastern Europe

Re: Head gasket help needed

Post by djape1977 »

coolant from exaust indicates water in one or more cylinders.
depending on how long it sat there, it might mean serious corrosion inside the engine
take the head off as soon as you can to inspect the damage
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