headgasket time....

[BEEK]

I usually wire brush the valves, not sure about the pistons, maybe carb cleaner and a wood scraper?

If you measure the height of the piston dome we can tell you what CR it will likely give.

For cams you should measure the lift, that may give an indication. Most aftermarket cams have some stamping on the back surface, or numbers stamped (not cast) in to body. A pic might help. Of course they could also be reground stock cams, that would be hard to tell. FWIW all US stock cams had the same timing.

remove the rear cam end plates, most manufacturers stamp the ends with the grind # and even spec's, if the cams are cast (rough surface) between the lobes they are most likely stock. those pistons are 8.9-1 the 9.8 have a higher dome. whatever you do at this point, please do a valve job to your head while it is off. any less will be false economy.

[Raze]

I'd like to see a pic of the underside of the cyl head

I'll try to get one up later tonight

[Raze]

I'm trying to find a gasket kit, all I keep running across is FelPro HS21201B but it's not for the 1608. I've also noticed on Advance website listing for a 72 Fiat 124 Spider includes 132/132A 1594 and a 1.6 that isn't marked as a 1608. Anyone know what the proper Fel-Pro kit is for a 1608?

What brand is the set sold by IAP?

Anyone used: http://www.spiderroadster.com? (their prices are better than IAP)

[vandor]

Why would you want to get this from Advance Auto, instead of a vendor? They will have no clue what is right for your car, other than what their computer says, which is wrong half the time. I doubt they know the difference between the 1608, 1592, and 1585cc twincams...

IAP carries Victor-Reinz gaskets, but not all gaskets they sell may be that brand.

I was not aware that Fel-Pro made a gasket for the 1608, or at least not like the nice hi-po one they have for the 1800/2000.

[Raze]

Why would you want to get this from Advance Auto, instead of a vendor? They will have no clue what is right for your car, other than what their computer says, which is wrong half the time. I doubt they know the difference between the 1608, 1592, and 1585cc twincams...

I don't necessarily, it boils down to price and availability. I've had quite a bit of experience in HG types and besides Cometic ($$$), Fel-Pro usually has the best gaskets, though after some research I'm not seeing anything for a 1608. I've got IAP, Fiat Parts Warehouse, Midwest Bayless, Mr Fiat, Vicks, all up on my computer, guess what, no one lists the manufacturer (I can't see your store from work, will check when I get home), they all have similar packaging though so I can only assume most are Victor-Reinz. Unfortunately, IAP is sold out with no delivery until end of November, Vicks is out with no indication of when they'll have more, Midwest may have them at nearly 2x the price other vendors list. Do you have a set in stock, if so how much with shipping to 30338?

-Jeff

[vandor]

Jeff,

AFAIK, IAP is the only ones carrying Victor Reinz.
brand names are rarely listed, because a steady supply is not always guaranteed, and they don't want to have to change the description if a part comes from another vendor.

We do have a headset in stock for $39.90, shipping is $10.50.

Please email or call me if you'd like to get it. 682-233-FIAT (3428)

Thanks,

[Raze]

Well,

I disassembled the head, all the valve guides checked out (looks like the valves are relatively new) and everything is to spec as far as tolerance on the lash. I replaced all the seals but when I reinstalled the cam housings to the head, I have 2 studs on the exhaust side and 1 on the intake side which would not torque, in both cases the threads on the studs chewed up the threads in the nuts and both flattened out. I'm thinking I need to refresh the whole set of studs and nuts. Anyone have the specs on these? I'm not seeing them as a commonly available part from most sellers online...