Oil leak on cam housing '82 FI 2000

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:12 am

manoa matt wrote:Q-tips aren't just for your ears.

matt

I keep a box in the shop just for the Fiat.

I also saved all the used syringes from when Ron got a staph infection. They're great for sucking up that puddled oil and cleaning idfs.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:58 am

so we should establish a Denise needle-exchange program?

The Magic Fiat · Post by **The Magic Fiat** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:09 pm

Sorry for the delay folks! I wanted to respond but my login wouldn't work all day yesterday.

After reading the posts I think the gaskets that have been mentioned are the culprit here.
The question is, how big a deal is it to replace them (I think that's addressed early in the thread) ?

If I go to that extreme should I consider just reworking the heads and valves at this time too?

And now, I bet I won't win any converts with this one...
I appreciate the info on clearing out the oil, but here's what I do:

I soak the area down with Purple Power and 409, drink coffee while it soaks, hose it down, and vacuum out the water with the shop vac.
Start the car and allow to dry.

Now I'm going to see how long it takes to have the oil come back.
And too, I'll be watching close for seepage.

My methods may sound crude, but I'm used to working on American Motors vehicles.

Thanks for the info!!
Neil

The Magic Fiat · Post by **The Magic Fiat** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:50 pm

I am pretty sure I've narrowed down the area of seepage coming out of the driver's side cam box.

After feeling around above the gasket line, I don't detect any oil coming from the cam caps.

I guess I know what the new project will be!!

Neil

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:29 pm

Brandon,

Its not too hard to get the cam housing off. The cam box housing, cam shaft, and timing pully will all come off as one unit. Most important is that you unscrew all the bolts evenly so the box rises parallel to the head.

I have an 1800 and it has bolts that go thru the cam box and into the head. I also have a 1500 head. It has studs that are mounted in the head that come up thru the box, The cam box is held on by nuts. Just different engineering for different years I guess.

The only thing that may fall out are the tapets. Once you get all the bolts or nuts off slowly pull the box up while pushing the tapets down. The tapets will stay on top of the valves.

Make shure you clean both mating surfaces where the new gasket will sit. The thermoplastic from the old gasket is tough to get off, use a razor blade and don't leave any shavings or bits where they can circulate with the oil.

Now might also be a good time to change the oil seal at the front of the cam box behind the timing wheel. There is also a paper gasket at the back cover.

matt

The Magic Fiat · Post by **The Magic Fiat** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:34 pm

This is strictly a "just asking" kind of question, I'm not running out to the car to try it or anything.

Since the Fiat engine revs high and vibrates a lot, I've noticed more than one bolt or nut loosening, sometimes to the point of falling out.

Is it possible that the slight leak from under the cam box is caused by the hold down bolts backing out a bit?
If so, would there be harm in applying the specified torque to them to see if that stems the flow of oil?

Well that's two questions.

Neil

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:17 pm

Try that first. If it has nuts securing the cam towers like on a 1608 or a 1592 cc they should be tightened to 18 ft.-lbs if they are bolts like on a 1756 or a 1995cc they should be tightened to 14 ft.-lbs. I'd also check tapet clearance before and after doing that. If that dosen't work here are the pages you need.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035957/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035967/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035975/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035985/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035995/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/459035999/

The camshaft sprocket bolt should be tightened to 87 ft.-lbs.
You can make a strap wrench to hold the sprocket while you loosten and tighten the bolt. Use the old timming belt and a 2" x 4"

Matt

bran100 · Post by **bran100** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:04 am

Matt, I'm looking for a good shop manual, and that one looks pretty good. Which brand is it?

Thanks,
Brandon

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 2:36 pm

Thats from a Booklands or Brooklands manual, its black with yellow writing and a front view of a white fiat in the woods. Try amazon for a used copy. I have 4 manuals haynes, chilton, Booklands, official service manual. I think this is the best manual, It looks like they took the Official Fiat factory service manual and expanded some sections with more info and steps.

Matt