head replacement

rodneys

I have a 98 fiesta with the head gone on it and was told by mate of mine if I can get a good head I can just pop it on mine, is this true?
or wouls I have to get the original one done?

kasper

there should be no problem putting a second hand head on your engine once it is off the same type engine

Plug

Make sure to get it skimmed and put a new head gasket on it.

rodneys

but if its a good one do I need to get it skimmed? if so it will be just as easy to do original one, hav another engine from a scrapped one with a good engine thought it would save me the trouble of getting it skimmed ?

DublinDilbert

If the HG went on your one, pull the head off, get it skimmed, re-assemble. Better the devil you know.

One of the reasons you get the head skimmed is to remove any pitting from the surface and give you a perfect surface. Both your heads will have some pitting on them.

You might get away with using either head, without getting them skimmed, but is it really worth the risk for €50?

Buford T Justice

DublinDilbert wrote: »

If the HG went on your one, pull the head off, get it skimmed, re-assemble. Better the devil you know.

One of the reasons you get the head skimmed is to remove any pitting from the surface and give you a perfect surface. Both your heads will have some pitting on them.

You might get away with using either head, without getting them skimmed, but is it really worth the risk for €50?

+1. If I was doing that much work on a wagon i'd be getting it skimmed for sure.

El Guapo!

When you say the head is gone do you mean its cracked? Cause if so then that head is scrap metal and it'll have to be replaced. If you do get a second hand head then I'd strongly advise getting it skimmed. No point in chancing it only to have to strip it all back down again.

Run_to_da_hills

Dean09 wrote: »

When you say the head is gone do you mean its cracked? Cause if so then that head is scrap metal and it'll have to be replaced. If you do get a second hand head then I'd strongly advise getting it skimmed. No point in chancing it only to have to strip it all back down again.

Get any SH head crack tested, it can be done at any automotive machine shop. No point paying a mechanic several hundred euro to find out that the problem is back to square one again, also it may be worth changing the timing belt and water pump while you are at it.

A faulty water pump could have been the initial problem to cause overheating in the first place.

kasper

almost certain you will need new stretch bolts for fitting a new cylinder head

rodneys

dropped head in to get it done, get it back later, apparently old bolts will do for one more fit but if it has to come off again I'll have to get new ones.
now just to refit ,get to test my torque wrench ,
anyone know the settings?

Gary ITR

rodneys wrote: »

dropped head in to get it done, get it back later, apparently old bolts will do for one more fit but if it has to come off again I'll have to get new ones.
now just to refit ,get to test my torque wrench ,
anyone know the settings?

IIRC I paid about 20quid for a set of head bolts. They'll be worth it

Neilw

I recommend new head bolts and get head skimmed.

rodneys

thanks guys,got it skimmed, guy threw in bolts and gasket , fitted it all back on but not running too good , need to change thermostat and temp sensor (if i can find the bloody thing :mad:) as fan not kickin in , before I do any more

Plug

rodneys wrote: »

thanks guys,got it skimmed, guy threw in bolts and gasket , fitted it all back on but not running too good , need to change thermostat and temp sensor (if i can find the bloody thing :mad:) as fan not kickin in , before I do any more

Is it a 1.25 zetec or a 1.3 old one? The 1.25 had a collant temp sensor at the right hand side of the engine, later ones have it in between the 2 middle spark plugs. not sure about the 1.3 though.

rodneys

found the sensor,changed it but still no joy , think i might have to drop it to a garage to double check :mad:

DublinDilbert

Have you checked that all your timing marks are lining up correctly?

Could be as simple as an electric connector not pushed home fully.

rodneys

timing not an issue as belt wasnt touched, have double checked all the connectors but still no joy,:(

Plug

Is the thermostat opening?
The rad could be all blocked?
Is it over heating or whats the craic?
Is it that the fan wont kick in is all?
Am I asking too many questions?
:P