tokyodrifte

Hi PassionFord!

I bought a Ford Fiesta 1.25 LX 03 reg back in September, I took it for a service 2 days after purchase and it turns out there is many faults with the vehicle, to cut a very long story short I am now stuck with this vehicle and its faults.

A quick summary of faults are:

Head gasket failure
Corroded Exhaust Joint and Loose Heat-shield.
Front and rear break pipes corroded
Front discs + Pads 95% worn, rear shoes not visible
Passenger side drop link bent
Drivers side rear shock leaking
Drivers side drive shaft oil seal leaking gearbox oil

Now I really like the way the car looks and feels, even with these faults, and I love setting projects and saving money - So I am wondering if you guys could help me out with some advise on the above faults?

I know the head gasket job is very labour intensive, do you guys have any tips? Should I attempt this myself? Is there any manuals I should purchase for this job?

ItsNothingWithoutATurbo

break the car and sell me the head? my mrs cambelt snapped and she needs a cheap head

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

There is no reason why a competant DIY mechanic could not do that, obviously it is a project as you say rather than 5 minutes work, tbh thats the only thing it could be as it would be uneconomical to have a garage do the work.

But so as long as you have a decent selection of tools, including a torque wrench and know the tightening sequence etc for the head.

Only thing is if it's overheated badly and the head has warped etc and/or needs skimming.

I assume you diden't inspect it before you bought it?

Martin

tokyodrifte

No checks were made when purchased, I was very blind and stupid and now I am stuck with the vehicle, I think I will buy a haynes manual to help me - will the tightening sequence be available in the haynes manual?

I think my plan would be to check the head and if it needs skimming just get a new engine fitted? The current engine has done 115k.

Thanks for your replies

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

We all make mistakes, as thats how we learn

A machinest will be able to skim the head, and it's not expensive either, thats if it even needs it, you can't tell until it's removed.

Yes a Haynes manual is invaluable, and has everything you need to know.

Martin

tokyodrifte

Thanks Martin!

You have been a great help, I am thinking of taking a few pictures and monitoring my progress with a thread on here Should be good fun!

tokyodrifte

Sorry to bump this thread, But I noticed yesterday when checking the car - I put it in 1st gear whilst on stands and the drivers side wheel was spinning fine however the passengers side was not spinning at all, I tried giving it a push and you can feel it trying to give some lazy effort of spinning but its just not enough... Any ideas what it could be?