Thanks for welcoming me to into the site, first off.

Second, if you haven't read my introduction. Shame on you, http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=22666 read it there.

Last night after work I came home to my vick auto parts box, and wasted no time tearing into the box of parts that all look like they've come from AREA51. After a short journey to the auto parts store for some matching alien tools, I came home and instantly went running for my little fiat.



A short time, and a can of EngineBrite and 400 gallons of water later, my engine looks no cleaner. however enough grease and sludge was washed off to now find most of nuts and bolts to tear off the cooling hoses, thermo, tee, and timing belt cover think, along with carb and misc hoses and cables.

BIG photos here.

Top of engine:


Water Pump:


Front of engine:


I got all the way down to the crank shaft and realized I don't have a socket big enough to get on that sucker. so. with that I've called my ace mechanic brother to the rescue. and will wait. because i also went all willy nilly and started spinning stuff around that I shouldn't have been

Anyone have a list of general tools I should have on hand to work on this little lady? Things I should never be without?
Tips or thoughts on all the effin oil everywhere. Also, I took out CYL 1 spark plug. 100% black under there. worn piston rings? no i didn't pull out any others. I know, I should have looked. and I mean i guess while i've the got the best fiat lovers on the line.... as long as i have all those little lines, and holes lined up on my cams and crankshaft when i put that timing belt on, everything should be peaches and cream? I'm not missing some magic trick?

Cheers and thanks!!

The Girl:


Like new interior:


Like new interior back seat:


Wheel and Dash:


Who needs a radio:


Anyone know whats up with the hardtop??


sitting on 22's:

You should take on the replacement of all the front oil seals when you do the timing belt, it is not that hard and there are plenty of threads here with guidance on how to do it! The big problem will be removing the crankshaft nut. Get a chain wrench and a helper and a long breaker bar with the socket and it will come loose. It is a hell of a lot easier to do with the radiator out, and that is surprisingly easy, so I would recommend you remove it. Keeps it from getting biffed too.

while you have the #1 plug out cut a piece of rope 16 inches long and put half of it in the plug hole
then when you go to remove the nut the block will stop metric tools thru out
when cleaning ALU you need to move the dirt for it to run when rinsed
i went to the dollar store and bought hand cleaner and small wire brush set nylon brass and steel
brass gets it the most clean but only after the crap is gone

you can build a rip roaring monster with big boar domed pistons and a wicked cam

or keep it stock with a gasket set

hope this helps
and welcome aboard

joe