Got the Seicento

You can get the plug thread dealt with easily. Just needs to be drilled out to take an insert, which will leave you with a new thread. Better to get this done at an engineering shop rather than a garage (who will tell you the head needs to be taken off to do this work).

The rear wiper is operated by a handle? That's little Italian cars for you. ;)

Wrong. Drilling is not necessary to fit a thread insert in a stripped plug hole.

which will leave you with a new thread. Better to get

Wrong again. Most engineering shops, unless they are in the auto trade, will not have a sutable kit, or the inclination to do the job. OTOH I would guess most garages will have the kit and the experience to do the job properly..

(who will tell you the

I doubt that as well. Most garages will be quite familiar with the procedure, and know that in most cases head removal is not necessary, and will not recommend it. Mike.

ROFLMAO. WRONG.

Priceless.

It's had some 'mods' done on - and yes, there's handles for the bits that don't work electrically any more.

The last time I drove a small Fiat it was 1987 and I'd just passed my test. I crashed the front into a tree whilst reversing and then a week later wrote it off going sideways into a crash barrier.

Then it was repeat driving lessons - and no more accidents.

Hopefully this one will last a bit longer once it's fixed.

David

Thought so - thanks. I'm planning to get this car finished by the end of the month before it gets too dark!

David

Be interested to hear how you can fit an oversized threaded insert into a head without drilling?

If you have to ask the question, maybe you shouldn't be giving advice about the correct prodedure for fitting them. You're obviously unaware that the hole size for a thread insert tap is only slightly larger than the nominal thread size, therefore when a thread is stripped completely, especially in softer materials like ally or cast iron, drilling is not necessary. Mike.

Strange that............I wonder if you could post the dimensions of the tap you use for putting an insert into a 14mm plug thread?

Are you sure they wouldn't just take the head off and send it to someone to sort out?

It really is a very simple operation. Maybe 15-20 minutes work, and a Helicoil spark plugl kit is only around £40. I suppose a garage might have someone else do it if they have no one practised at it, and are unwilling to have a go themselves. Even then head removal shouldn't be necessary. They could either get the guy to come in, or take the car to him.

The only reason I can see for removing a head, would be if the plug holes were particularly awkward to get at. From the POV of tapping and fitting the insert.

The biggest risk is if the tang of the insert is dropped into the cylinder. If it can't be removed through the plug hole, it's safer to take the head off, even though there's a good chance it would exit through the exhaust if the car were started.

No matter how careful you are, some swarf will drop into the cylinder. That goes out of the exhaust without any problem, but a hardened tang might cause damage. Mike.