Lifter check and replacement - getting the camshafts out

[pematthe]

My Brother-in-law has given me his C4 1.4 2009 to fix. There's a noisy lifter and random "STOP, oil pressure low". His local garage says the two might be related. As the garage work will cost more than the car is worth, I have the pleasure to have a go.

I bought the (online) UK Haynes manual for the vehicle. It seems to cover what I need, but it is lacking in a method to remove the camshaft sprockets on the 1.4. It is the KFU engine variant and so far has been OK to get to the 'section 7'

As I am trying to get to the lifters, I have to remove the camshafts. To get to the camshafts, I have to remove the pulley wheels from the end. My manual says "don't use the locking pins for leverage, use a spanner on the flat spot on the cam and hold it tight". There is no flat spot for a spanner on either cam - how do I hold the camshaft and stop it spinning.
from Haynes

is what I have.

[wheeler]

you can get universal pulley locking tools like this > https://www.amazon.co.uk/US-PRO-Motorcy ... d_source=1

Not hard to make something up with some nuts bolts & a bit of flat bar.

[pematthe]

Thanks for the info. I will look at the bits and bobs in my scrap pile to see if there's anything I can fabricate.

Interestingly, there're 2 holes on the outlet side, but nothing similar on the inlet side. In fact, the inlet has a very different face arrangement with a big, shallow 31mm nut. That's a problem for another day (probably Saturday)

[wheeler]

Interestingly, there're 2 holes on the outlet side, but nothing similar on the inlet side. In fact, the inlet has a very different face arrangement with a big, shallow 31mm nut. That's a problem for another day (probably Saturday)

Sounds like you have the ET3 engine that has variable valve timing, that's why one of the pulleys look different.

[pematthe]

Interestingly, there're 2 holes on the outlet side, but nothing similar on the inlet side. In fact, the inlet has a very different face arrangement with a big, shallow 38mm nut. That's a problem for another day (probably Saturday)

Sounds like you have the ET3 engine that has variable valve timing, that's why one of the pulleys look different.

No, it is definitely the KFU engine. VIN checked.

[wheeler]

I believe KFU is an ET3 engine.

[pematthe]

I believe KFU is an ET3 engine.

They have different codes for the same engine! I didn't know that. Let's hope I don't break anything when I get that cam out.

[pematthe]

UPDATE. The lifters are not the problem. Camshaft bearing faces, housing and head journals scored at the transmission end. No wonder "STOP Low oil pressure" warning appeared sometimes.

Could worn lifters have cause oil starvation? Any-hoo........ Now to see if I can either get an engineering firm to refurbish, get a secondhand head or a refurbished complete head. Or it is scrap?

Any one got any contacts in Slovenia?

[PaulC5]

Possibly to be worn like that the head may have been starved of oil so you need to look further than just fixing the head. Maybe the oil pump is worn or something else has caused the lack of oil. There could also be worn big end bearings and cylinders so you might want to look at getting another engine.

[pematthe]

UPDATE
I have found a replacement head with cams. Not in the best of condition, but better than existing. I am going to clean up, inspect and hope for the best. Photos to come, especially of the surface rust from the cams where they have been sitting for a while.

Question. Head gasket sets and other gaskets. For choices and prices, there seems to be many. What is the difference? What is actually needed, and what maker?

I have seen options for just a head-gasket. Head-gasket sets that seem to include misc rubber bands and valve seals and other that include more bits. Prices from 40£ to 130£.... any suggestions?

This is being done on a budget as the car is only worth pennies. I think I want a kit that has got head-gasket, inlet/outlet gaskets, cam oil seals. I am not sure what else.

Suggestions?
Autodoc will ship to me and I am sure of local autofactors (avto deli) that will also supply, but I would like info about what to avoid and what I need. Do I need new head bolts as well. Some site say they are one use, Haynes says "check length".