Popabella - Just can't sell it.

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texanbrit
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Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:31 am

This is for my 2012 500 Pop, I had been planning to sell it but that hasn't really worked out.
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The car sucked up some water through the fenderwell style Injen intake, and got hydrolocked. Seemed to be okay after it was put back together, but not long after it threw a piston through the side of the block. The insurance company dug their feet in and said it probably just did that because it's a FIAT and had nothing to do with the prior hydro-lock, so I was left with a broken car.

The car also was previously rear ended by an uninsured driver, and that was repaired on the cheap as well. To prove that no good deed goes unpunished the car now leaks badly through the hatch. I'd take it back to the body shop but it doesn't have an engine to get there.

Anyway there is lots to fix.......

After humming and hawing about getting the engine done professionally a local friend talked me into doing it together. It'll be fun he says. We'll see.

The replacement engine showed up this week. So now we're just trying to figure out all the stuff we need before we dig in.
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2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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texanbrit
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Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2018 11:01 pm
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:46 am

If anyone is interested I used https://www.automotix.net/ to find the engine. The prices were a little higher but they included shipping (with no upcharges for residential delivery) and a years warranty.
2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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MadFiat
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by MadFiat » Fri Jan 29, 2021 7:25 am

Wish I could be there to help! Maybe next weekend.
2015 Rosso Abarth 5MT - MAD FIAT - EC Phase 2 + Supporting Mods
2015 Granito Lucente 500T 6AT - Projecto Estupido
2017 Fiat 124 Spider 6MT - Another one???

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texanbrit
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Wed Feb 03, 2021 10:08 am

So far we've got the battery out, bumper cover off, headlights removed, crash bar removed, radiator removed, radiator support removed and the axles disconnected from the hubs. Also removed the header/downpipe/exhaust manifold/cat thing not sure that the correct name is.
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Next weekend we're hoping to disconnect the clutch and gear linkages, disconnect the heater hoses and remove the engine, transmission and axles in one "lump". I'd like to not have to discharge the AC, but we'll see if that is possible. We have the condenser loose and swung "out of the way"

The coolant hoses look a little tired so planning to replace those while they are easy to get at. One axle nut should probably be replaced too. Some of the studs for the exhaust header backed out so I'm going to replace those as well as get a set of matching nuts (was a bit of a mixed bag).

Looking at the new motor it seems pretty clean. Sadly the salvage yard had chopped all of the nice looking wiring which is a shame. They also put the two of the bolts that hold the coilpacks on top of the sparkplugs before sealing the tubes, that seemed a bit weird.
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2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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texanbrit
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Sun Feb 07, 2021 11:31 am

So after attacking the AC compressor on the back of the block, from various directions including removing the wheel well lining, it was clear that we couldn't defeat it. There is a bolt cunningly hidden between the alternator and the compressor that makes it hard to do. We decided to empty the freon and remove the condenser instead, adding a replacement drier to the shopping list.

The gear shift linkages didn't want to release from the transmission, which I find ironic considering how often that's a problem. Madfiat got them off and also we released the cables from their guides.

Disconnected the transmission mount as some of the next steps involved things leaking on the ground and we didn't want to roll around in oil, coolant and brake fluid.

Removed the MPX brake cylinder brace as it shared a bolt with the engine mount on the driver's side.

Disconnected the clutch line to the transmission, leaks a bit of brake fluid.

Removed the heater hoses from the firewall (coolant on the floor). They have quickconnect fittings, but they don't quick disconnect. Used the spring clips to remove the hoses from the fittings instead.

Removed the AC lines from the firewall. They did not want to let go, so thinking need to replace those o-rings. Added to the shopping list.

Disconnected the ground strap from the transmission (must remember to reconnect that).

Last check for wires and lines still connected to the block. Connections to the alternator etc, don't want to miss any as a 300+lb engine, plus transmission plus axles will happily disconnect stuff but not in the way you'd want.

Removed the AOS box and bracket on the driver's side of the valve cover as well as the vacuum pump (T45 bolts).

Reused the T45 bolts to fasten the lift to driver's side.

Attached the lift to the block side of the passenger side engine mount, swapping the bolts out one at a time so the mount is always holding the engine.

Take up the slack in the lift, make the appropriate prayers and sacrifices to the deity of your choice, and undo the two mounts (frame side bolts on the passenger side).
Ready to pull out
Ready to pull out
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We found that when the engine moved forward a bit it trapped the axles against the captive bolts on the frame. So you might want to make sure the axles are above those to reduce your stress levels.

Other than that the engine came out easily and without any nasty surprises.
Engine on lift
Engine on lift
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We did remove the wire harness from the replacement block. Still a bit disappointed that it is hacked up by the salvage yard.
Catch of the day
Catch of the day
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So next step will be moving the wire harness over to the replacement block.

Also the engine bay is a bit covered in grease from a previously leaking driver's side axle boot and oil from the engine failure. So need a good cleanup in there.
Engine bay
Engine bay
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Also thinking about what to cover the wiring with. The original wiring sleeve material is extremely brittle and you can't touch it without showering in plastic and exposing the wiring underneath.
Last edited by texanbrit on Sun Feb 07, 2021 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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MadFiat
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by MadFiat » Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:07 pm

Good recounting of events. Don't think you missed a thing.
2015 Rosso Abarth 5MT - MAD FIAT - EC Phase 2 + Supporting Mods
2015 Granito Lucente 500T 6AT - Projecto Estupido
2017 Fiat 124 Spider 6MT - Another one???

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texanbrit
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Sun Feb 07, 2021 1:06 pm

Figured it was in my best interest to write down what I remembered. Hopefully that will help not missing things when putting it back
2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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texanbrit
Posts: 754
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2018 11:01 pm
Location: Conroe, TX
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:56 am

Thought I'd have a single post with just the parts I've ordered (except the engine obviously). Might help other people find the parts numbers a bit easier.

Remember I'm working on a 2012 500 Pop (5 speed manual)

Parts List
PCV Valve Seal - 04893446AB
Mopar coolant - 68163849AB
Transmission fluid (for top up)
Brake fluid (for top up)
Double Ended Stud, Mounting - 6510455AA (x9)
Nut, Mounting - 6506619AA (x9)
Exhaust manifold gasket - 52022336AA
T45 mounting bolts for flywheel - 6509650AA (x6)
M6 Bolts for clutch plate - 6509632AA (x6)
Axle Nut - 6509729AA (2)


Things that look a bit mangled
Coolant hoses - https://ngencustomsandperformance.com/s ... -aspirated

Probably don't need, but want to avoid oil leaks
Vacuum Pump Gasket - 68140726ac

For the AC
A/C Line O Ring - 68127836AA (x2)
Receiver Drier - 68104661AA
Receiver Drier O Ring - 68104662AA (x2)

For the valve cover painting (project creep not really needed)
Spark Plug Tube Seal - 68166329AA (x4).
Valve Cover Gasket - 68145088AA

Things I need to get
Hose clamps various
Wiring sleeves
Last edited by texanbrit on Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Moved the axle nuts as they should be replaced every time.
2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

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texanbrit
Posts: 754
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2018 11:01 pm
Location: Conroe, TX
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Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by texanbrit » Wed Feb 10, 2021 9:30 am

Does anyone know anything about a clutch alignment tool for the c514. Seem to be striking out locating one.
2013 Abarth 500c (NGen Turbo'd) - Isabella
2012 500 Pop (broken, engine rebuild on hold) - Popabella
2014 500L (Daily workhorse) - The Hulk
2013 Abarth 500 (broken engine, current project) - Abby

sportfan
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Location: Ponca City, Ok.
Your Car's Year / Make / Model: 2013 Fiat 500 Sport

Re: Popabella - Just can't sell it.

Post by sportfan » Wed Feb 10, 2021 7:18 pm

Paul I have metric all thread for the exhaust header is you have any problems finding them. I would need a length measurement.

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