Technical Fiat 500 Timing Chain

[Paul Wilder]

So my Fiat 500 1.3L Multijet Diesel by Diesel, that I’ve had since I bought it new in 2009 (from BS Marsons in Newcastle under Lyme - friendly dealers!) has now done over 100,000 miles (where did the time go?!). For much of that it used to pull my old caravan too - but I’ve retired her from that job now!
After peoples comments on if it’s worth getting the timing chain replaced or not?
Or indeed if there’s any other big jobs that I should consider getting done on it…?

 

[Ralf S.]

If it's quiet, I would be tempted to leave it for a bit longer. You probably have another "big job" coming up soon so unless your chain is getting a bit clattery then change it at the same time as the other stuff (e.g. water pump?) so that you can combine some of the labour.

If the beast is noisy, then probably best to do it sooner rather than later... but combine it with some other jobs (e.g. water pump) if that will save you some work down the road.

Unless I missed it, the chain doesn't have a recommended mileage change interval.

Ralf S.

 

[jrkitching]

Unless I missed it, the chain doesn't have a recommended mileage change interval.

There's no recommended change interval, but the chain is well known for failing; judging from what's been posted, the risk becomes significant after about 80,000 miles and increases thereafter. A known service history with oil changes at the recommended intervals may stack the deck in your favour.

Reports of chain failure on the diesels are way, way more common than reports of belt failure on the petrol cars. Whether you replace it is about how lucky you feel, and how much you value peace of mind. If it does fail, then unless you're doing the work yourself (and realistically it's an engine out job), the cost will likely put a 2009 car beyond economic repair.

If you are planning to change it sometime, doing it now is actually a no-brainer; whenever you do it, it'll last the remaining life of the car, the cost is only going one way, and the sooner you do it, the sooner you have peace of mind.

If the engine is coming out to change the chain, it shouldn't cost a lot more to also change the clutch & water pump.