Technical Timing belt replacement info with vvt.

[yann]

Hi everyone, my 2020 500 with vvt will need doing soon..I have done many timing belts but not on the vvt fire.
My information comes from that 'online data source' which purports to be as per manufacturer (we all know the one)
I'm not sure if it's ok to say it on here though?
anyway, it's procedure (again i'd better not list a printout) is all as per normal, but on the special precautions/removal chapter
there, it says warning-engines with vvt, mark cam, cam sprockets, cam adjusters, and related camshaft components prior to removal....
so, if the online tech data' is as manufacturer says, then there is no need to undo the cam sprocket/vvt etc.
(just thought i'd get your thoughts on this one)
cheers, Yann

 

[John202020]

5 year interval for belt unless high miles or extreme conditions, best advice I can give is, honestly, go to Fiat, by all means try yourself but be prepared for real headache.
I've just had ours done, 7 years old, by Fiat Inc water pump £450

 

[348azeus]

If you’re concerned get a locking kit. If it’s the 16v it would make sense to lock it.

 

[jackwhoo]

Yes say which source you are looking at online

 

[jrkitching]

All I can say is to do your homework carefully before you start. There are numerous ways to go wrong and get into difficulties, and this forum sees many, many posts from folks who've had running issues after cambelt changes. Not just after DIY changes, but also from folks who've had the work done by general purpose independent garages.

Do not be fooled into thinking this is just a routine cambelt change procedure. The camshaft isn't keyed; there are no timing marks, and you have the added complication of the VVT variator.

Hence the advice that this is one job where it just might be worth taking the car to a franchised dealer.

But if you do attempt this yourself, please let us know afterward what method you used, and what issues you found?

 

[yann]

Thanks all, the online tech data is the one that most independant garages use..( used to be on cd's which were easily copied by some)
now it is all online only by subscription and doesn't allow copying etc..
it purports to be 'as manufacturer' for data etc.
Hence my query, re: undoing the vvt pulley.
Does Fiat actually tell you to slacken it during replacement?
If so, the tech data supplier is wrong then.
cheers, yann
p.s. i have access to the t belt tools

 

[jackwhoo]

I don't know why you are being mysterious

But ....I did a full belt kit change on a 1.2 vvt without the locking tools by marking the old belt to the sprockets , transferring the marks to the new belt and fitting making sure all marks on belt and sprockets aligned .

No problems ensued.