Technical Timing Chain or Belt? When replacement?

[jlhdasMorahd]

Sorry for me overwhelming this place.
My brother has a very neglected 500, 1.2L, Manual, which needs care.

Timing belt, I assume?

Currently on 123,000 KM. Never even had it so much as inspected as far as I know.

Must be overdue, right?

Thank you!

 

[A3jeroen]

Belt

gr J

 

[John202020]

Belt yes, over due especially in your heat, I pushed ours to 7 years but 5 is the recommended service interval

 

[steveras57]

Belt yes over due especially in your heat

Put a new water pump on at the same time! -the belt is a hard DIY job! not so much the actual fitting but ensuring its timed spot on is well tricky even with the correct special tools

 

[jlhdasMorahd]

Put a new water pump on at the same time! -the belt is a hard DIY job! not so much the actual fitting but ensuring its timed spot on is well tricky even with the correct special tools

thank you!! BTW - why do I need a new water pump?

 

[steveras57]

thank you!! BTW - why do I need a new water pump?

Because you are doing all the dismantling to do the belt the Pump is just behind it! its a false economy Not to do it whilst its all stripped down you could put it all back together then in a few thousand miles the pump fails and its all got to come apart again! the pump is a cheap part and by doing it you future proof the engine for the years to come!

 

[jlhdasMorahd]

Because you are doing all the dismantling to do the belt the Pump is just behind it! its a false economy Not to do it whilst its all stripped down you could put it all back together then in a few thousand miles the pump fails and its all got to come apart again! the pump is a cheap part and by doing it you future proof the engine for the years to come!

Thank you again! VERY helpful and I will indeed ask to do the pump.

BTW - is this one of those engines (1.2L "Fire" engine, right?) that is safe from timing belt snapping? I forgot the technical term. Some engines will blow up the valves if timing is off, right? and some will not?

 

[jrkitching]

BTW - is this one of those engines (1.2L "Fire" engine, right?) that is safe from timing belt snapping

No.

If the timing belt breaks, there is a risk of serious engine damage.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Because you are doing all the dismantling to do the belt the Pump is just behind it! its a false economy Not to do it whilst its all stripped down you could put it all back together then in a few thousand miles the pump fails and its all got to come apart again! the pump is a cheap part and by doing it you future proof the engine for the years to come!

Happened to me a number of years ago!

 

[John202020]

Don't be surprised if the belt replacement doesn't go smoothly afterwards if not done by a Fiat dealer, lots are fine when independents do the job but there's also been more than a few where it's caused engine issues?

 

[jlhdasMorahd]

Don't be surprised if the belt replacement doesn't go smoothly afterwards if not done by a Fiat dealer, lots are fine when independents do the job but there's also been more than a few where it's caused engine issues?

Thx for this info!

I guess I should take the punch and just go to our official Fiat garage.

btw - how can such job doesn't go right? timing is off? what then happens? shaking engine?

 

[steveras57]

Its a tricky job even when using fiats special tools as the camshafts and crank have to be locked into there very specific positions and held correctly in place whilst the belt is fitted and tensioner released! it is very common that during this procedure something rotates when it should not and the timing ends up one tooth out of correct position( Even fiat dealers have been known to get this wrong!).
the result is rough running! a lack of power at high revs(3k +) and warning lights on dashboard.and a general lack of driveability!.

 

[jlhdasMorahd]

Its a tricky job even when using fiats special tools as the camshafts and crank have to be locked into there very specific positions and held correctly in place whilst the belt is fitted and tensioner released! it is very common that during this procedure something rotates when it should not and the timing ends up one tooth out of correct position( Even fiat dealers have been known to get this wrong!).
the result is rough running! a lack of power at high revs(3k +) and warning lights on dashboard.and a general lack of driveability!.

Appreciate this, thank you!

Tricky. My mechanic offered to do it for half the cost (i'll buy the parts myself).

But based on your input I think I will just go to the official FIAT garage.

But to be honest am on a budget so it's very tempting. My mechanic said "you think this is the first timing I am doing?!" and laughed.

IDK.

Will update soon!


I guess these are the tools:

 

[steveras57]

Appreciate this, thank you!

Tricky. My mechanic offered to do it for half the cost (i'll buy the parts myself).

But based on your input I think I will just go to the official FIAT garage.

But to be honest am on a budget so it's very tempting. My mechanic said "you think this is the first timing I am doing?!" and laughed.

IDK.

Will update soon!


I guess these are the tools:


View attachment 450370

As long as hes happy to do it a second time free of charge if he F**ks it up your alright!

 

[John202020]

Cost £450 here at the Fiat dealer including water pump all Fiat parts last month no problems afterwards