hi.

Had my marea weekend 1.6 16v 1999 auto for a few months and shes ran great until last night. I have been visiting family over the new year and yesterday did the 111 miles home with no problems. Got home, unloaded car and decided to pop to the supemartket for bits and bobs. Got in car started up fine set off and the car seemed like the handbrake was on i checked and it wasnt. There was smoke coming from the bonnet so i reversed back into the parking spot turned off and popped the bonnet. I could smell burnt plastic/rubber. I checked the belts and all seemed fine. Started car. It started smoking near where the belts are and the engine sounded tappety. Turned it off straight away. I didnt see any seized pulleys or rubbing belts. Im wondering if water pump has seized and timing belt is rubbing over the pulley. Any one else had any simular problems. Any advice what to do before i get my tools out and start taking covers off etc... Thanks in advance

well pulled back the cam belt cover to have a look at the cambelt and the tensioner looks as though it has melted. the belts a bit loose.
Any one know of a mechanic who can fit a cam belt kit for me cheaper then ive been quoted 290 + VAT + 50 for recovery parts inc...

cooke2518 said:

Any one know of a mechanic who can fit a cam belt kit for me cheaper then ive been quoted 290 + VAT + 50 for recovery parts inc...

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yes I do,
but they are in Oxford OX12 area, = where are you..??.

I don't think the 16v's are difficult to work on,
get a quote from an indy fiat specialist,

Charlie

Thanks charlie.

Im near leicstershire. I had a quote back from a garage with a very good reputation and was quoted 255 inc vat for everything. they will even collect the car. If i was back home in yourkshire i could have had it done for about 150 but its getting the car there as i really dont want to start it again just incase the pistons meet the valves. Cheers for your help

Well car went to the garage last week and i got her back yesterday. The tensioner and the other pully had both seized, I got very lucky that the cam belt didnt snap otherwise it would be a new engine or a new head depending on the damage. Total cost was £285.42 which included VAT, the car picked up from my house £25, Cam belt kit at £64.99 +vat, £30 for the rental of fiat special tools as the garage didnt hold them and the rest was all labour. From what ive been told it was a pretty good price i got it for and the car runs sweet. Car did 65,000 miles before the pulleys gave out, dont know if it has ever had a new cam belt fitted since factory in 1999. Its all good now and i hope she keeps going for another 60,000 as i quite like the fiat marea.

you been very lucky there
I would not drive for 60.000 miles without worring thought
Change cambelt and tensioner every 36.000 miles or 3 years whichever comes first