Hello everyone, first post on this forum.

Can anyone tell me if my Punto 85 16v Model 176 reg 1998 has a safe engine or not. I am concerned what will happen if the cam belt snaps.

Am I right in saying the MK2's started in 1999?

Many thanks

Not 100% sure of the date, but sounds right.

The diesel and the 16v were never safe (non-interference) engines.

If in doubt, change the cambelt!

'99 is the last year of the mk1 punto.. so you will find both mk1 and mk2a puntos that are 1999 cars, most will be mk1's though..

and as said above, 16v engine is not a non-interference engine - that is only the 8v fire engines. 1242 16v, 1.6 8v and diesel engines are all interference engines.

Its not a hard job changing the belt and the cam locking tools are cheap on ebay - and replace the tensioner as well rather than just the belt. Makes sense to swap out the water pump at the same time if you don't know when (if ever) its been changed.

Lastly, welcome to FF!! :wave:

Many thanks to you both, its in such good condition I want to spend a bit of time on it and keep it alive. Will change the can belt asp. Thanks again.

moleburr said:

Many thanks to you both, its in such good condition I want to spend a bit of time on it and keep it alive. Will change the can belt asp. Thanks again.

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I really liked the mk 1 ,

with the 85 Horses,
it's well worth looking after..,

Charlie

varesecrazy said:

I really liked the mk 1 ,

with the 85 Horses,
it's well worth looking after..,

Charlie

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Is the 1372 turbo an interference engine??

yes