Hello chaps,

just bought a timing belt kit including a water pump for my 2001 1.2 8v and just researching the procedure for fitting.

I'm already confused!!! Looking at my 'Haynes book of lies' the first thing to do is identify the the engine as this affects finding TDC.

In their words..... Refer to procedure A or B depending on the engine number.

Engine number outside the range 6.800.001 to 7.000.000 - Refer to procedure A
Engine number within the range 6.800.001 to 7.000.000 - Refer to procedure B.

According to the 'book of lies' the engine number is located on the block below the cylinder head at the timing belt end...............well I can't find the bugger!!

My registration document has the engine number as 0372356 which bears absolutely no resemblance to the one the 'book of lies' is jabbering on about.

needless to say I am confused and I haven't even got my spanners out yet!!!

i think haynes have gone mad, remove rubber bung on gearox bell housing, you should be able to set tdc by fly wheel markings, never seen a 2001 punto with out markings at both ends though.

Cheers Dave, could you elaborate slightly what exactly am I looking for on the fly wheel? or at the other end of the crank.

Also once the crank is set in the correct position how do I know the correct cam position? Presuming everything is timed correctly now, which I have no reason to think otherwise I could make my own marks?

From a Sei, but timing is the same. More stuff in the Guides, I think, Punto and Cinq/Sei sections.

Very few Puntos imported to the UK came without timing marks.

some photos in here too https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-ii/19733-photos-timing-marks-8v-f-i-r-e-engines.html

Cheers Chaps,
all starting to make sense now, god only knows what haynes are jabbering on about, just one more thing is the toothed sprocket that the TDC sensor 'sensors' straight forward to remove? Also any advice on setting the belt tension? might have a go at this tomorrow.

Alternator pulley is easy enough. 3 bolts can be "jarred" loose without needing to lock up the engine. Slacken off the alternator belt first.

When you get the alternator pulley off, look for the tiny little hole -- this has to be placed over the little pip on the crank pulley when you stick it back together or the car will never, ever, start (ignition timing will be miles out).

Belt tension, is about right when you can just move the belt 90 degrees between finger and thumb on the longest throw.

yes the len fairclough way is best on these engines for belt tensioning

s and b said:

yes the len fairclough way is best on these engines for belt tensioning

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Well, the Herz method is best, but very few people have -- or can afford -- the kit. Finger and thumb works, and doesn't exactly cost a lot.

fingers99 said:

Well, the Herz method is best, but very few people have -- or can afford -- the kit. Finger and thumb works, and doesn't exactly cost a lot.

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whatever floats your boat as they say

The old way was to put a long pencil down a sparkplug hole.

Rotate the engine by hand.

When the pencil is at its max height you've reached TDC...

Well that seals it,not half as complex as Haynes makes out. Probably not going to attempt tomorrow looking at the weather!!!

Nice to know with the 8v the valves won't be clobbering piston if it ever breaks!

Just on a different note is the 16v motor significantly better to drive than the 8v unit?

pastamasta said:

Well that seals it,not half as complex as Haynes makes out. Probably not going to attempt tomorrow looking at the weather!!!

Nice to know with the 8v the valves won't be clobbering piston if it ever breaks!

Just on a different note is the 16v motor significantly better to drive than the 8v unit?

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not really
it has more torque
spins wheels far too easily at juctions even with a nice clutch
costs more in fuel and road tax
dont like it
not fiats finest hour

s and b said:

not really
it has more torque
spins wheels far too easily at juctions even with a nice clutch
costs more in fuel and road tax
dont like it
not fiats finest hour

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...unless, of course, you have the Speedgear, semi-auto version: the gearbox and engine seem made for each other...!

You do need to choose tyres carefully, though: as s and b says, the slightest bit of grease or gravel can easily upset the grip, otherwise.

If you don't need/want the power, the 8v is certainly a better proposition; and is simpler, mechanically; and much cheaper to run.... I need an automatic gearbox, though: so was a bit more limited in my choice.

You can get an average of low- to mid-forties, mpg-wise, with sensible driving and super unleaded; and it takes the hills we have around here with a lot less struggling than an 8v. It also cruises quietly on motorway journeys (which will give you over 50 mpg...).

disgusted said:

The old way was to put a long pencil down a sparkplug hole.

Rotate the engine by hand.

When the pencil is at its max height you've reached TDC...

Click to expand...

Mind you. if the plug isn't central (or if you have big valves) you end up with a broken pencil inside the cylinder!

Given the marks on the cam pulley and the crank pulley, you don't really need TDC on the FIRE engine: wasted spark.

i use a welding rod
but only to confirm my feelings
not just for fiats though

s and b said:

not really
it has more torque
spins wheels far too easily at juctions even with a nice clutch
costs more in fuel and road tax
dont like it
not fiats finest hour

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only a few quid more in road tax.

ifind the 16v cheaper to run than 8v

As much as i'd love a 16V for more power and all that jazz

The 8v is a common as muck engine, parts are cheap as chips and they are brilliant engines if care is taken of them

HG isn't a problematic item if its cared for
So i'd end up 8v each time as well!

Ziggy

I must admit I do like the fact that my punto is super simple, it's a base model and has not even got ABS. The fanciest thing on it is the electric windows! The worst definitely the lack of a Temp gauge!!!!!!!! who ever thought that was a good idea??? I have a classic car and it has a temp gauge and oil pressure gauge and I find them very comforting and would give a steady warning of impending problems.

Often thought about chopping a gauge off a scrapped Punto and trying it on the present sender....might work?

pastamasta said:

Often thought about chopping a gauge off a scrapped Punto and trying it on the present sender....might work?

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Just replace the whole cluster. Should cost you around £15-25.

Find one with a lower mileage than yours, though: as you can only adjust it upwards (e.g. using MultiECUscan (MES)). You may also need to proxy align it, once fitted (so it's talking to the ECU/body computer properly...) -- again, MES is your friend...!