Hey all...
First time post here - forgive me if this is a stupid question. A couple of months ago I got a main Fiat dealer to change the timing belt on my Mk I 1.1l 55SX (53k miles). Ever since, the gubbins around the timing belt area have made a funny groaning/whining noise when going between about 1k - 2k revs when the engine is warm.
Someone mentioned that the new belt might be too tight, so I took it back to the garage and they say that the timing belt cover is causing the noise. Now it is a little loose (you can wobble it), but I really don't think it's the culprit. It's going back next week for a new cover anyway.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? Any other thoughts?

Ta!

Ben
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If the new cover don't sort it, it might be timing belt tensioner bearing.

Difficult to be sure without hearing it, but an overtight belt does make some funny noises...

Thanks for that...
The tensioner was replaced at the same time as the belt - so I'd be tempted to rule that one out. I'll wait and see what effects the new cover will have.

Ben
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As suspected, replacing the timing belt cover did not fix the problem. New diagnosis is that the water pump is noisy. I was quoted £150 to replace it - is this good? It's a "four spanner" task in the Haynes manual - has anyone ever done this themselves and lived to tell the tale?

Ben
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I haven't needed to do it, yet.

But it's timing belt off job... so they'll get another shot at getting it right[!]

The water pump bearing suffers if the belt is over tight.

Take it back to the place that did the belt and be a nuisance [:0]

What length of guarantee was there on their belt replacement workmanship??

Did they use the FIAT tool for adjusting the belt tension, or just do the 1/4 turn trick (which can get it too tight if you're built like Geoff Capes).