General Fiat Ducato Mechanic in/around Vancouver BC?

[slowboater]

I just bought a Ducato based Hymer (2001). I want to get the timing belt changed soon (it has 150k kms on it and was changed at 90K - how long ago I'm not sure).

Any leads on someone who will do mechanical work on a Ducato around here?

I found one guy who says he'll do the work if I supply the parts - and another who will do it if I find him a manual (which I found here!! thank you!).

Anywhere between Vancouver BC and Seattle WA would be fine.

Cheers!

 

[bugsymike]

I just bought a Ducato based Hymer (2001). I want to get the timing belt changed soon (it has 150k kms on it and was changed at 90K - how long ago I'm not sure).

Any leads on someone who will do mechanical work on a Ducato around here?

I found one guy who says he'll do the work if I supply the parts - and another who will do it if I find him a manual (which I found here!! thank you!).

Anywhere between Vancouver BC and Seattle WA would be fine.

Cheers!

Sorry too far away for a call out and retired, but if you have the manual it is not rocket science for any half competent mechanic!

 

[slowboater]

Yeah, @bugsymike - I don't want to pay your mileage to get out here.

But, if you're in the area I'll pay ya (including beers) and be your sous mechanic. I'm reasonably handy but haven't ever done a timing belt.

I'm still looking for someone in the area BTW.

Cheers,

 

[bugsymike]

My expired passport still has my first wife's photo on it from 1978, couldn't afford to travel abroad after the settlement.
If you can't find a local mechanic, could you have a go if you had the data? Plus the timing belt kit of course. If you took lots of photos, followed the instructions, tightened everything correctly, checked you had timed it correctly , then turned it over by hand at least two full revolutions to make sure nothing hits and the belt was tensioned correctly. Main thing is, do it at your speed and check everything twice. While you are there a good time to do the water pump and renew antifreeze etc.
It's strange I talk to people in Australia and they have the same issue as you finding good local mechanics, is it just because they are only happy working on their local car models?
When I did my apprenticeship the garage I worked for would take on anything that came along, so I guess I just got used to it. Mind you the money was crap, though good people to work for and I learnt a lot from the other mechanics as well as going to college. It's all to specialised now a days.

 

[slowboater]

My expired passport still has my first wife's photo on it from 1978, couldn't afford to travel abroad after the settlement.
If you can't find a local mechanic, could you have a go if you had the data? Plus the timing belt kit of course. If you took lots of photos, followed the instructions, tightened everything correctly, checked you had timed it correctly , then turned it over by hand at least two full revolutions to make sure nothing hits and the belt was tensioned correctly. Main thing is, do it at your speed and check everything twice. While you are there a good time to do the water pump and renew antifreeze etc.
It's strange I talk to people in Australia and they have the same issue as you finding good local mechanics, is it just because they are only happy working on their local car models?
When I did my apprenticeship the garage I worked for would take on anything that came along, so I guess I just got used to it. Mind you the money was crap, though good people to work for and I learnt a lot from the other mechanics as well as going to college. It's all to specialised now a days.

I agree with you on all of this. When I was a kid - mechanics would work on anything. Now - if it doesn't have 'ford', 'dodge', etc stamped on it with a computer to tell them what they're supposed to do - they won't take it on.

I found a guy who said he'd tackle it if I have the manual. So, I'll print up the manual and have him do it.

But, I'm still all ears if someone has a name of a mechanic in the area who has experience with Fiats!

Cheers,

 

[bugsymike]

I agree with you on all of this. When I was a kid - mechanics would work on anything. Now - if it doesn't have 'ford', 'dodge', etc stamped on it with a computer to tell them what they're supposed to do - they won't take it on.

I found a guy who said he'd tackle it if I have the manual. So, I'll print up the manual and have him do it.

But, I'm still all ears if someone has a name of a mechanic in the area who has experience with Fiats!

Cheers,

I expect your manual is comprehensive enough. However if you supplied details include engine type code I still have Autodata manual for timing belts dated 2002-2012, providing my shaky photo taking is readable.
BTW a lot of engines were shared with Peugeot and Citroen etc. part of their "badge engineering" also the 2.5 and 2.8 Sofim engines in the Iveco Daily vans and pickups, so may not be limited to Fiat only experience mechanic.