cardinalbiggles
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Does that apply to the newer 165 as well?
General Cam belt
- Thread starter danthewam
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General Cam belt
its one of those things where if its still workin y fix it? But if the cambelt goes ur talkin an engine rebuild rnt ya!
I suspect so as they're the same family of engine.
Fiat do recommend 72k or 5 years whichever comes first. Personally I would use that as a maximum rather than a recommended time.
My car is now just over 5 years old since registration, but over 5.5 years since build. I have checked my belt and it is in remarkably good condition, it would probably go for another 20,000 miles easily, BUT...
My water pump has started leaking (the car has used a small amount of water since I got it). Fortunately I have finally got the cash together to get my timing belt and pump done at a local Fiat dealer, I was quoted £300 which isn't bad for a main dealer price.
This is on a T-Jet rather than an M-Jet., but it just proves what the others are saying - the water pumps will probably go before the belt.
My car is now just over 5 years old since registration, but over 5.5 years since build. I have checked my belt and it is in remarkably good condition, it would probably go for another 20,000 miles easily, BUT...
My water pump has started leaking (the car has used a small amount of water since I got it). Fortunately I have finally got the cash together to get my timing belt and pump done at a local Fiat dealer, I was quoted £300 which isn't bad for a main dealer price.
This is on a T-Jet rather than an M-Jet., but it just proves what the others are saying - the water pumps will probably go before the belt.
What advice should we be taking here as there are many different recommendations floating around. The specialists say the above but the Fiat recommendation for the timing belt change is at much higher mileage? I know that it is practical to have the water pump changed at the same time as the belt but what about the other way around. Does the belt need doing if the pump is done?
My Bravo is approaching the 40,000 miles mark, just shy of 38k at the moment and the car will be 4 years old in November 2013.
So to take this as an example, if a Fiat specialist is saying the above, is it wise the change the water pump at around the 40k mile mark? and if so does the belt also need doing at the same time?
This is all quite confusing as it doesn't follow Fiat recommendations... I just want my car to see me through without any big avoidable problems, as I'm sure everyone else does - but it would seem crazy to spend money unnecessarily!
Austen
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rubadub80
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As you are nearing 4yrs I would get them both done, as far as I know the water pump is driven off the Cambelt so would be silly replacing if not doing the belt at the same time. November isn't that far away so get it done then, don't stress too much about going over the mileage before 4yrs old, unless your doing 2k+ a month then get it done. I bought my 150mj when it was 5yrs old and only done 30k, still running on the original belt so I got it done for peace of mind.
You'll find a lot of manufacturers actually change their timing belt intervals from what is stated in the service book, and some are just ridiculous. I remember years ago when Vauxhall used to say 100k for some engines.
The belt will probably be fine, but the tensioners are what will take the hit.
rubadub80
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Belt might be ok but the tensioners might be weak. Just not worth risking, unless you paid £200 for the car!
:yeahthat:
And labour is the same regardless, get the belt changed at another time and you've then paid twice for labour you could have been charged once for.
In my case, the tensioner looks to be in good nick as well. I think my car has led a relatively easy life before I bought it, long journeys I would guess. But, I do agree with what you're saying. The Focus MK1, the diesel one in particular, had a reputation for the timing belt tensioners failing before Ford's recommended replacement interval.
But, my example backs up what others have said, that the water pumps can fail, and sometimes before the belt/tensioner.
I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see about booking mine in for a timing belt, water pump and coolant change. As I say, the water pump on mine is leaking so the sooner I get it done, the better.