Hi!
Having this weird issue after replacing timing belt and tensioner where timing belt rubs against engine block. Have tried tensioning the belt again and again, sometimes more tense, sometimes more loose, and the result is still same. As soon as it cranks, belt hits engine block and starts rubbing.

Engine is 1.4 16v in a Cinq.

Found another thread with same issue but sadly they didn't post how they solved it:
https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento/241708-timing-belt-tensioner.html


What more to try? New belt and tensioner again?

I’d be looking for a wonky tensioner or pulley.

Well, pulleys are fixed pretty tight, can't see them coming loose. Will still check them.

Found that OEM Fiat belt + tensioner are only about 30€, will try those.
Too bad you need to drop the engine just to replace that tensioner. :yuck:

Yes.. its a tracking issue.

As youve said it will be the tensioner..

Not sure if you can try and remount it..


It is the sprung type..??

Charlie

No, not sprung type. It pivots on a bolt and you manually have to turn/tighten it.

They are normally super reliable..

So either sat on some crud.. or the bearing is failing..

Thanks, will let you know in a couple of days if new tensioner fixes it.

Have a good look at old and new belts. Are the teeth the same shape? There are at least three different tooth shapes used over the years. Panda changed around 2005. I seem to remember there may have been choices on the original Panda, so always worth checking.

Could you elaborate?

Change in profile.. rounded corners??

Early ones are 'square', later ones rounded. Many vehicles changed, not just Fiats. Quieter running I think was the main reason. But somewhere along the line I've encountered a third profile, but not sure where or why. Always a good idea to check replacement is same as original.

New tensioner made it better. Not exactly how it used to be but at least it's not rubbing anymore.