Timing belt or chain

[Tony linley]

Hi, this has got to asked before but here goes, I've bought my 1st fiat ( 08 grande punto 1.3 diesel) privately, after a lifetime of rover/mg ford's & vauxhalls, 1st, have I made a good choice? 2nd, are these models a timing belt or chain? There's a full stamped dealer service history but no recipes, so I don't know if belt/chain has been renewed ( milage 83k, last service 73k thanks

 

[The Panda Nut]

Its a belt and due for change no later than 84K cost at an independent garage c. 320 had my Bravo done late last year with all Fiat parts. Great car for the money. I believe there are lots of wheels that fit check the ET number on the rear of the wheel. Measure the centre hole and wheel nut spacing. I got this wrong a while back and it was an expensive mistake. as the wheels went on but just did not fit properly! Enjoy the car.

 

[MrDerv]

Its a belt and due for change no later than 84K cost at an independent garage c. 320 had my Bravo done late last year with all Fiat parts. Great car for the money. I believe there are lots of wheels that fit check the ET number on the rear of the wheel. Measure the centre hole and wheel nut spacing. I got this wrong a while back and it was an expensive mistake. as the wheels went on but just did not fit properly! Enjoy the car.

Are you sure it's not a chain? 1.3 diesel? The 1.9 is belt but everything i've ever read on this forum points at the 1.3 being a timing chain? Certainly by the fact there is lots of posts about the 1.3 stretching or snapping chains if the engine is not serviced according to schedule.

 

[Cxb]

The 1.3 diesels have chains.
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/334314-1-3-diesel-multijet-chain-belt.html

 

[chris3234]

Its a belt and due for change no later than 84K cost at an independent garage c. 320 had my Bravo done late last year with all Fiat parts. Great car for the money. I believe there are lots of wheels that fit check the ET number on the rear of the wheel. Measure the centre hole and wheel nut spacing. I got this wrong a while back and it was an expensive mistake. as the wheels went on but just did not fit properly! Enjoy the car.

Isn't the 1.3 diesel a timing chain?
Im sure my diesel 500 has a timing chain and it has the dark engine

 

[AndyRKett]

Just to add further weight, yes the 1.3 diesel has a chain 1.9 diesel has a belt.

They are totally different engines that do not share common parts.

Chain supposedly doesn’t need changing till 200,000miles but quite a few horror stories of them snapping early if not looked after.

Fortunately with the 1.3 if the chain does break it has sacrificial valve rockets which break preventing valve damage and are relatively cheap to replace without needing to take the whole engine to pieces.

With the 1.9 if the belt breaks you need a big wheelie bin to put the engine in.

 

[varesecrazy]

Its a belt and due for change no later than 84K cost at an independent garage c. 320 had my Bravo done late last year with all Fiat parts. Great car for the money. I believe there are lots of wheels that fit check the ET number on the rear of the wheel. Measure the centre hole and wheel nut spacing. I got this wrong a while back and it was an expensive mistake. as the wheels went on but just did not fit properly! Enjoy the car.

Your bravo is a different series of engine..and biggèr in capacity..

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi, this has got to asked before but here goes, I've bought my 1st fiat ( 08 grande punto 1.3 diesel) privately, after a lifetime of rover/mg ford's & vauxhalls, 1st, have I made a good choice? 2nd, are these models a timing belt or chain? There's a full stamped dealer service history but no recipes, so I don't know if belt/chain has been renewed ( milage 83k, last service 73k thanks

Hi. Its a chain.

They are generally good for 130k.

Oil quality has a big effect on service life.
IF IT MAKES A NOISE..THEN STOP..!!

Is it 5 or 6 speed?

I am considering one myself. Charlie

 

[Tony linley]

Thanks for all replies people, I think the consensus is that it's a chain, as for service history it's been serviced from new, with all stamps from dealers/ garages, just no receipts, as for using the correct oils, it is showing full at the moment, but that will be a purchase soon, according to the handbook it's synthetic 5w 30,
It's a 5 speed
Thanks again peeps

 

[jimboy]

My diesel hack has the same engine. Over 140000 miles & still going strong. These engines do indeed require clean oil. Change the oil & filter twice a year regardless of any other information & change the fuel filter yearly. I've been doing this for eight years now ticking over like a clock.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Hi. Its a chain.

They are generally good for 130k.

Oil quality has a big effect on service life.
IF IT MAKES A NOISE..THEN STOP..!!

Is it 5 or 6 speed?

I am considering one myself. Charlie

Sorry for my erroneous information I bow Varescrazy's better knowledge which I am sure is correct. Please ignore my remarks.

 

[varesecrazy]

S I bow Varescrazy's better knowledge Please ignore my remarks.

I've only driven 2 cars powered by the 1.3Mj,

1st a panda - I didn't like the engine..in an other wise good car,

the other was a Holiday rental Zafira.. engine was the best part of the ghastly experience..:yuck:

I'd rather have the JTD ..
but within my current car budget they cost too much to tax /run

currently driving a 2001 Marea weekend JTD.., ( belt)
LONG term panda fan..


also own a Punto Twinair.. (chain)

 

[Iggy64]

My only experience with the 1.3MJ was my wife's Idea which she used for work as a district nurse. A great car for the job and the engine was economical and reliable with the regular oil changes etc. recommended by others. I don't like diesels personally but have to say this was the perfect match for the car and a lot of start/stop driving.