Hi everyone,
:idea:
I have bought a 99 Marea 20v with 120'000km on the clock that has never had a timing belt change. I also am finding the clutch pedal quite heavy compared to my Multipla 1.6, and while the clutch is not slipping the heaviness makes me think it may be on the way out.

So, what do you think? Should I pull the motor right out and do the clutch, waterpump, seals, tensioners and timing belt all together?
Would this make more sense than just pushing the motor to the side to do the timing belt, waterpump etc and then just seeing how the clutch holds up?

Also, assuming I do remove the motor. I don't have a car hoist so I was wondering on the possibility of putting the car up really high on my 6 tonne axle stands and then lowering the motor out the bottom with an engine hoist. Silly idea? Anyone done it?

I would be exceptionally grateful for any advice/thoughts on this.

Many thanks in advance!

If the clutch is not slipping I would recommend you find another 20v first and compare the clutches. The 20v puts out a lot more power than the Multipla 1.6 so the clutch has to be beefier and therefore possibly heavier to operate. Unfortunately you can't 'describe' how heavy a clutch is so the only way it to try one yourself.
I don't know the 20v, as I have a Weekend automatic, but you could also make sure all the linkages etc are adjusted correctly and well lubricated. I don't think it has a cable operated clutch but if it does make sure the cable is running freely also.
Good luck

If the clutch is not slipping (try pulling away in 3rd) then it should be ok. I seem to remember all fiat hydraulic clutches are quite heavy under foot.

Thanks for that guys. The car is residing at my parents (too many Fiats at my house at the moment!) so I will go and have more of a look at it next week. I like the idea of giving it some welly in 3rd and seeing what happens. The concept of pushing the motor to one side to do the belt, tensioner, seals and waterpump sounds a lot better than removing the engine from what I have read!

Also, I will see what I can do to find another 20v to compare it to. Only catch is they are a bit thin on the ground in NZ.

Thanks again, your input is much appreciated.

I would drop box and swing engine over and do belts,tensioners and water pump asap.
Just did my coupe turbo 20v and its a reasonable job. In fact did it in Tauranga.
A heavy clutch on a 20v will more likely be a problem cluth cycl at a guess. My meare wagon 20v, partners bravo 20v and coupe 20v all very similar in clutch feel.....not sure how i would describe it thou.

In fact i am in tauranga next wkd if you want to a 2nd opinion.

hi guy, need some advice. the timing belt let go today in my 1.6 sx 100 marea, and the engine is dead. So now i'm looking for a new engine, my question is, will a brava or bravo 1.6 fit the marea. the engine has done 120,000miles and the timing belt snapped after 30,000 miles. not a good day today.

Thanks TH130,
Sorry I missed replying earlier. So by "drop the box" I take it you mean remove the transmission altogether but leave the rest of the engine in place?

Also, while I am asking stuff, with the couple of guides on here that do the work with just moving the engine over, did those cars have A/C? Just wondering if there is enough give in the hoses etc to do that?

Might be a silly question but the car is in storage at my folks until I get on to it next week so I can't really look at it for the moment.

Thanks for all your help so far.

Yip take gearbox completely out if you think clutch needs doing.....and hang engine off engine support brace running across enginebay.

when we did coupe 20vt it had a/c and not problem. Still tight though!