not TOO complicated.. but you don't NEED to change it

all the non HP pandas are 8 Valve, but the later ones have tighter clearances..which means they are like "normal" engines, belt failure means valves dangling into the cylinder and the piston crown hitting them

the early 8V is a "safe" engine.. - if a belt breaks it's unlikey to do ANY damage, just fit a new belt..and normal service is resumed

however you want to minimise the risk of belt failure,

IMHO the waterpump is going to leak water at the 1st sign of bearing wear,

just replace the belt and it's idler bearing, @£30 and an hour or so's labour:worship:

I'll attempt to find the pics for you, I listed the tools required,
15 and 16 sockets.., but if you did the front suspension you probably already have access to these

Charlie

varesecrazy said:

not TOO complicated.. but you don't NEED to change it

all the non HP pandas are 8 Valve, but the later ones have tighter clearances..which means they are like "normal" engines, belt failure means valves dangling into the cylinder and the piston crown hitting them

the early 8V is a "safe" engine.. - if a belt breaks it's unlikey to do ANY damage, just fit a new belt..and normal service is resumed

however you want to minimise the risk of belt failure,

IMHO the waterpump is going to leak water at the 1st sign of bearing wear,

just replace the belt and it's idler bearing, @£30 and an hour or so's labour:worship:

I'll attempt to find the pics for you, I listed the tools required,
15 and 16 sockets.., but if you did the front suspension you probably already have access to these

Charlie

Click to expand...

So, if I order this will that be all I need? Belt, pump, and I assume the little round ring is the 'idler bearing' you mentioned? How come you don't recommend changing the pump as a priority?

https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=13818&sku=253763

£44 including the discount from FF, fan-tas-tic!

What are the signs of bearing wear?

Apparently even non-interference engines can cause damage if the engine is 'twin cam', is the Panda under that category? I assume not due to the simplicity and age of the engine, but nevertheless feel the need to ask.

A mechanic who my parents used for years said if I got the parts he'd do it for £100, and if it was as straightforward as he said he believes it is on my Panda he'll knock £20 off again. <- that does seem tempting, £100 for the fitting and £44 for parts.

Despite getting no warranty from Fiat, I came to these conclusions: (open to criticism)

- the real risk is 'the first start' after the job, the engine will run with the belt correctly fitted and will not run if catastrophic damage occurs. Or a very loud squeak from a non-straight belt will occur obviously enough for me to say "Hey, my car didn't do that when I drove it here!".

- if the water pump was to leak, I'd notice less or no coolant on my Sunday checkup of the Panda.. so I could take it to him and say "You changed the pump and now it leaks.." , something I'd hate to do to a non-Fiat service provider. But as someone mentioned, Fiat would simply write me a lousy cheque is they screwed the car up so my faith in their guarantee shouldn't be as appreciated as I wished?


When the photos are up maybe I should make a decision then? Still great learning more here , thanks for continued replies

The belt won't squeak it has teeth. The one that slips and makes that noise is the alternator belt. if it slips by more than a few teeth the engine won't start but you won't have done any damage. I got the same engine as you I think 2004. Be advised that all the guides you're looking at the tensioner is probably different. The good news is it's even easier on yours.

SB1500 said:

All I can find is the Mk2 Punto Timing Belt for the 1.4 engine in the Guides Section so far

Click to expand...

I've been busy..,
guides to support the panda HG and timing belts now up