Technical 1.6 16-valve timing belt

[mtimm]

I have a 1.6 16-valve marea with 63k miles on it so it will need a new timing belt.
I have heard a lot of stories about marea timing belts, are they as bad as the rumours say?
Surely they are no different than any other 16-value or are they?
I would be grateful if anyone had any info they could pass on to me showing the timing marks

 

[dave]

Hi its the 20v that is the costly one its usally an engine out job an can be up to a grand, dont hear shock prices quoted for the 16v

 

[subija]

1.6 16-valve requires special tools to tighten the belt at optimal level. So insist on those tools if you go to any mechanic!

 

[mtimm]

Thanks for the replies got a quick look at a brava/o manual cleared up a few questions so going to get the kit and fit it over the weekend

 

[mtimm]

Change of plan got asked to change an engine in a charade turbo ovre the weekend which will pay to do the timing belt and some other bits that have to be done. so i will have to wait 60k miles to see how hard it realy is to do

 

[Steven]

I'm guessing you've heard the stories about the belt prematurely breaking, well it does happen. Most would recommend changing it at no later then 50,000 miles.

 

[mtimm]

Heard the usual stuff "they give lots of trouble" "they are mad money to do" and the likes. And its almost against my principles to let any car near a garage, 10 years of driving and only 1 trip to a garage so far. It seems most of the rumours were about the 2.0 16 valve and the 1.6 is basically the same as any other twincam.