General 2.4 what to look for?

[evo-number-one]

Dear All,

Off to look at a 2.4 tomorrow. Just about to start some searches across the forum for general things (although initially found that the search facility returns nowt for "2.4") and wondered if anyone can add to my list of things to check that maybe specific to the 200 multiject engined car?

Any tips anyone can add to this thread this evening will be much appreciated

Thanks in advance

Bob

 

[BrianMcL]

Hi Bob,
I've had an 8v 1.9jtd from new in 2007 so I can't add too much specific to the 2.4 but from some of the other posts the 2.4 engine bay can be a bit of a squeeze to work in.

In general there's a lot of GM bits on the car and overall they can be a bit fragile, to say the least.

If it's got the skydome roof make sure it works at speed as the motors are poor and not always up to the job of closing when the wind's against it, the rear washer motor fills with water and corrodes, the tailgate gas struts can corrode, the door mechanism snaps easily and the tailgate button fails - don't buy the "it's a security feature that can be disabled" excuse - if that's the case go through the menu options, disable security entry and check it again.

Good luck.

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

Dear All,

Off to look at a 2.4 tomorrow. Just about to start some searches across the forum for general things (although initially found that the search facility returns nowt for "2.4") and wondered if anyone can add to my list of things to check that maybe specific to the 200 multiject engined car?

Any tips anyone can add to this thread this evening will be much appreciated

Thanks in advance

Bob

2.4 ( 20v ) Mjet is an Alfa engine. see www.alfaowner.com plenty of info in the Alfa 156 section and 159 section.

Smooth 5 pot engine, loads of torque, and very rapid!

 

[Doofer]

I've got the 1.9 150bhp one, but from what I've read on here it seems that in comparison the 2.4 is more expensive for parts, as it doesn't have a Vauxhall equivalent. I generally buy equivalent parts for a Vectra for the same engine and save a few quid. With the 2.4 you're stuck with Fiat parts as they're not fitted in much else and there's so few it's not worth anyone making aftermarket parts.

On the 2.4, changing the timing belt officially requires the engine to be hoisted out as access is so tight. I think I've read it may be possible without if you're a keyhole surgeon though. It's five cylinders in a line, transversely mounted right between the wheels. I think I'm right in saying that the 2.4 has a larger turning circle as the wheels can't turn as much - that tells you just how squeezed in it is.

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

On the 2.4, changing the timing belt officially requires the engine to be hoisted out as access is so tight. I think I've read it may be possible without if you're a keyhole surgeon though. It's five cylinders in a line, transversely mounted right between the wheels. I think I'm right in saying that the 2.4 has a larger turning circle as the wheels can't turn as much - that tells you just how squeezed in it is.

Not correct.

The engine stays in the engine bay. Same applies to the Alfa 156 and 159.

The OSF wheel is removed. Behind the suspension strut is a inspection door, which can be removed, exposing the Aux belt and the lower cam belt cover, so basically all work can be done from within the wheel arch and or from the bonnet side, which also makes tightening bolts for pulleys and tensioners easier.

 

[keithglos]

I have a suggestion of 3.5 hrs approximately to do the cam belt outside the house. I think elearn says remove engine, but this is only for fiat dealers on £110 an hour. Always fit a new water pump and auxiliary belt and tensioner.
If you are told the water pump is OK because it has no play in the bearing then the fitter does not know what he is talking about. More common on the 1.9, but the pumps can seize.

 

[evo-number-one]

Thanks again to all of the above - collecting on Monday

 

[buster]

To be honest the engine has to be dropped in the frame.Ok the ancillarys can be left on,but the mounts undone and the engine moved in the bay.This requires a 2 post lift and lifting tackle.A forum user has done it differently,how easy it was i dont know.I had an alternator fitted on mine a month or so back,that also needed the engine dropping out.Totally unaccessable.The 2.4 is great as long as no work is required on the engine.The engine is an FPT or earlier product(fiat power train)and basically a 1910cc with an extra cylinder and still shares alot of parts with the vauxhall variant.Egr,s for example are the same.No dual mass to worry about as all are auto Asins.Quite a nice machine.Watch out for loose injectors,mine came loose at the beginning.Ended up being a bad job as the carbon coked the threads up on the flare nuts and were a bitch to get out.When the engine was listed on FPT,s website it was rated at 310lbs ft of torque which is still impressive now.They go like a scalded cat,no turbo lag just instant power.

 

[Doofer]

Not correct.

The engine stays in the engine bay. Same applies to the Alfa 156 and 159.

The OSF wheel is removed. Behind the suspension strut is a inspection door, which can be removed, exposing the Aux belt and the lower cam belt cover, so basically all work can be done from within the wheel arch and or from the bonnet side, which also makes tightening bolts for pulleys and tensioners easier.

At least be right if you're being a smart-arse!

From eLearn (for 2.4)...

- On this version it is not possible to remove/refit the toothed timing drive belt on the car.
To perform this operation, remove/refit the power unit and then work at the bench, customising the engine service procedures for this operation.

For the 1.9 16v...

Position the vehicle on a lift.
1. Undo the bolts (1a) and remove the protective timing cover (1b).
Position a hydraulic jack under the engine crankcase sump.
(etc)

Summary:

2.4 = engine out
1.9 = jack under engine, drop it down.

This is the official line only, it may be possible without taking the engine out. I doubt it though, especially if you're changing the water pump etc.

 

[evo-number-one]

Will confirm the belt shinanagins next Wednesday when she goes in for the full works - specialist that is doing the job will be more than happy to reveal his secret and he is charging me the same as what as he charges for the equiv' 159.

As a compare, fiat state engine out for the coupe (and local dealer qoutes £1100+ for that) but no recognised and trusted/proven coupe specialist in the UK subscribes to that rip-off!

 

[dave]

At least be right if you're being a smart-arse!

From eLearn (for 2.4)...

- On this version it is not possible to remove/refit the toothed timing drive belt on the car.
To perform this operation, remove/refit the power unit and then work at the bench, customising the engine service procedures for this operation.

For the 1.9 16v...

Position the vehicle on a lift.
1. Undo the bolts (1a) and remove the protective timing cover (1b).
Position a hydraulic jack under the engine crankcase sump.
(etc)

Summary:

2.4 = engine out
1.9 = jack under engine, drop it down.

This is the official line only, it may be possible without taking the engine out. I doubt it though, especially if you're changing the water pump etc.

e learn will say engine out for some coops and some Marea's too dont mean it cant be done in the car as many have proved

 

[halilson]

Both the Marea and Coupe 5 cylinder cambelts can be done in situ and my local specialist is confident that the Croma can be done as well. In fact the Croma has better access than the Marea! Mine was done last November so I can leave that headache for a while

 

[Radlet6]

A 1.9 16v.

 

[evo-number-one]

 

[dave]

i had a dream about this car last night, i was standing next to my car and there was 2 blokes beside it one moaning to the other that he had been knocked down twice on the price of a 2.4 croma because buyer reckons fiat forum said its not worth what he was asking, then later i see you in the car and back section of the roof and half the boot folded back and there was another seat in that bit wtf is that all about

 

[evo-number-one]

:d

 

[buster]

Can be done in situ as long as you dont mind chopping bolts down as there coming out of their holes.

 

[Doofer]

Can be done in situ as long as you dont mind chopping bolts down as there coming out of their holes.

Then how do you got the new ones in?

I'd need to be very sure that a garage doing it without removal is actually (really) changing the water pump and other bits that are needed to do the job right.

 

[Doofer]

i had a dream about this car last night, i was standing next to my car and there was 2 blokes beside it one moaning to the other that he had been knocked down twice on the price of a 2.4 croma because buyer reckons fiat forum said its not worth what he was asking, then later i see you in the car and back section of the roof and half the boot folded back and there was another seat in that bit wtf is that all about

I'm sure with your abilities you could turn yours into a convertible. Go on, do it.

1.9 16v would be my suggestion too. And they're plentiful (for a Croma).

 

[dave]

1.9 16v would be my suggestion too. And they're plentiful (for a Croma).

he has already bought the 2.4 now.

on some other fiats where fiat say engine out for belt, you remove all engine mounts and the engine shifts over to the gearbox side of car just enough to get room to do the belts