Another new face

[Eamon]

Hi all, wondered if anybody could help?

I picked up an HLX about 6 weeks ago & luckily found your site about the same time. I had an Alfa a few years ago so know the sketch with (un)reliability but am a bit worried I'm being messed about a beyond the norm – would appreciate any comments.

Cam belts ??? Where do I stand ?

My car is a '99T 1.8HLX with 40K, it's currently spent more time in the garage than on the road.

Having seen your comments about cam belts losing the plot around 50K I queried a rattle/squeal from the engine (drivers side somewhere). The garage fed me the usual rubbish but when I mentioned cam belts they changed their tune, took it in, then handed it back – no change. They said they've lubricated the belt and it's fine.

Not happy I took it to another Fiat main dealer who told me not to drive it or risk trashing it. They told me the water pump is on the way out and when it goes it'll strip the cam belt and send the pistons through the cylinder head (Fright).

I told this to the 1st garage, who took it back in for another look (where it is now) They've replaced the cam belt and tensioner but say the water pump is fine. They're also replacing the radiator as they found a leak from that when they pressure tested it.

Is all likely to be well now or does the water pump still pose a threat?

 

[Ozric-Al]

Hi Eamon and welcome. Where abouts in the country are you? By the sound of it you have 2 conflicting opinions here which is never going to inspire confidence. Lubricating sounds like a pile of shite to me but I think Tom is your man on this.

If you let people know where you are they may be able to suggest a reliable garage who you might be able to trust.

Have you tried the garage review section?

Shabash!

 

[Eamon]

Re: Re: Another new face

Hi, cheers for quick response.

I'm in Southampton, the car's currently in Portsmouth, I went to Fiat in Southampton for 2nd opinion.

If anyone knows anywhere local that would be cracking.

 

[Ozric-Al]

Re: Re: Re: Another new face

I think Tom is down your way actually. He's the forum whizz on the tech stuff although Nige may have some good stuff for you too.

Have you thought about joining BOO yet? There's a southern meet in reading this weekend as well so might be worth popping along. See the link for the southern meet posted by Si for more detail.

Shabash!

 

[Eamon]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Another new face

Going away this w/end – to get away from my 206 (dis)courtesy car. Will join BOO when I get back. How often do you meet?

 

[Anonymous]

to be honest i've found our fiat dealers (or their technicians) completely useless and the only thing they are capable of is changing oil/filters/plugs etc.

when i sent my car in for repair to its alarm, i was told it needed a new 'body computer' which should stop my red warning light staying on. unfortunately i paid £200 for this and the fault still exists!
my car as been back to them 3 times since march and they have had to take 'teseo action' which basically means we don't know whats wrong with it, we'll fax all the details to fiat and see if they do!

now i have resorted to use my local mechanic who works from his parents home. unlike the pricks from the fiat dealer, he has plenty of experience with cars and he doesnt look like he only left school last week.

i have asked him how much it will be to change all of the belts including tensioners and the price i was quoted was nothing like the dealers £595... it was £350

 

[Eamon]

Re: Re: Another new face

That about sums up what I've seen so far.

 

[Ozric-Al]

Re: Re: Re: Another new face

You'll hear this a lot. Most Fiat dealers have a seriously poor reputation. The dealer in Warwick where Nige lives is given extremely good ratings by our illustrious leader but I think it's a bit far for you to go. I'm gonna be taking my HGT up there for the dreaded belt change as finding trustworthy Fiat dealers is such a nightmare.

In terms of meets I have only been to a couple myself but if you check out the bravo-guide (follow the link from www.fiatboo.co.uk) theres a list for the rest of the events this year. There's always ad-hoc local events being posted as well.

Have fun.

Shabash!