General Can mk1 make a 400+ mile journey?

[Aman]

Hi, i've just bought a fiat punto mk1 60s (1998 s reg) as my first car 4 months ago. Have had no engine problems yet (although have had to replace wiper motor and heating system wires. I want to drive to hamburg in Germany 560 miles, but with a few stops along the way planned to let it rest. It's just hit 53k miles recently and passed an not 2 weeks ago. But I don't know much about servicing and I hear the cam belt usually needs replacing at about this many miles , any suggestions or help would be appreciated. Also, does a broken cambelt damage the engine on mk1 60s?

Cheers if anyone can help

 

[fingers99]

I'd replace it. On 8v engines it doesn't damage the car, but it does leave you utterly stranded. Replace the tensioner at the same time. Around £30 for parts, easy enough DIY job, guides here and in Sei/Cinq section.

 

[Aman]

Ah ok thanks cheers, but what is your opinion about it making the journey? Do you think it will be ok?

 

[xander_trippin]

get the cambelt done and give it a good service. Oil,plugs,coolant etc. Check tyres are all in good condition.

 

[Benji10]

Ive made it to Budapest - Hungary in my 1999 punto in the summer of 2010. I had a major service done at the local garage for 120 quid. It made it there no problems, the only problem I had was on the way back I had to bleed my system as I got air in it and change a flat. Thats it

Go for it if your feeling adventerous. If you break down in Germany though it costs 300 euro just for them to tow your car somewere, doesn;t include repair at all.

 

[Caravadossi]

... I want to drive to hamburg in Germany 560 miles, but with a few stops along the way ...

Sounds like a `young & unafraid’ bold mission to me.

Check-out German (& Eu) traffic law. For example, winter tyres may not be compulsory for tourists - but you risk an on-the-spot fine if your 1998 Punto Mk1 cannot make “normal progress” in bad weather … & an additional slap if you’re considered an “obstruction or aggravation” to other traffic.

------------
There are old pilots & bold pilots – but no old bold pilots. Hamilton Lee (Airmail pilot), 1949

 

[xpl51]

Shouldn`t be an issue. My Mk2 is at 116k on the clock & we`re off to Ireland & back over xmas bout 650 mile round trip. Get decent breakdown cover just in case. All the major ones do one off European cover for duration of trip.

 

[DaveMcT]

on-the-spot fine if your 1998 Punto Mk1 cannot make “normal progress” in bad weather … & an additional slap if you’re considered an “obstruction or aggravation” to other traffic.
[/I] Hamilton Lee (Airmail pilot), 1949

What a shame the UK doesn't use a law like that.

A mate of mine did London to Moscow, then Helsniki, Budapest, Ankara all on separate runs - on an MZ 250 bike!!

That's on a simple but primitive 2 stroke the Punto will have no worries.

Make sure its properly serviced - oil coolant battery brakes tyres.

I would also flush the cooling system with sludge removing solution. It might uncover a leak but better to know and fix it than spring a leak away from home.

The clutch should be fine - Is it light and smooth all the way down with no lumpy / springy feel?
If its lumpy or biting at the very bottom it may be on its way out. Punto pressure plates fail before the clutch starts to slip.