Changing timing belt on jtd

[David]

My jtd will be due its 60K service in a couple of months. Does the jtd engine have any history of throwing belts or dropping tensioners before they reach the due mileage (72K)?

When I ran Alfa 33s I used to always change the belts at 30K instead of 36K with a change of tensioner rollers every second belt change - but they had a tendency to go early. Should I be changing things early on the Bravo as well?

At least with the Bravo I should be able to trust it to a garage. On three occasions I had to re-tension the belts properly on the Alfa after trained mechanics (one of them at a Fiat/Alfa dealership in Birmingham) had made a pigs ear of the job. The last time was after I had sold the 33 to a mate.

No wonder we don't trust main dealers!

 

[AlfaNige]

We are yet to hear of one, but I am not going to say anymore than that for fear of giving them the kiss of death.

 

[David]

Cheers Nige. I will probably take a chance on it.

I have a FSH so if it goes bang before it is due I should have a good case. Mind you I might need a good lawyer to make my claim - knowing Fiat.

Just as well we love Italian cars....

How's the new Alfa? I was thinking about buying a new 3-door Stilo jtd this summer but I am dithering after driving a 20V 156 jtd. If I leave it a year I could probably stretch to one....

Mind you if I got my boss's job I could afford a GT jtd... Time for the arsenic in the coffee methinks!

 

[AlfaNige]

If it goes bang before its due you will not get a thing out of Fiat. Its a service recomendation not a guarentee. If the car has a warranty then you are OK.
As for the Alfa, the 20v is a cracker, the Stilo JTD is also a damn fine car. Andy is thinking about chopping is Coupe in for one. I wouldnt go for the Alfa GT as its the 1.9 JTD and not the 2.4 (basically the same as in the Stilo!)