Technical Telegraph>HJ>PandaDynMjet

[Caravadossi]

From HonestJohn in Sunday Telegraph today (2009/08/02) ...

MULTIJEST
Q. My car is a Fiat Panda Dynamic Multijet 1300cc diesel, 2005. Just today I’ve received a letter from a Fiat dealer which strongly recommends I change the timing belt every four years even if I’ve driven only 36,000 miles. What’s your opinion about that suggestion – is this really necessary? AZ, via email.

A. The dealer is going to have problems here, because that Panda Dynamic hasn’t got a timing belt, it has a timing chain. And in any case, small Fiat petrol engines that do have timing belts are non-interference so if the belt snaps, or comes off, valves do not hit pistons. Whoever sent you this standard pro-forma letter is an idiot and not to be trusted with the future servicing of your car. HJ.

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(56) GP 1.2/8v Active 5dr Bolero

 

[udtrev]

I hope that dealer isn't down here !!!

 

[kayl0rz]

who ever answered clearly cant read... seeing as they are talking about an mjet... and they reply talking about petrol engines

 

[SurreyAlan]

so is that true, does the MJ have a timing chain?

Can't imagine our petrol 1.2 has - looks very much like a cam belt cover at the end of the engine. I have also wondered how often the cam belt (not chain) should be changed, always used to be something like every 3 years but some makes seem to have extended this, on my C4 it was 72000 miles but when I got to that I was told Citroen now reckon the belt is good for at least 100,000, must be because all us C4 owners pootle about at 30mph in 5th (really must put down the wooden spoon I'm holding). But seriously, what is the interval on the 1.2?

 

[thuraja]

I've heard this before that if the cam belt snapped, it wouldn't damage the engine, but have never found this documented in any Fiat literature. I'm hoping this is true and that mine will not let me down just yet...

 

[Cian]

8v FIRE engines are well known for being non-interference, basically the valves won't smash in to the pistons if the belt snaps. The 16v SuperFIRE in the 100HP is an interference engine though.

 

[Caravadossi]

who ever answered clearly cant read... seeing as they are talking about an mjet... and they reply talking about petrol engines

The OP was intended as an `advisory notice’ to folks who may receive such letters from a dealer. The answer seems clear to me. The question was clearly about a Multijet - & the answer was clearly about a Multijet AND “… small Fiat petrol engines that do have timing belts ...”

I believe timing belt change intervals are given in your “FIAT Cars Vehicle Service & Warranty Booklet” – but will vary dependant on your particular usage.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

But seriously, what is the interval on the 1.2?

Not sure on the mileage but iirc it's every 5 years or ? miles

I've heard this before that if the cam belt snapped, it wouldn't damage the engine, but have never found this documented in any Fiat literature. I'm hoping this is true and that mine will not let me down just yet...

It's very well known. All 8V Fire engines from the 769cc to the 1242cc engine are none interferance.

Hence why they will take alot of abuse through lack of maintenance. In the event of the belt going, just get it re-timed and pop new belt on and jobs a good'un

Jon.

 

[pondweed]

out of interest, does anyone know if the daihatsu 1.0 petrol (sirion and charade) is interference or non-interference? My mothers cambelt needs doing...

 

[SurreyAlan]

and what exactly does FIRE stand for - I vaguely recall when the old Panda was about a big thing was made about the FIRE engine as they'd managed to reduce the number of bits to make it and that it stood for something like Fewer Internal Revolving ? - elements maybe?

 

[Hellcat]

fully integrated robotized engine

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

:yeahthat: lol

 

[happypanda]

HJ is correct in everything he says

Panda Multijet is cam chain not cam belt

 

[The Beard]

The OP was intended as an `advisory notice’ to folks who may receive such letters from a dealer. The answer seems clear to me. The question was clearly about a Multijet - & the answer was clearly about a Multijet AND “… small Fiat petrol engines that do have timing belts ...”

I believe timing belt change intervals are given in your “FIAT Cars Vehicle Service & Warranty Booklet” – but will vary dependant on your particular usage.

I read it the same way.

 

[thuraja]

Thanks for the reassurance guys...I'll sleep a bit better now !!