Technical Timing Belt

[tenwierdufos]

Hey, mine is pretty due for replacement (62k on original belt etc etc) oops.

But, does anyone know how easy it is to do on a 1.6 16v 5dr stilo? I am a 'training' mechanic so not afraid of doing the work myself (especially with how expensive a job it is to get someone else to do!)

Can you get good access if you take the drivers side wheel / wheel arch liner out or does it require moving the engine about / off ite mounts.

Also, what is required as far as tools and parts (e.g. waterpump etc?) are concerned and where can i look at getting parts? Have seen a kit on shop4parts but dont know of anywhere else to look.

Any help appreciated,

Thanks,
Nick.

 

[12[X]]

You need a fixed and adjustable tensioner and belt (part of the kit). If you’re pressed for cash you can leave the old pump in there (as you can swap it yourself later on.. if need be; if disturbed a belt should be replaced though.. that is if it’s done > 1000 miles.. but that’s a precaution and you can keep existing tensioners as they are new). You will also need to change your auxiliary belt as it would be really cracked up by now (again if you wish to save lots of cash – no need to change the 4 tensioners as an auxiliary belt failure is not dangerous and these parts are really expensive). You will need a fiat tdc tool and gauge (about £60) and a set of cam locks (about £35) a set of torx keys (they do fit.. 40, 45 , 50 you might need 55 too – don’t remember). No need to remove the engine.. only reason fiat does it is to get to timing belt cover screws (on a 1.8 that is – i have never done a 1.6 .. you might have clear access as is!) if you have same issue ass 1.8 – where an engine mount is in the way of the screws.. just get a break calliper key and a standard removable screwdriver bit to fit the screw.. this makes a 90 degree tool – use this to remove the cover without needing to get the mount off (and hence supporting the engine). Get your timing spot on! Check it after manually rotating the engine at least 3 times (you might need to make a tool to tension timing belt adjustable tensioner.. you can also buy 1). Fiat is not bad price wise (go to a small dealer/garage) only about £10 difference to the site (but then you do pay delivery..)

 

[tenwierdufos]

What is a tdc tool?

Thanks

 

[12[X]]

tdc tool:http://www.toolmix.com/browse/product.asp?pid=61822&s52cnc
tdc gauge:http://www.toolmix.com/browse/product.asp?gid=993&pid=58545
timing kit:http://www.toolmix.com/browse/product.asp?pid=61820&s52cnc

you can use a custom tool to lock your crankshaft (some people used a flat head screwdriver)
if cam pulleys are anything like the 1.8 you'll also need to make/buy a cam pulley holding tool

 

[850kd]

A good place for spares local to you is Sutton Auto Factors. (check out www.buypartsby.co.uk ) They have a counter service too a bit more than the internet prices but very helpful people.

 

[Deckchair5]

Before you buy anything in the line of tools make sure you can loosen that crank shaft pulley securing bolt because if you can't (and it's much easier with a car lift where you can get totally underneath for leverage) then you are totally scuppered. Try it first

 

[12[X]]

crank bolt doesn't have to come off for belt change.. just crank pulley (4 or 5 t55 - these are quite easy to get off)

 

[Deckchair5]

Not a 1.6
Crank pulley has to come off and that's held on by one huge nut


Here it is. Looks pretty innocent here but that's one BIG nut and if you can't get the leverage to get this one off then it's game over. Easier when it's up high on a ramp and you can get at it from underneath but from the side, a right bitch. With that side engine mount off, which you need to gain access, then everything is flexing


Ridiculous when it could have been so easy with the 3 small bolts as on the 1.2 and 1.4 engines


or the 6 on a 2.4 engine

But a 1.6? Be prepared for some required hefty leverage

 

[12[X]]

about time 4 me to go a bit pink me little 1.8 has 4 bolts holding the pulley & there's no need to undo the crank bolt.. sorry

 

[tenwierdufos]

ah thats no problem, i will beg my college in hoping they will let me use their tools and ramps ect, worst to worst then i get either a big breaker bar or the air ratchet on it

just need to get the more specialist tools.

but :yuck: at how much the locking tools are :O

how do you lock the crankshaft in place though? sureley without somthing for that aswell the engine will just try to turn over when i try to undo that nut?

 

[Deckchair5]

No sweat! 12x (Unlike trying to take that thing off)
Each of the Stilo engines are so different it's difficult to generalise


You can lock the flywheel by removing a cover plate at the bottom of the crankcase. They even make a special tool 2a to bolt in that locks the flywheel teeth. I expect you could improvise a way to lock it too. Putting in gear and with someone on the brakes wasn't solid enough holding for mine, the flywheel needs to be held rigidly. Air wrench wouldn't shift it

You can improvise by making your own tdc tool but I wouldn't mess about without the correct cam locking/alignment tools. Even using the tools, make your own marks too. So many people have had 1.6 timing belt problems from garages who don't double check their work before dishing it out to the customer