Technical Timing of cambelt change

[patches]

My car has just reached three years old and has 24,000 miles on the clock. Should I do the cambelt asap or can I wait till closer to 36,000 miles? Fiat recommends "whichever comes first" but I often feel this means "more service pounds for us".

Views appreciated.

 

[Alan.D]

It's not a non-interferance engine so if you have ANY doubt change it.

 

[docorangepeel]

I would not gamble when it comes to cambelts. The 1800 VVT lump in the B does not enjoy having its valves bent.

 

[doogal]

:yeahthat:


Definitely get it changed. If you don't like the prices at the Fiat dealer, try an independent. If you are near London, I would recommend DTR.

In all honesty I had no idea that the interval was so short, ! Good job DTR did mine last year.

Doog.

 

[patches]

I'll book it in tomorrow. Thanks all. Starting out to be an expensive year!

 

[docorangepeel]

Its not just B's that cost. My mother's 51 plate 22000 miles MX5 just gave her a £635 bill today. Thats all she has spent from new, so its not that bad when you think about it.

 

[doolahrock]

If in doubt, get it changed.

If it goes you'd be as well pushing the car off the edge of a cliff

I had no documentation about the belt when I got my B. First stop was to get it changed. The mechanic who changed it reckons you will get about 40k out of the belt. As you say, the service a la FIAT will recommend 3 years/36k. So not too far off.

I often wonder what would happen if you did 10k in three years.......would the belt snap out of a matter of fact

Jon

 

[docorangepeel]

I think you could go longer if you only did 10K in 3 years, but the belt does weaken with age.

Also if the car is standing not being used for long periods that is also not good for the life on the belt.

DTR charge what to change a belt, £250 £300 in all. Well you can pay that every 3 years or gamble on what say a £1300 bill if the cambelt snaps and does light damage.

My B will go in this time next year as it will be 3 years since I last had the belt done thats for sure.