DIY Timing Belt Replacement

[FarmerPug]

Im considering attempting to change the timing belt in my car, it was last done at 79k and its now at 110k. The haynes manual seems good enough but what is it about the Tension of the timing belt, it talks about SEEMS units, the normal tension gauges on ebay don't mention this unit of measurement.
Is it possible to change the belt at home or is it best left to a mechanic?

[jasper5]

Very good how-to here......

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=8229

Tensioning info is in there too.

[steve_earwig]

it was last done at 79k and its now at 110k

So that's 31,000 miles, perhaps a tad early?

[FarmerPug]

It is early but all i have as proof it was done was the number 79000 on the ecu cover and what is wrote on a piece of paper, if i do it myself/have it done now i can be sure its fixed, one less thing to worry about.
The cost of fixing it if it did break would be a bit too steep.

[sirwiggum]

It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility for a seller to buy a tippex pen and write a mileage on the timing belt cover...

A bit like when you sell a car and see it on gumtree later that day with a made up service history

Alfa twinsparks needed the timing belt done every 30k or they would snap

[FarmerPug]

will a snapped timing belt on then 110 smash the valves?

doesnt the twinsparks need the engine out to change the belt

[sirwiggum]

will a snapped timing belt on then 110 smash the valves?

According to the Xantia folk
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=28761

timing belt failure can sometimes be fixed by just replacing the rockers.

However, like you say, better safe than sorry!

doesnt the twinsparks need the engine out to change the belt

I don't think the GTV did but it was a fiddly job. Needs tensioners, ideally waterpump renewal and proper cam locking tool.

[FarmerPug]

The rockers are not too bad, but a new belt is better than having to change any of them parts.

[lozz]

It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility for a seller to buy a tippex pen and write a mileage on the timing belt cover...

A bit like when you sell a car and see it on gumtree later that day with a made up service history

Alfa twinsparks needed the timing belt done every 30k or they would snap

its not the timing belts on the alfas, its the tensioner /pulleys that let go belt then snaps,
engine out job on them, to replace them hence why so many go on ebay for peanuts!

[lozz]

will a snapped timing belt on then 110 smash the valves?

doesnt the twinsparks need the engine out to change the belt

There not a safe engine, (non-interference)
but in most cases the followers get smashed or other word used fingers

alot get lucky no valve damage,

[sirwiggum]

The effortless revs of a twinspark engine in between timing belt changes makes it all worthwhile
Even compared to the (still reasonably smooth) 1.8 16v Xantia, it was like treacle to cream.

[lozz]

ilove alfa's but iwouidnt own another,
they loose Value too quickly, not worth owning one unless someone elderlys had it since day one,

Fiats are just as Bad. the fiat Marea ihad, 6cyl job, fiat wanted 2k to replace the cam belt,
not many of them left now,alot just ran them till belt let go and weighed them in,

[FarmerPug]

i remember reading a review somewhere with the rover KV6 engine if you need to do a timing belt change its easier to buy a new car

As for the alfas id love to try one just to join the petrol head club and to hear the exhaust note of a proper engine.

[lozz]

i remember reading a review somewhere with the rover KV6 engine if you need to do a timing belt change its easier to buy a new car

As for the alfas id love to try one just to join the petrol head club and to hear the exhaust note of a proper engine.

Buy a cheap fiat Marea, 2.0 5 cyl. mine was about 160 bhp good fun for little money,
the engines on them sound awesome, Mini ferari,

[sirwiggum]

ilove alfa's but iwouidnt own another,
they loose Value too quickly, not worth owning one unless someone elderlys had it since day one,

Fiats are just as Bad. the fiat Marea ihad, 6cyl job, fiat wanted 2k to replace the cam belt,
not many of them left now,alot just ran them till belt let go and weighed them in,

I might consider a 159 diesel. The engine is GM/Saab/Vauxhall so should be ok (plenty of Taxiied Vectras about).

You don't see Mareas anymore. The Bravo saloon, they were a good looking car in my opinion. eBay has a couple but the diesel would be the one to go for.

i remember reading a review somewhere with the rover KV6 engine if you need to do a timing belt change its easier to buy a new car

As for the alfas id love to try one just to join the petrol head club and to hear the exhaust note of a proper engine.

I wonder how many 75s are scrapped because of this?

The exhaust note in the Alfa was nice until the cat fell off, then it sounded like a chavs corsa.