Timing Belt Change Help-Punto


R1PPU

R1PPU

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Wasn't sure where to put this, so mods feel free to move it if needed!

My mum's got a 2007 Punto on 21,000 miles, got the MOT done today and the guy recommended that we get the timing belt done. I've had a look online and people are saying they need changing every 4-5 years or 40,000 miles. I took the belt cover off and the belt looks new tbh (its the original belt that's in there). The car was sitting for a year or so before we bought it (bought it new).

So, does it need changed or not? I'm on the fence after having a look at it, so thought i'd ask for some advice.

Cheers! :nice:
 
One thing, never go by how the belt looks as tge damage is usally on the teeth were the belt starts to perish with age and wear and tear. Only way you will know is to take the belt off. So if it was me, i would get it changed along with the waterpump for piece of mind. Cant see parts being to expensive from a motor factors.

If i was you id either do it myself or buy the parts and let a garage fit them. That way there not gonna charge you double the amount for the parts.
 
If its due time wise i would change it. Impossible to say fir sure it will be ok for another X ammount of miles. Could last for the rest of the time you have it and save you money replacing it. Could snap and youl need to spend more than if you had changed the belt in the first place. choice is up to you.

Check in the service book for the replacemnt intervals to be sure rather than trusting some bloke on the web or whatever.

Would just get a kit from a factor. Would bother with a water pump at that age and milage.

Hope this helps
 
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As said above, age does make a belt deteriorate over time so i would defo reaplace it. If theyre anything like renault belts, over 5 years the rubber goes hard and tend to snap regardless of milage. Seen a few snap with low milage but old belt. For the sake of a few quid for belt and tensioner, it could save you some bent valves, gaskets etc
 
Cheers for the info guys. Will get it changed then. Where's the best place to get a timing belt tool? Fiat themselves? I'll see if i can get hold of one through work tomorrow...
 
That's the non interference engine. Meaning even if the timing belt did snap, the valves don't come in contact with the pistons so no worry about bending any valves.

Their an easy timing belt to change. No locking tools are needed, just line the timing marks up and away you go.
 
Was just about to ask if it was a 8v or not, did loads of these when I first started been a mechanic as you can't damage anything. I'd get it done just to stop any inconvenience of it breaking down.
 
Ryan-EK9 said:
That's the non interference engine. Meaning even if the timing belt did snap, the valves don't come in contact with the pistons so no worry about bending any valves.

Their an easy timing belt to change. No locking tools are needed, just line the timing marks up and away you go.
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Yeah, thats what i've read online too. Is it a basically a bored/stroked 1.2 8v? I've found this guide, but it mentions the locking tools.

Also, whats your opinion on changing the belt?

Cheers man :thanks:
 
R1PPU said:
Yeah, thats what i've read online too. Is it a basically a bored/stroked 1.2 8v? I've found this guide, but it mentions the locking tools.

Also, whats your opinion on changing the belt?

Cheers man :thanks:
Click to expand...

I've done a fair few now and have never needed any locking tools. Line the timing marks up (if needed, use some tipex and mark the camshaft sprocket and crank sprocket to be safe) and you can't really go wrong.

My rule of thumb with timing belts is change them at 60,000 miles or 5 years, whatever comes first. The job to change the belt itself is pretty straight forward so if it was me, I'd get it done :nice:
 
Ryan-EK9 said:
I've done a fair few now and have never needed any locking tools. Line the timing marks up (if needed, use some tipex and mark the camshaft sprocket and crank sprocket to be safe) and you can't really go wrong.

My rule of thumb with timing belts is change them at 60,000 miles or 5 years, whatever comes first. The job to change the belt itself is pretty straight forward so if it was me, I'd get it done :nice:
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Thank you very much man, appreciate it! I think i'll just swap it out in that case. And the tipex idea sounds like a good shout, heard it being mentioned a few times :)

Thanks again! :nice:
 
No worries bud. Tipex can be your best friend when doing timing belts ;)
 
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