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Sick feeling in my stomach..

2K views 33 replies 13 participants last post by  solaris147 
#1 ·
Just read a few messages about Alfa cam belts.

Now I knew this was a know issue and something that had to be changed at 60,000 miles. So when i found my current 156 with 47k on the clock I did the humming and haying of trying to get a deal out of them..was going on about the belts needing changed at 60k etc.

They offered to do that and give the engine a service, I have a recipt and a 12 month warrenty (which covers timing belts) and I saw what they told me was the old belts (they were used ones..well they were mucky).

Now I have read their should have been a lot more changed..i feel a bit ill and worried about my new baby. Also worried that my wife will "sort me out" if at 60k we have to pay £500 to get them done.....

Should I just not panic and suck it up and pay the money at 60k? Or should I panic and get it to someone who knows about alfas this weekend...
 
#2 ·
Well, together with the timing belt there are also the tensioners that need to be replaced. And it's not every 60k miles but 60k kms or every 3 years.
 
#5 ·
I would not panic too much, mine was absolutly fine. Didnt have mine changed until I reached 72k and now am on 113k and thinking about having my second belt etc but only due to the fact I need a variator too.

Timing belts can go on any cars at any time really, I think too much fuss is made about cars timing belts.

I had a toyota once that I did 120k on the origional timing belt and then sold the car.

Timing belts are like insurance policys, could save you a lot, could cost you a lot.
 
#8 ·
johnwards said:
Right I saw 2 belts...one with the teeth facing inwards the other facing outwards, this one was half the width. (and I presume this hadn't flipped inside out)
Right, there are 2 belts: one is the timing belt and the other, is the balance shaft belt. And not, it hasn't flipped inside out, its just like that. :D
 
#9 ·
jono6974 said:
Am I correct in assuming that when you say 60 000 km or three years,it means that even thought car has only done 27000 miles,it needs all this work done??Hope not.
You're correct, as Peter K said. Even if the belts haven't done all those milles, time can kill them, especially, very hot or very cold weather conditions over the years.
 
#10 ·
Rob_J said:
Timing belts are like insurance policys, could save you a lot, could cost you a lot.

Exactly. :) But some people like to be on the safe side... ;)
 
#11 ·
so at least those have been changed then...i'll sleep easier.

This is the list i found:

cam belt (check)
tensioner
idler
balance belt (check)
tensioner
cam gasket
variator
Oil seal

I am sure they also said something about the tensioner..but I was a bit distracted looking at my new motor gleaming in the corner.

Anything I should be looking for in the engine bay for tell tail signs?

And should I be ok, as the engine has just had a full service, until the next service and go to an Alfa garage?
 
#12 ·
If they have changed belts and tensioners you'll be safe. ;)
 
#13 ·
it will have to be as after my little spin in my last car I don't think my wife would cope too well with more expense. :rant: (I love that smilie..just like my wife)

the warrenty i got with the car covers such things going, I made sure, so it will do until the service.

Right I've got 12 months to find a good garage
 
#14 ·
Good luck. :D ;)
 
#16 ·
johnwards said:
Right I've got 12 months to find a good garage
Let us know where you're located (roughly) and I'm sure someone help with a suggestion or two ....
 
#19 ·
Rob_J said:
I would not panic too much, mine was absolutly fine. Didnt have mine changed until I reached 72k and now am on 113k and thinking about having my second belt etc but only due to the fact I need a variator too.
There are way to many examples (even on this board) that didn't last 100,000 kms. Of course the belt can snap anytime, but personally I wouldn't want to take the risk not changing the belt at 60,000 kms / 3 years.
 
#20 ·
I am one of the people the tentioner went 3 months after I bought the car... its a very expensive job to say the least.

I thought I was safe, belt had been changed 18k and less than 2 years ago, imagine my suprise when i hear the sound of bending valves! Turns out it was on the original tentioner. By the way the car has done 54k miles from new, the list of things changed are around £700 and I am doing all the work myself, I bet a garage would charge another £700 on top to do the work!

Though you have the warranty to fall back on, thats when they start saying "what silver 156, we didnt sell one of them" lol :mad:
 
G
#21 ·
Rob_J said:
I would not panic too much, mine was absolutly fine. Didnt have mine changed until I reached 72k and now am on 113k and thinking about having my second belt etc but only due to the fact I need a variator too.

Timing belts can go on any cars at any time really, I think too much fuss is made about cars timing belts.

I had a toyota once that I did 120k on the origional timing belt and then sold the car.

Timing belts are like insurance policys, could save you a lot, could cost you a lot.
Belts are not the real problem....the tensioners are , they rip the belts off when they go.

36k/3yrs is the max these days. We've heard of cars lunching their engines at 40-45k. Don't mess about! ;)

wrinx
 
#23 ·
wrinx said:
Belts are not the real problem....the tensioners are , they rip the belts off when they go.
That's because they are made of some kind of plastic fiber and not metal.
 
#25 ·
johnwards said:
so at least those have been changed then...i'll sleep easier.

This is the list i found:

cam belt (check)
tensioner
idler
balance belt (check)
tensioner
cam gasket
variator
Oil seal

I am sure they also said something about the tensioner..but I was a bit distracted looking at my new motor gleaming in the corner.

Anything I should be looking for in the engine bay for tell tail signs?

And should I be ok, as the engine has just had a full service, until the next service and go to an Alfa garage?
Hi John, welcome to Alfa ownership and the AO forum. :)

Firstly, where did you buy the car and where abouts are you in Co. Durham?

Secondly, from reading your list it would seem the belts were only checked and not changed which seems very strange if all the other parts were changed. The belts only cost a few quid and next to nowt in comparrison to the cost of the other parts and the labour.

I would advice you to speak to the garage you bought the car from ASAP to clarify the situation.

Finally (phew!) enjoy your car and give me a wave if you see me pass. :)
 
#26 ·
Roswell said:
Hi John, welcome to Alfa ownership and the AO forum. :)

Firstly, where did you buy the car and where abouts are you in Co. Durham?

Secondly, from reading your list it would seem the belts were only checked and not changed which seems very strange if all the other parts were changed. The belts only cost a few quid and next to nowt in comparrison to the cost of the other parts and the labour.

I would advice you to speak to the garage you bought the car from ASAP to clarify the situation.

Finally (phew!) enjoy your car and give me a wave if you see me pass. :)
What he means is they were the only things replaced (both belts) in the list of things you should really replace (variator, tentioner..etc.)
 
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