Time belt cost (again!)

sept09baby

Sorry I know this has been covered for many makes but was wondering if anyone knows the approx cost of getting the timing belt done on a 2004 Fiat Stilo Multiwagon (1.6)

Also, any recomendations for a place in Meath/D15 to get it done would be appreciated

Thanks

CiniO

sept09baby wrote: »

Sorry I know this has been covered for many makes but was wondering if anyone knows the approx cost of getting the timing belt done on a 2004 Fiat Stilo Multiwagon (1.6)

Also, any recomendations for a place in Meath/D15 to get it done would be appreciated

Thanks

Timing belt kit for that engine costs about 100 euros on ebay.
Shouldn't be more than 2 up to 3 hours labour for good mechanic.

Nissan doctor

Engine specific timing tools are needed for that engine so make sure anyone who does it for you has those.

CiniO

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Engine specific timing tools are needed for that engine so make sure anyone who does it for you has those.

True, however it's still 100% possible to change a belt without above tools.

These tools are only a small yokes to lock the camshaft (if I'm correct).
Here's an example: http://allegro.pl/blokady-rozrzadu-1-6-16-v-fiat-nowy-sacz-i1784173453.html

Cost about 20 euros.

Nissan doctor

CiniO wrote: »

True, however it's still 100% possible to change a belt without above tools.

These tools are only a small yokes to lock the camshaft (if I'm correct).
Here's an example: http://allegro.pl/blokady-rozrzadu-1-6-16-v-fiat-nowy-sacz-i1784173453.html

Cost about 20 euros.

You need a tool for locking the flywheel too.

Its possible to do many cars that don't have timing marks without the specific tools however the risk of error increases hugely and even if the timing is only fractionally off and the car runs fine, you can still cause longer term issues.

Do it right or not at all IMO...

CiniO

Nissan doctor wrote: »

You need a tool for locking the flywheel too.

Its possible to do many cars that don't have timing marks without the specific tools however the risk of error increases hugely and even if the timing is only fractionally off and the car runs fine, you can still cause longer term issues.

Do it right or not at all IMO...

Timing can't really be off fractionally. Lowest it can be off is one tooth on the belt, which is already a lot. And it can be easily felled by the driver that something is wrong.

So the risk I can see here is only on the mechanic side, but most mechanics I know would have no problems doing the timing belt without mentioned camshaft and flywheels locks. Lack of original timing marks, doesn mean you can't make your own.

That engine is not specifically easy to do, as there's not too much space, and there's separate wheel for each camshaft, but it's very commonly done without any locking tools.

I agree with you, that doing it professionally means doing it with locking tools, but it doesn't mean it can't be done properly without them.

Nissan doctor

CiniO wrote: »

Timing can't really be off fractionally. Lowest it can be off is one tooth on the belt, which is already a lot. And it can be easily felled by the driver that something is wrong.

So the risk I can see here is only on the mechanic side, but most mechanics I know would have no problems doing the timing belt without mentioned camshaft and flywheels locks. Lack of original timing marks, doesn mean you can't make your own.

That engine is not specifically easy to do, as there's not too much space, and there's separate wheel for each camshaft, but it's very commonly done without any locking tools.

I agree with you, that doing it professionally means doing it with locking tools, but it doesn't mean it can't be done properly without them.

Many engines without timing marks require you to lock the crank/cams as in order to time the engine correctly, you have to loosen the cam pullies so they spin freely. Many will also have free spinning crank pulleys so while you can be as carefull as you like, marking them with tippex or whatever doesn't work as the position of the pulleys does not always corrospond to the position of the actual crank or cams.

Some fiats, like the stilo and many fords and renaults among others need tools as without them the timing can be off by even less then a full tooth, and while the car may seem to run fine, you can leave it with long term pre ignition/detination issues which can lead to excess deposit build up in the cylinders, premature spark plug fouling etc etc.

IMO they don't make engines without timing marks just to make it a bit more challanging for the mechanic!