Engines with overhead camshafts -like the Fiat 124 Spider- have timing belts that have a limited life
span. Every 60.000 kilometers, 37.500 miles or every 7 years (in case of less kilometers) this timing
belt should be renewed. The timing belt should NEVER be tightened in between and in case of
disassembling -even after only 500 kilometers- must be renewed completely.
When a belt fails, it can cause serious engine damage, bending valves and breaking pistons. At worst,
you will need a new engine. Timing belts fail without warning and, on some, vehicles are almost as
hard to check as they are to change. In most cases, your only protection is to change the belt at the
recommended intervals. Timing belt replacement is not a cheap job but it is less costly than the
alternative.
Some technicians may recommend that you replace the water pump during a timing belt job even if there
is nothing wrong with it. This is because 90% of the labor to change the water pump has already been
done with the timing belt job and some technicians consider it good insurance to replace the pump at
this time.
What should be renewed beyond all doubt are the oil seals. Additionally the coolant and the
tensioner should be renewed as well. If a bolt is mounted on the crackshaft-pulley instead of a nut,
be prepared that this bolt has a LEFT turning thread. Finally, be aware of the correct torque specifications !
Below : an extremely rare mounting instruction for the Fiat 124 Spider hardtop.
Click on the pictures for a larger reproduction.
These tech tips will be completed regularly with new, specific Fiat Spider advice.
