156 GTA Cambelt - should I change it?

[Viper_Larry]

Can someone definitively say what the recommended change period on a 3.2 156 GTA (20003/2004) is?

I know Alfa recommend 72k but dealers recommend 36k, but I thought this didn't apply to the GTA? Certainly at the 36k service, they didn't recommend doing it

I'm a bit nervous as a guy at work who has a 2.5 year old 3.2 GT just had £4.5k's worth of new engine after the cambelt went at 33k miles. My GTA is on 53k miles and 3.5 years old.

[Viper_Larry]

Hmm... looks like it would be better done. I treat my cars with 'mechanical sympathy' but sounds like that is irrelevant. I'll call the dealer and specialist today and get a quote. Got 600 miles to do in 3 days next week and will be nervous now!

[Viper_Larry]

The service guy at my local Alfa dealer has been working there for 5 years and NEVER had a 2.5 or 3.2 engine in for cambelt failure

[Viper_Larry]

Booked it in next week for cambelt and water pump

[Viper_Larry]

Decided on Marshall's (Liles) in the end as they matched the independent price and my car has been there since new. Dropped £350 on their original quote!

[Viper_Larry]

velocemitch said:

What's the bill in the end then Viper?

Cambelt + water pump, all in £562

[Viper_Larry]

Good grief - try as they might, the dealer cannot get hold of the 'special' tool required for the GTA. To be fair, they seem to be trying (including borrowing) and have one on order, but no-one can advise when it will come in. They've postponed twice and now recommended I go elsewhere or wait until they get the tool.

So what would happen now if the cambelt went tomorrow? Would Alfa shoulder the blame?

[Viper_Larry]

Alfahorn said:

Viper_Larry said:

Good grief - try as they might, the dealer cannot get hold of the 'special' tool required for the GTA. To be fair, they seem to be trying (including borrowing) and have one on order, but no-one can advise when it will come in. They've postponed twice and now recommended I go elsewhere or wait until they get the tool.

So what would happen now if the cambelt went tomorrow? Would Alfa shoulder the blame?

Take it to Jamie Porter, just do it, stop trying to be so loyal to the dealer, they are not necessarily going to be loyal to you.

Good call

[Viper_Larry]

I went away for a couple of weeks on business and when I got back the Alfa dealer had left a message that the tool was in. The car's been in this week for new cambelt, water pump and a 12 month unlimited mileage warranty on the work - picked it up today.