Another question about belts

[saxmund]

I read on alfa156.net that the service schedule for belts is 72000 miles or three years whichever is sooner. Is this true? If so, I can presumably expect my new motor to have had the belts changed at the 60K service which was just after its third birthday - the MOT was June 04. However, from reading posts on this forum, it doesn't seem to be the case at all.

[saxmund]

No, if there's any doubt I'll get them done, and probably the variator looked at as I believe it's easier to change it when the belts are being done, if it needs doing.

I've got a trip to Wales planned at Easter: a nice long motorway trip to get used to the car and then 30 miles of twisty country roads. Although I suspect I might find an excuse to take her out this weekend.

>> Edited by saxmund on Monday 14th March 12:40

[saxmund]

Well I can hear a bit of a "tappetty" noise with the bonnet up, although not when driving, so they may well need doing. In any case, the 72K service is due in October, so it's no big deal getting them done now.

I didn't really enjoy my drive home from the dealer's - it was p***ing it down, and I never quite seemed to be in the right gear. But I was impressed with the handling, and the engine note. And its got Momo seats which are very comfortable, and for the driving position is one of the best cars I've been in.

Was planning a drive around the country lanes of Hampshire... and then I found the battery had gone flat overnight. I've charged it up, I'll see how it goes - it might need new battery.

Best thing is, it looks damn cool on the drive, much better than my neighbours' Focuses.

[saxmund]

Haven't gone over 5K yet... I'll get the belts changed first. But I'm learning there's no urgency to get out of 2nd.

One of the benefits of a TS... want to stick at the speed limit in a 30 zone? Put it in 4th - you'll never go any faster!

[saxmund]

Well I had the belts changed, by Adie Hawkins who fitted me into his busy schedule at fairly short notice, plus an oil change and brake fluid draindown (they were feeling a bit spongy, no doubt from standing on a foreourt for too long). Pulled out of his place onto the A30, floored it in first straight up to 7000 A bit unfair as the engine wasn't exactly warm... but I think I'm going to enjoy this car.

[saxmund]

Well we seem to be well off the timing belt topic by now... what's this waxoyl stuff and is it worth me getting some? I go to rural west Wales about once a month and I tend to get cowshit all over the car. I'll probably get a pressure washer thingy, but is it worth doing some preventative stuff first?

>> Edited by saxmund on Wednesday 23 March 21:44

[saxmund]

Makes sense... I was, ahem, slightly tiddly when I posted that, or I might have realised myself.