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.

[wombat rick]

The usual advice is EVERY 3 years OR 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
72,000 miles is the original (too long) Alfa recommendation.

Do NOT assume that the belts will have been done unless the previous owner can absolutely prove it to you with no shadow of doubt.



Enjoy your new Alfa Romeo!

[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

[wombat rick]

Yes - the variator is an extra £70-80 part, but not much extra labour, so well worth doing at the same time. Make sure as well that the balancer shaft belt is swapped if it is a 2.0 and of course both tensioners.

It's not cheap, but worth it for peace of mind at 7,000 rpm!!

[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.

[wombat rick]

saxmund said:

and I never quite seemed to be in the right gear

Good old Twin Sparks!!

They need at least 3,500 on the clock before anything starts to happen. You then drive everywhere in 2nd and 3rd. I remember giving someone a lift and they asked if it had any more gears anywhere.

You soon get used to it though - especially the last rush up to 7,000.

[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!

[Twin Turbo]

LOL - that 2nd comment is soooooo true

[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.

[lanciachris]

Argh! Im going crazy I stopped at halfrauds on the way home to pick up some gloop to paint the underneath of the sprint with and a gtv pulled in to park near me. A twin spark gtv sounding very much like a diesel. I couldnt help myself 'Excuse me...', ended up explaining to him the failings of the cam variator problems and how he would be best to get it looked at and seeing as it was at 44k without a belt change it would be in order anyway

For a total stranger he was very appreciative and happy to receive the advice. lets hope he uses it wisely.

ps. waxoyl is some sticky orrible stuff if you get it on your skin

[wombat rick]

Alfa people do tend to like a natter.

I Waxoyled my GTV wearing my work shirt.
It never looked the same again...

[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

[lanciachris]

Its not something I would expect you to have to worry about too much - bear in mind your car was built some 14 odd years after mine and manufacturing standards have improved somewhat

[saxmund]

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

[wombat rick]

Shouldn't need it on a 156.