2 ltr twin spark cambelt change

[mikeallen]

I purchased a alfa 156 with 45k miles yesterday with the impression the cambelt does NOT need replacing untill 72k miles, but after reading your articles you mention a 36k cambelt change-
was this extra cambelt change added after the car was launced?
cheers mike

[jamieboy]

mikeallen said:

I purchased a alfa 156 with 45k miles yesterday with the impression the cambelt does NOT need replacing untill 72k miles, but after reading your articles you mention a 36k cambelt change-
was this extra cambelt change added after the car was launced?
cheers mike

Yes. Alfa originally specified 72k but once it became obvious they wouldn't really last that long they officially reduced it to 36k - I think it's actually 36k or 3 years, but I wouldn't swear to it.

That's for the 4-cylinder petrol ones - the V6 is still officially 72k, but most specialists recommend no more than 60k, and I think the diesels are 60k too.

Worth having a look at www.alfaworkshop.co.uk for more info - unlike me, they actually know what they're talking about.

[mikeallen]

cant belive it, the garage failed to mention that. proves you should really do your research when buying used, damn 400 bill coming already, anyone driving the selespeed it feels like my mums smart car on changes, hmmmm. just run the car till 60k miles and hope for best. thanks for info

[wrinx]

Alfa have even sent a letter out (via dealers) to advise owners of the change...definately 36k/3yrs, whichever is sooner.

There have been far too many failures around the 4-45k area to risk it imho.

Job can be done for less than £400 if you shop around...try www.aforalfa.co.uk if he's anywhere near you, cheapest I know of!

wrinx

[jacobyte]

mikeallen said:

just run the car till 60k miles and hope for best.

No, get it done right now. Seriously. Mine went at 47K whilst it was booked in 2 weeks ahead of its 48K service, and it went, damaging all all 16 valves and a few guides.

Neither the dealer nor Alfa were interested. I would have taken them to court but I had a life to get on with. Funny how they have since changed it to 36K.

[Alfamike.]

your right the car is a w reg 2000, and has had the same cambelt for 8 years now
best to bite the bullet and sort it
thanks for info

[Wombat Rick]

Alfamike. said:

and has had the same cambelt for 8 years now

That's probably some kind of record!! Even on the old 72,000 mile interval they still recommended changing them at 5 years!

[pdV6]

Blimey. 8yo TS on it's original cambelt at 45k miles. And a selespeed, too.

How long had they had that sitting on their forecourt?

[jamieboy]

pdV6 said:

Blimey. 8yo TS on it's original cambelt at 45k miles. And a selespeed, too.

How long had they had that sitting on their forecourt?

7-and-a-half years.

[Wombat Rick]

jamieboy said:

pdV6 said:

Blimey. 8yo TS on it's original cambelt at 45k miles. And a selespeed, too.

How long had they had that sitting on their forecourt?

7-and-a-half years.

[philoldsmobile]

dont forget to check the balance belt

my 166 was still on its original balance belt at 107,000 miles, when i had the cam belt changed today, they were shocked to find the tensioner had failed completely, and the belt had jumped several teeth, leaving the balance shaft out of sync with the engine.

fortunately no damage, and cheap to fix. could have been a lot worse.

[Avocet]

I absolutely agree with the others. You're well and truly on borrowed time! Ours (1.8) snapped at 57,000 - and like the previous poster Alfa didn't want to know and life was too short for a court case. They do a fair bit of damage when they snap - I was lucky - "only" 8 vlves bent and no guides cracked!