Timing belt time in Connecticut

[Fiatcatapult]

I recently purchased a hot red spider and the previous owner indicated that he did the timing belt, about 5000 miles ago, I am not going to take any chances... i want to change the belt, tensioner, water pump and thermostat.

Where can I find a write up on doing the timing belt job on a 1982 Fuel injected spider?

The next best thing would be if a local member who has done this job before assist me.

[spider2081]

I know he is real busy but you might consider calling Danny at Fun Imports Auto and Toy's 203 871 1990 he has done many timing belt changes and is reasonable with his pricing.

I would suggest you purchase a repair manual before attempting to change the timing belt so you have a good reference on the process and the amount of work it entails. Removing the crankshaft nut can be a real challenge.

[RRoller123]

This might help.

[zachmac]

Removing the crankshaft nut can be a real challenge.

Removing the crank pulley and water pump pulley are only required IF the original sheet metal timing belt covers are still installed. For about 90% of all running Fiats it is not for this very reason. If it is I suggest doing what 90% of all owners have done and do not reinstall the sheet metal guard on reassembly. That way when you change the belt the next time the water pump and crank pulleys don't have to be removed.

Also consider cutting the outer plastic guard in half )lots of related threads here) to allow you to do change out without having to remove the tee housing in the future. You still have to remove the radiator hoses from the T but it prevents the common problem of stripped T connection bolts and leaking gaskets there.

If the original poster wants to send me an off forum email I'll happily send you a scan of the three pages from the factory manual for the timing belt R&R.

Also, if you use the instructions posted above (they are fine) check the crank nut torque spec. My factory manual says 181 ft-lbs, not 87 ft-lbs but is may be different for the 2000 versus earlier cars?

[samakijoe]

" Removing the crankshaft nut can be a real challenge."

Not really, all you have to do is put the 38mm socket on your breaker bar. Install socket, turn engine until the end of the breaker bar is on the floor. Kick the starter, nut is off. Be sure to place the breaker bar on the driver side of the engine. If you put it on the passenger side you can expect a supprise and maybe some sheet metal damage.

To retorque the nut, remove #1 and #4 plug. Feed some 1/4" or some such size rope into the plug hole (Hopefully, the same amount to each) . Oh yes, you need to keep the end of the rope out of the hole. Turn the engine until the rope stops the piston from going up. This locks up the crank. Retorque the nut. Back up the engine enough to remove the rope.

[Fiatcatapult]

I appreciate your advice.

ZacMac, Yes i would like to receive the 3 pages referencing the timing belt replacement. I have sent you an email via this forum.

Thank you

Smakiejoe,

That is an ingenious way of removing the 35mm nut, i'll try it if mine has to come off, hopefully the nut isn't on so tight that it catapults the spider in the next bay and onto my wife's car..

: )

Thank you

[Fiatcatapult]

Thanks RRoller123,

Excellent, easy to follow illustrated timing belt instructional write up. I've saved it.

[zachmac]

Email with scan of manual sent. Good wrenching and keep us posted.

[85redpini]

This might help.

we had the two sided one and can't find it. can you put both sides up on the site?

[RRoller123]

?? I don't understand what you mean. This is the only scan that I have.

[Spider951]

I recently replaced the timing belt on '81 Spider. Biggest issues were keeping the flywheel from moving when removing big front-end nut and while fitting new belt over cams, tensioner, etc. Maybe I missed something in the repair manuals about how to keep flywheel from moving (e-brake and transmission in gear only prevented major movement), but I made (DIY) a steel bracket with holes to bolt on (in place of flywheel cover) and included slots to fit end of screwdrivers (or small steel bars) between flywheel teeth. I can send a photo of this homemade gizmo if you like. Worked great - zero movement of flywheel.
Steve

[Fiatcatapult]

Steve,
please do, i'd appreciate it.

[Spider951]

See if this works. Steve

[Spider951]

[DaveT]

I did this when i first got mine ('78). I had visited this site and the Mirafiori site and just cut and pasted all the various post into a simple Word docs and created a repair manual/binder. It really wasn't that difficult - I'd never done anything that involved before and she started right up! Did water pump at the same time. Just read and re-read all the how-to's a couple of times and then take your time.