Timing belt should I tackle it myself?

[TulsaSpider]

Ok this seems to be the only thing I am a bit wary about. The timing belt. I have been driving around in my "new" 78 1800 124 for about 2 weeks now. I am a fair wrencher, just a little unfamilar with the dual overhead cam, and Fiat in general. I sure don't want to royally screw anything up!
Cost is a big concern, I have been quoted 300 to 500 on the replacement and that's a lot for me to swallow right now. I have reasearched the topic on here and see that there are many helpful hints, which makes me feel better. I just would like a little feedback on the issue, also, how long it should take?
thanks!
nervous Clark

[trippbannister]

Clark,

$3-500 seems like a lot.

I've only replaced two timing belts in my life. The first was on a 22r Toyota pickup. It took me about 3 weeks. The second was on my Fiat. It took about an hour.

As long as you do your reading beforehand, it's really straight forward. You don't have to take the radiator out, you don't have to replace any gaskets, etc etc. It is probably a good idea to replace the tensioner.

Tripp

[So Cal Mark]

on the later cars the radiator is in the way of removing the crank pulley. The 78 should have a shroud cast into the front seal retainer that prevents the belt from being removed without removing the pulley. if you don't have a decent impact wrench, it will be a struggle for you. Other than that, it's fairly straight forward if you can follow directions

[ga.spyder]

I would put myself in the 'fair wrencher 'category.I changed mine w/ no real issues.It took me about 4 hours ,w/ a lot of time reading the manual.I did remove the radiator,so I could get a impact wrench in there.You will be able to do it yourself.Good time to flush the cooling system.
Craig

[trippbannister]

yeah i definitely don't have any shroud there. i have no idea what size my engine is.

[rlux4]

Clark, I've sent you a PM.
Ron

[mbouse]

i hate to disagree with mark on this one, as i have only changed one timing belt on one '78 1800.

i did not need to remove the crank pulley from the crank in order to install the belt. yes, it had the shroud still intact.

i understand your nervousness, however, s'long as you keep the crank, both cams and the aux shaft in the same orientation before and after belt removal and replacement, you should be just fine.

[TulsaSpider]

Wow! Thanks guys! I think I have the skills- and now the confidence to take on the job. I do have the manual and all the pointers I have found on here. Since I am new at wrenching on Fiats I just wanted some opinions from some experienced folks. On the pulley, I realize that not every motor is the same even on the same year/motor combo. I hope I don't have to remove that pulley, but I will be prepared if I do. I plan to do this in a couple of weeks. The belt isn't bad that I can tell but I don't know the history behind the car other than it was sitting in a garage since '95.

BTW my friend and I went to time the car (I forgot my manual it was a spur of the moment thing) we couldn't find any info on the procedure, so I decided to wait. I read the manual about taking the cover off and adjusting it when the points open etc.... wow that's a wierd way to do it eh!
Do you have to remove the water fitting there?
How many bolts hold that cover on??
I guess I'll try it! No timing light!!
Thanks guys!
Clark

[So Cal Mark]

static timing could be set that way, but I'd use a timing light and set it to 10 BTDC at idle

[perthling]

Mark's right. Timing light's always worked for me. Also, as you have to disconnect a cooling hose anyway I find it's handy to remove the radiator (it's only another jubilee clip and a couple of nuts) to give you a bit of extra room - especially for the first time.

Make sure you line everything up first and then it's a straight one-for-one (assuming the existing timing etc is set correctly - I have come across at least one engine where the backyard mechanics made a 'performance enhancement' by shifting the exhaust cam one notch).

Always check your engine rotates freely after replacement before you plug everything back together.

[stefhahn]

IMHO you don't really need the room you get by removing the radiator - if you do not plan to remove the crankshaft pulley and if you adjust the crankshaft timing by putting in 5th gear (don't forget to put it into 1st or reverse after having set the timing!).

Some hints while putting the timing belt on (just did this 2 months ago):
- it's a good idea to mark the timing marks on the crankshaft and the aux shaft with white paint
- definitetly replace the tensioner bearing - even it looks good
- before putting on the belt loosen the tensioner as much as possible - every mm counts!
- if you have the belt around the crankshaft and aux shaft then just put it 1-2 mm onto the intake cam drive, then change sides and pull it over onto the exhaust cam drive - this will give the belt much as clearance as you can get

ciao,
Stefan

[TulsaSpider]

Thanks for all the info!
My book doesn't say anything about using a timing light, however it is from '78 and has a few pages missing in that section........
Where can I find the procedure to time it with a light?
Clark

[So Cal Mark]

Hook the timing light to either #1 or #4 cylinder, check the timing with the engine idling, preferably less than 1000rpm. Set the timing to 10btdc. The timing cover has 3 lines on it; the long line is 0, the top line is 10 btdc.

[TulsaSpider]

Thanks Mark!!

Is there any way to maybe post a pic of the location?? I assume it's timed from one of the cam wheels from behind?
I have read that the idle needs to be around 900, however I can't seem to get it below 1200 according to my tach. Now that I am getting good info on this subject I'll try again!
Thanks,
Clark

[mdrburchette]

The timing marks are raised lines on the timing cover. Look on the side of the timing cover down toward the crank pulley.