156 Timing Belt Replacement?

[lmcpaulm]

Just had the 60k service of my 156.

I got a guy I know from the lube mobile to service my car who does a good job, he did the front and rear brakes, rotors, oil, filters etc for $1250 (he had to source the parts from Alfa in Brisbane) - Alfa in Southport on the Gold Coast wanted $2900 for the service, without brakes/rotors - I do not have this type of money.

The only thing is he didn't replace the timing belt which Alfa said they would, and I didn't realise this until he was about to leave. He said he recommends it at the next service 70k which will be before this time next year.

I searched through the log book which says in minute writing it should be done every 60k service.

What is the likelihood of the timing belt going bust in the next 12months/10,000km? Am I at great risk, or is it likely to be okay?
(I understand no one can answer definitively since you can't inspect it)

--> I'm slightly ignorant when it comes to parts of the motor, I know what they do, I just never dared touch them incase I were to muck something up.

[Jekyll and Hyde]

What is the likelihood of the timing belt going bust in the next 12months/10,000km? Am I at great risk, or is it likely to be okay?
(I understand no one can answer definitively since you can't inspect it)

If it has indeed done 60,000km since the last cam belt, DO NOT DRIVE IT.  Have seen some of these belts break before 60,000km, and anything over 60,000km is borrowed time.  Would be surprised if Lube Mobile has the required tools to set a twinspark cambelt up, but you never know I suppose.

[lmcpaulm]

hmm how worrying

this car is bleeding me dry - i wonder where i can get the money to do this

may have to save some money and get it done in the next couple of months

[Jekyll and Hyde]

hmm how worrying

this car is bleeding me dry - i wonder where i can get the money to do this

may have to save some money and get it done in the next couple of months

Timing belt (and bearings/tensioners) replacements are definitely cheaper than replacing 16 valves though....

[dehne]

before taking it anywhere ring around and get a few prices on how much just to replace the belts you should get this done for $600 - $800
regarding the 60000 km belt change it is DEFINATLY recomended to change them but i have know some 156's to do 100000 before being changed which is what alfa first started recomending on the 156's until a few knacked up and when the belts where looked at they said they still looked great.
but i would get them done asap

[wankski]

NO NO NOOOOO!   

DO NOT get this done by a non-alfa specialist...!!! NOOO

you require correct cam locking blocks to set the timing, you cannot rely on timing marks - goes for cly1 TDC position as well.

fortunately you can get alfa gurus such as the superb (mech eng!) Joe Beninca among others, and you are only looking at around $800 for the job.

the $800 is a bargain, b/c if the belt goes - Jekyll and Hyde is right - been known to happen before due change much less over - it smashes your valves on the pistons... also it's not just the belt that fails, but the tensioner and idle pulley. (also a specialist like beninca will advise on replacing the water pump which can also throw the belt)

if it goes u're looking at replacement head, plus changing conrod big ends. + new belt kit and not an insignificant amount of labour

luibe mobile or any general mech will have no clue.

[John Hanslow]

Get a quote from AlfaMotive 07 3277-3186.

They are Alfa specialists and like similar workshops, are pasionate about the brand and look after their customers.  Prices are competitive.

this car is bleeding me dry - i wonder where i can get the money to do this

Please be mindful, that besides the belt issues, all cars wear out over time and cost money.  If they have not been correctly serviced, the new buyer can be up for more money. 

One very well know mechanic did note problems with selespeed and belts, and stated that over time this is priced into the product and the cars are a cheaper than others.

Cheers.

[dehne]

what was meant was ring around alfa specialists not just any mech

[lmcpaulm]

this car is bleeding me dry - i wonder where i can get the money to do this

Please be mindful, that besides the belt issues, all cars wear out over time and cost money.  If they have not been correctly serviced, the new buyer can be up for more money. 

One very well know mechanic did note problems with selespeed and belts, and stated that over time this is priced into the product and the cars are a cheaper than others.

Cheers.

Thanks - I am quite aware of this...


I understand this is the Vic site - But, would anyone happen to know an 'alfa specialist' on the Gold Coast? The Queensland Alfa Association site is not too helpful, any mechanics listed on there are in Brisbane, a good hour or more drive.

[L4OMEO]

Hi

If you absolutely must use a place on the Gold Coast then this won't be of any help to you but the following Brisbane specialists have all had good recommendations on this and other forums:

John French Motors
Alfamotive
Automotion
APF Motors

I'm sure each of these companies could give you a full quote over the phone and may also be happy for you to supply the parts yourself (you can source these direct from overseas at a significant saving over retail – try EB Spares in the UK).

While not as practical as using a local specialist, it could be worth your while arranging to drop the car up to Brisneyland for a week to have the job done. Even factoring in the cost of the exercise the job could still end up being cheaper (and provide greater peace-of-mind) than having a non-specialist deal with it (some jobs I'd be happy with a non-specialist to do for me, but as wankski says this 'aint one of them!)

FWIW I used Automotion for some work recently - found them knowledgable, experienced (Cameron's factory-trained in Alfas), competitively priced, totally obliging, couldn't have been happier.

Good luck
Rory

[ForzaSab]

Mate i got my 156 timing belt done at APFBoondall at , car was on about 65000km's.

Cant remember where the post is but do a search through my profile and you will find it, cost $1100 or so.

He is situated right near a train station so you can get a train into the city or nearby and catch a movie while he looks after your baby.

[lmcpaulm]

Thanks for all the helpful info everyone 

Rung around some places... they all say $1100 straight off, and then when I inform them it's the 2.5L V6 24V it shoots up from anywhere from $2500-3000.

--> One place not only wanted me to replace the water pump, but also wanted to install platinum spark plugs... oh and some fan for the radiator...

Unfortunately for me - it won't be happening immediately at that price, I'll have to run the risk for a couple of months till I get the money together.

[Cloud2609]

I'll recommend you NOT to do that mate.. The replacement of a timing belt may be expensive (because your's is a V6 ), but it is definitely much cheaper to replace the belt than having it snap and needing to replace the valves instead (plus your timing belt too)..

Just a friendly advice.. Don't play with fire

[lmcpaulm]

I'll recommend you NOT to do that mate.. The replacement of a timing belt may be expensive (because your's is a V6 ), but it is definitely much cheaper to replace the belt than having it snap and needing to replace the valves instead (plus your timing belt too)..

Just a friendly advice.. Don't play with fire

I agree - but put it this way... I have no money, and I'm a student with no hope of a loan lol

I did have money once... but that's now in this Alfa with a possibly worn timing belt 

[ForzaSab]

No offense mate but it seems like your living beyond your means.
Perhaps you should catch a bus or a train while you save up for it.