GTV6 Cam Belt DIY Q's

[Luke L]

I have owned my 84' GTV6 for just over a year & the exhaust note still brings a smile to my face every time I drive through a tunnel!! 

Even though the engine had apparently been reco'ed not too long before I bought the car I want to make sure the cambelt & tensioner are ok to avoid the consequences
(I have heard that regular belt replacement is not a bad idea...& I would like to shift at higher rpm's without worrying!)

-> any tips out there on checking the belt condition & tensioner position
...or if in doubt is it best to just fit a new belt & tensioner??

-> has anyone out there actually fitted a new belt & tensioner ...if so photos/tips/parts supplier details/costs etc would be most welcome

-> also are oil leaks from the engine front cover/tensioner common? looks like I have a slight oil weep

thanks
Luke L

[Luke L]

Any 'specialists' out there who can offer further advice?
or alternately any recommendations on workshops/expected price? 

(I was quoted about $1100 by The Itaian Job in Oakeleigh a few months ago)

cheers
Luke

[Neil Choi]

Hugh at Monza Motors 9729 9946

or

Bruno at Maranello Motors 9386 9650

Both will be great and is highly recommended, the belt change is a standard job.  Either one depending on your location.

But also check sponsors section for others.

[shane wescott]

Hi Mate

Full makrs for wanting to attempt this job.

I had my water pump go early into my life with the GTV6. This means taking he belt off so why not replace it.

The whole thing took me 3 weekends, I probably spent at least 12 hours working on the car. It took me at least 4 hours of pissing around to get the belt on once.

Now I am happy to say up front, judging your time off my times is probably not a good idea as I have the ability to find every WRONG way to do something before I have the right way.

So you need to make a judgement call. give it to an expert, or go in balls and all :-)

I was very happy to do the job and when the belts needs it's next change I will be right in there no probs.

Coupla things I learned (from Memory):

1. You have to take off the water pump, a very good time to check it thoroughly and maybe replace it, good gasket remover and sealant is a must.

2. I pulled off the bonnet, the radiator, and ended up throwing the aircon bits and pieces in the corner after a hissy fit with a lack of room.

3. The original tensioner has a hole and a rubber seal to allow oil to pressuriise the tensioner and (i think) lessen the tension. Min had this hole welded up so tension is what you see is what you get, some people fit the 164 tensioner I believe. I thin the main reason is the tensioner seal tends to leak.

4.Make sure everything is lined up as per the manual, if you dont have a manual get one.

5. I started the belt running it anti clockwise. After no luck I practices with the old belt

6. This was when i discovered my main tip - if you watch the tensioner, when you put it back on, you will see that when you push it ALL the way in, it sits in a different position, than when it is out slightly. The belt (given my limited experience and can only go by my car engine) WILL NOT go back on if the tensioner is fully flush with the engine face

7. Work the belt a mm at a time onto the various rollers and make sure the tensioner is not fully flush until you have the belt on

8. Check it, check it, and check it again before you start the engine.

9. Leave a short espresso on your bonnet the night before, this may give you some leverage with the Alfa Fairy :-)

If you try it good luck, it's something that not everyone would try. I receive invaluable advice about the mm at a time, and to practice with the old belt first from an Alfa Mechanic.

Good luck

Shane