:: Replacing the cambelt on 16vt

1: This is the place to start, undo the 3 bolts fixing the cooling system expansion tank and move the whole tank out of the way. No need to remove the hoses. Then undo the top 2 and front mid 10mm cambelt cover bolts and take a peek. As you can see mine was well worn after just 48000 miles and six years. Although in no danger of snapping, the ridges can clearly be seen worn into the belt and the outer has worn smooth where it has been slapping the cover - time for a change!

2: Next step after deciding to change the belt is to remove the front drivers wheel - jack the car as high as you can on this side as you'll need access to the underside of the gearbox later. Then remove the front section of the wheelarch liner, this should leave you with something like this on view.

Ok, back under the bonnet for the next few steps

Remove the spark plug cover - two allen head bolts.
Remove the spark plugs and don't forget which lead goes to which plug. (Original leads are numbered). This is to make it easier to turn the engine by hand later.

Next, slacken the alternator belt tensioner and slip the belt from the pulley. (13mm for the adjuster, 19mm for the lower mounts and 17mm for the securing nut).

Ok, now remove the lower front 10mm cambelt cover bolt, this just leaves one bolts which is easier to remove later.

Now on your knees again and under that wheelarch. Slip the alternator belt over the water pump pulley and crankshaft pulley and remove the belt (you may as well fit a new one).

Remove the 4 allen head bolts pictured above, the hold on the lower pulley which also drives the power steering.

If you're lucky as I was, simply pull the pulley away from the engine and slip off the power steering pump belt. If not, you may have to slacken the power steering pump to relieve the tension on the belt first.

3: You'll now be looking at this.

The shiny gold plate is just used for the tdc sensor on the left and can be pulled away from the car easily.

4: This is what you'll have.

Ok, so far so good, if you're going to bottle it, do it now as no timing or tension has been adjusted!!!

The toothed belt you can see on the pulley is the balancer shaft belt. Its condition should be checked regularly as it will tangle with the cambelt if it snaps. Mine was in good condition which is just as well as they are Fiat only and about