A Class Timing Belt (1 Viewer)

[Bessy765]

Hi all we have a 2019 Burstner A class with the Fiat 2.3 150hp comformatic. Although a fair bit away we are looking at the 4 years service due Sept. Given our local Fiat dealer does appear not to take any notice of the Fiat handbook servicing recommendations we thought we would go elsewher. As we have to go back to Southdowns Portsmouth for the damp check we thought we would book it into Adams Morley, as we hear good things about them. So according to the service book the van requires brake fluid check (this was not done at 2 years) the fluid in the operating system of the Comformatic box which apparently was not checked at the 2 years service. We have covered 21890 miles and owned the van from new, and am contemplating whether to have the cambelt done at the same time? We use the van a fair bit but owning to the 90 day rules it is in 90 day bursts and remains inn our garage the rest of the year. Just wondered thoughts on this and what members are paying for the cambelt change bearing in mind its an A class. It runs fine running at around 4350 kg returns just under 25 mpg.

 

[Antique]

Just been quoted £799 cam belt change on a 180hp A class. Fiat (professional) apparently .

All the best
Antique

 

[Bessy765]

Thank you for that info, can I ask what garage please?

 

[Lenny HB]

Adams Morey charge just over £800 now, I got mine done just before their labour rates went up by 50% last year.

Asking for trouble leaving it sitting around for 90 days, you really should take for a decent run every few weeks. Most problems are on vans that sit around unused.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thats fine 15 to 20 miles is enough just to get everything up to operating temp. You gave the impression you left it for 90 days.

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[Antique]

Thank you for that info, can I ask what garage please?

Camperuk Lincoln

All the best
Antique

 

[Bessy765]

Update from emailing Fiat Customer service re the Comformatic servicing side, they asked reg and VIN number which I had sent and replied look in your handbook? My handbook states check the operating fluid every 2 years change every four. This should be done by a Fiat agent with the correct equipment to do so. So booked into Adams Morley Sept for for full 4 years service Comfomatic bit and a new timing belt. Not too bad change from £1600 given it’s an A Class and a lot of work, plus the MOT. Re the leaving the van unused for 90 days, the fuel tank is topped right up to reduce the amount of air/moisture etc wheels are jacked up so no weight on the tyres batteries are maintained and it sits in our garage snug as a bug. Have done the same procedure with our last four vans all bought new, they are all still running as far as we know. A modern engine Chassis etc is well capable of sitting for some time without ill effects better than starting an engine off load and letting it idle or just a quick run. Either use it so everything is up to temp and then some or leave it alone.

 

[poppycamper]

Asking for trouble leaving it sitting around for 90 days, you really should take for a decent run every few weeks. Most problems are on vans that sit around unused.

We may cross swords on occasion Lenny HB But on this I 100% agree with you..
"IF YOU DONT USE IT, YOU WILL LOSE IT "
Save couple hundred on tax... spend couple thousand on fixing / repairing .

 

[Bessy765]

We don’t bother to SORN it just in case we decide to go off at short notice but the access to our garage is very tight so more likely to damage the outside of the van using it than damaging the engine by not using it. When we come back from our 90 days the last few miles are taken steady so the turbo cools down rather than a sudden stop, oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter are changed every year, so just what may suffer from 90 days when for many years motorhomes would go to say la manga and spend six months parked there for the winter but they seem to not have suffered. When we start ours up after its has been parked for a while drive off as soon as you start but gently until warmed up, start off gently and shut down gently. Having worked on many vintage cars that often spend months parked up told still do the same.

 

[nickq]

It may be a myth that a-classes are more work. Garage told me that once they get it on the ramps and remove the under engine cover, there is more room to work on it from underneath than a standard cab through the bonnet.

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