1.6 i.e. timing belts

[flatfourontour]

What is the experience regarding timing belt changes for the 1.6 lampredi?

The current belt has done 10,000 miles.

However, it has been on there since 2017, 7 years.
I am not sure that there was a "time" element back in the day, just a mileage element, but I am used to Alfa Romeo engines, V6, that wear out the tensioners and throw the belt off and need changing by 7 years regardless of mileage, or 5 years for the 3.2V6, (or 3 years for the 16v twin spark!).

I never heard of Fiats or Lancia Lampredi engines snapping/jumping belts, but obviously don't want to take undue risks either.

Also, any heads up regarding source of new belt, and also what pulleys/tensioners may also be judicious to renew.

Thank you!

[lancialulu]

I think 7 year interval is about right. That is what I do for my 1.6GTi.e. If you have not replaced the water pump now is the ideal time. I bought my belt and water pump from Auto doc or somesuch.

[Kevinlincs]

The tensioner is fixed unlike the TS/V6 Alfa ones which are under internal spring tension so they don't tend to be so crucial to change as the Alfa ones. That being said the bearings can be changed for a bit of extra security against future failings, all simple pressed in items. The 1600 doesn't have the balance belt does it?
I'd say age rather than mileage is key nowadays, 7 years is plenty long enough, I'd be reluctant to let mine go much past 5 years just for the risk of sods law getting involved, if you leave it and it breaks you'll kick yourself, hard!

[lancialulu]

I bought a low mileage Prisma that had been owned by same gut since new. Meticulously maintained albeit I could not find any belt change in his 25 years ownership. I drove the car c 100 miles to my MOT station where it failed on some trivial points, then back to my garage.

On getting to the belt, it was flapping around in the breeze. How it did not jump I dont know! And I think it was the original belt. The gods were having a good day!

[flatfourontour]

Thank you for the replies, many thanks.
I will get it done in May, plus I ordered a tensioner, from AE Cars.

[flatfourontour]

The bearing in the original tensioner on the car was running a little tight. Probably original from new. Both timing belt and tensioner now renewed.