Piston slapper

We have a 1,200cc petrol) Panda that is 6 years old this month and has done about 45,000 miles. Should the cam belt be replaced at this mileage? There is some confusion about this. Also the dealer said if it did break the engine would not be destroyed, it would just stop and need a new cambelt. Your advice would be appreciated.

Asked on 24 July 2010 by S.R., Nottingham

Answered by Honest John

I have this same engine and discussed the issue with one of FIAT's top engine designers (a really lovely guy, name of Massimo), earlier this year. While the original 999cc FIRE engine in the Uno and old Panda was non-interference, the 1,242cc version is not. So valves could meet pistons. I’ve never heard of this happening, nor of the belts breaking prematurely on this hugely well developed engine. So, if it were mine, (and mine is mine), I'd leave it another year.

Tags: belts and chains cam belts technical issues dealers owning

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