FIAT Bravo and Brava (1995 - 2002) - 1996 1.4 12v cambelt failure

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Sun 27 Apr 2008 23:25
1996 1.4 12v cambelt failure - Tosh1977
Hi all. Hopefully a quick question. I bought this car for £500 a month ago and it had been MOT'd for 12 months just before i bought it and is in excellent condition with 75k on the clock.

I had driven about 500 miles in it before sitting in the front of a traffic queue a couple of miles from home waiting to pull off in 1st. The car just failed on me. Tried to restart and couldnt get anything out of it. Recovery man said cambelt had gone and it should be scrapped and offered to take it there and then.

As i was not moving when the cambelt went, is it possible this can be fixed fairly easily? How much would this generally cost to put right?

Iv been quoted £80 to fit a new one and see if it works but im wondering if any experts can tell me whether this is actually worth bothering with and if this is the death of my car after only 2 weeks of actual driving. I really hope not as i can ill afford a new one. All my savings went into this car

Any advice appreciated.

Edited by Pugugly on 27/04/2008 at 23:35

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Sun 27 Apr 2008 23:39
1996 1.4 Fiat Brava P reg 1.4 12v cambelt failure - Screwloose
Tosh

Both the 1.4 engines fitted on that year are likely valve-hitters if the belt goes. The fact that it was idling doesn't make a lot of difference - if any valves stopped in the way of the pistons, they're bent.

The only way to tell if you've got lucky is to try a new belt. Might be an idea to get the diagnosis confirmed - unless there is obvious proof.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 00:15
1996 1.4 Fiat Brava P reg 1.4 12v cambelt failure - Tosh1977
OK, i suppose its worth it instead of scrapping it. It actually felt like id stalled it rather than it giving up on me. No bang or loud noise or anything so i am hopeful. Thanks for the response.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 10:37
1996 1.4 Fiat Brava P reg 1.4 12v cambelt failure - Whisky
I wouldn't get your hopes up too much, although there is a lesson to be learnt, when buying a used car always ask when the Cam belt was last changed and if in any doubt get it done ASAP. Guess you'll know next time, expensive mistake to make though.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 20:06
1996 1.4 Fiat Brava P reg 1.4 12v cambelt failure - Tosh1977
OK ill see. Mechanic is coming tomorrow to have a look at it so i shall wait and see what they say. Thanks for your thoughts though.
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