I have just done timing belt and water Pump on my FIAT Stilo. All went smoothly until I went to reinstall new Alternator belt. Needs special tool so I thought i would get an auto sparky to fit. After 3 who had not even heard of one I tried a main dealer who offered to do it even though they hadn't done many. In the end I looked at a few youtube clips of fitting and made a suitable tool. Half an hour to make the tool but fitting was easy. One minute. I can see why they use them. No adjustment needed.
But really are they still rare? My car is 11 years old.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 25, 2:15pm
That's weird, I have never come across a Fiat or Alfa alternator belt auto tensioner that needs a special tool. Either a 13 or 15mm spanner has always fitted on either the idler wheel bolt or there is a flat spot behind the wheel that takes the spanner.
What engine was it?
Auto tensioners combined with an alternator clutch pulley are a fantastic setup that makes the belts last for an incredibly long time.
thunderbolt,
Apr 25, 3:05pm
Stretch Fit belts have no adjustable tensioner in the drive system and can be found on some of the following models: Alfa Romeo 2.2 05-09 BMW 2.0 & 3.0 Diesels 05 on Citroen C4 05-07 Fiat Stilo 1.6 02-04 Ford Fiesta & Focus 04 on Holden cruise 1.8 09 on Mazda 3 2.0 04 on Pug 307 1.6 04 on Subaru 2.0 & 2.5 07 on Ford F150 Outlander Mercedes vans and many more to come.
mechnificent,
Apr 25, 3:07pm
You can buy the tool from gates online. and there are tech articles about them there too.
thunderbolt,
Apr 25, 3:15pm
The tools are available from a few NZ Auto parts distributors. I even saw one on a display table last night at a Kerikeri trade show.
gsimpson,
Apr 25, 4:05pm
2.4 Abarth. The Crank to AC pump is as you describe with a spring loaded tensioner (15mm spanner releases it). It was the one that goes from AC to Alternator that is the stretchy type.
Interesting, I never realised the Stilo Abarth had one (hence I thought you were actually meaning an auto tensioner belt). Must be a new addition on the Stilo as the 5 Cylinder in my Marea just has regular belts.
Will tuck that in the memory banks so I am prepared should I do one. Cheers!
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 25, 4:36pm
Interesting, our Multipla 1.6 doesn't have one. I suspect it may be used as a solution by Fiat where there isn't adequate room for another tensioner.
gsimpson,
Apr 25, 4:38pm
I can lend you the tool if you need it
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 26, 12:42am
Many thanks!
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