Timing belt for Thema 94 turbo

[Mark .H.]

In the user's manual it is written that the timing belt should be replaced every 105,000 km (65,000 miles ) but the dealer told me that i need to replace it every 30,000 km (18,000 miles )
because there is a problem with that belt.

My father has a 96 Kappa turbo 16v and he asked to do so too (from the same dealer)

Is this change in periods possible?

Can i ignore the dealer ?

How much kilometers kappa and thema owners are driving on the same belt?

thanks

Mark H.

[Alan Cooper]

16v timing belts are notorious for a lack of durability and they often fail. Fiat/Lancia have modified the belt several times to try to improve matters but some people still have problems. It is probably good practice to change the belts quite regularly although I know it can be an expensive job at main dealers especially as you will also need to change the balancer belt.
For some reason i have heard of more instances of broken belts on Thema than on other cars with the same engine. Has anyone else found the same?

[Lindsay Rouse]

Alan is correct. The timing belt is a nightmare for Themas. Early S2 cars need the belt changed at 20k miles at the latest. Later cars can go 36k, but for peace of mind, 30k should be the most. There are now upgraded belts, but 36k absolute max. Always check the tensioner bearing as well. New belt or not, If this sizes, you've had it.

[Leon Fletcher]

Hi all,

Just my 2p worth.
I used to own an s2 Thema 16v Turbo IE, which died because of this very problem. Belt had recently been changed (within 20k miles) but not by main dealer. Like the Ducati bikes, the tension on the belts is critical also. Mine snapped, bent all 16 valves and damaged the piston crowns. After new valves a piston fractured about 2000 miles after the belt snapped. I can only assume it fractured through one of the dents.

My S3 car has had new tensioner bearings, belts (set up by the Alfa dealer). Believe me, looking at a £1500 bill is no fun.
Get the belts changed by someone who knows the car every 20k. Money well spent.

Cheers,

Leon

[Brian Hilton]

Alan & Lindsay's comments are worth listening to,I had a Thema 1994 2.0ls auto with the new belt and correct timing wheels fitted from new.
When i purchased the car at 52000 miles I had all new belts fitted by ex lancia dealer service manager. 20000 miles later I just gently coasted to a halt from 50mph with no drama whatsoever with a broken belt,which turned out to have sheared at a shallow angle round the circumference which resulted in 8 bent valves & bill for nearly £1000.
Just not worth taking a chance.
I am on my third Dedra with a total mileage of 120000 miles without any problems but even on Dedra's I never go beyond 36000 miles

[Dakis]

Hello from Greece !!!

As I have seen in Germany almost 1/3 of used Themas for sale have/had serious engine-damages problems. Very often the belt was responsible.
I think Alan and Lindsays opinion is right- this chapter is a real problem for Themas,
Well, answering to Alan, I have the same question, regarding instances of broken belts on Thema more often than on other cars with the same engine, and I dont have any explanation; but its seems to be a fact.
Thatswhy the belt(s) should be changed much earlier than 105.000km, that is suggested from the manufacturer : (the previous owner of my car had broken belt at 86.000km).
So, I think changing it at max.60.000km is the best. But on the other hand, at 30.000km, is too early and not necessary. Mostly I have heard that belts were broken at~70.000-90.000km.
Hope that `94 models are improved.

Dakis

[George K.]

Hello

Are your recommondations just for Thema Turbo ?

How often do I have to change my timing belt in my 1994 Thema i.e 16v (non turbo)?

In the manual user of the car it is written that it should be changed every 100,000 Km

Thanks

George K.

[Lindsay Rouse]

This is turning into a long running one!!! Yes, same rules apply for the VIS models. Give it 36k miles total max then change. Really is not worth the expense of risking it. I had heard that later belts can be good for up to 60k miles - don't believe it though!