Information: Timing Belt Inspection
Models: All '91 thru '93 164 12V Models
Date: 05/01/96
Due to potentially severe engine amage caused by improper adjustment of the timing belt tension, Alfa Romeo requests that 1991 thru 1993 164 vehicles be inspected for premature wear due to incorrect tensioning of the timing belt.
In the event, signs of abnormal wear are found, replacement of the timing belt is necessary, use P/N 60619904. VVith replacement of the timing belt, all 3 accessory belts must be replaced. Follow the procedure outlined in Technical Service Bulletin 00.90.14 when installing the new accessory belts.
The following is a recap of proper R&R and tensioning of the timing belt for the two styles of tensioners found on 164 12 valve Alfa Romeo engines.
Remove right front wheel and forward inner fender gravel shield. Drain engine coolant, remove coolant hoses and all electrical connections from the thermostat/water pump. Remove aux belt, power steering pump belt and crankshaft sensor. Disconnect oil cooling pipes (if so equipped). Remove all four covers protecting the timing belt.
Using a 41 mm socket turn the crankshaft nut clockwise until engine is positioned at T.D.C. #1 cylinder (either compression or exhaust stroke).
Currently there are 2 styles of tensioners being used:
Old style oil-fed tensioner. See figure 1.
New style mechanical tensioner released in 1993. See figure 2.
Follow the instructions below for timing belt tensioning procedures using either the old style or for the new style tensioner depending on which tensioner you find on the vehicle.
Lift the belt tightener arm and insert tool # 1820053 into arm hole. Loosen nuts and push belt tightener downwards to bottom of travel; snug upper nut, and remove the toothed belt.
Leaving tool # 1820053 in place, route new belt starting at crankshaft working counter- clockwise. Proper tension is obtained by having both nuts loose and rotating engine clockwise two revolutions returning to #1 T.D.C.. At this point press downward on spring cover and tighten two nuts securing the belt tensioner. Rotate engine again two revolutions and remove tool # 1820053.
If further information is needed refer to Technical Service Bulletin # 01.89.03.
Loosen tensioner retaining nuts. Use a 3/8 square drive inserted into the lift square of tensioner and rotate the assembly clockwise (away from the belt), and snug the upper nut. Route new belt starting at crankshaft working counter-clockwise. This tensioner
Starting with engine cold and positioned at T.D.C., loosen both tensioner retaining nuts. Use a 3/8 square drive inserted into the lift square of the tensioner and rotate the assembly counter-clockwise (into the drive belt) until a resistance is felt.
Do not use excessive force! Torque applied to the lift square must be at least 11 foot pounds but no greater than 18 foot pounds. Too much force may damage the clutching mechanism!
Holding the tensioner in this position, lock down the tensioner by tightening the adjustment nut to approximately 15 foot pounds.
With the tensioner set in this way, rotate the engine clockwise at least four crankshaft revolutions, to seat the belt. On the last revolution, line up the T.D.C. marks.
At this point hold the tensioner with the 3/8 drive in the lift square. Loosen the adjusting nut and very slowly let the tensioner back-off until the position indicator pointer is lined up with the nominal reference mark.
Tighten the adjustment nut and the tensioner pivot nut to 20 foot pounds.
Rotate the engine several more complete revolutions in a clockwise
direction. Line up
T.D.C. just as you did in beginning and verify that the position indicator pointer is still
lined up with the nominal reference mark.
If further information is needed refer to Technical Service Bulletin #
01.93.04.
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WARRANTY REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION
OPERATION CODE: 0332-910
DEFECT CODE: 0332-45-000
TIME: 3.70 HRS.