How difficult is a DIY cambelt change on the 156?

[Stromlo]

Its a 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 2L Twin Spark.

A friend of mine wants me to service his car, including changing the cambelt, but browsing the net, it seems that it might be a reasonably big job?

Thanks!

[TorW]

Assuming you have experience with cambelts and DOHC engines, it's certainly possible to change the 16V TS cambelt in your own garage. However, it's quite a big job with all the different pulleys, locking the cams, job setup, disassembly and assembly. If the 156 has A/C, the cambelt is buried between the splash guard, the engine block and various belts, covers and pulleys (alternator, water pump, cams, A/C pump etc.).

I'd have it done at an authorised garage. They'll give him a warranty in case the head crashes because of the cambelt job.

So, it's a big job if you want to do it right - i.e. change everything instead of just the belt and the involved pulleys.

Have you seen Jaap Bouma's cambelt guide?

[Erik]

The cam belt kit now have metal (alu) tension pulleys for better relyablity.
Japp's guide gives a good indication of the complexity of the job. Skilled Alfa mecs do perform it in about 4 hours, I think. Danish indepentant Alfa specialist charge about €600 incl. a water pump, and €155 extra if the cam variator has to be changed.
Good luck
Erik

[devonHIBBERD]

my father and i changed the cam belt on my 145 and it was surprisingly easy. most things are pretty accessible. but you will need the cam locking tools from alfa before attempting it!

[sportswagoner]

My 156 cam belt change is coming up and I have looked at all the options. After speaking to a number of people (inc. specialist mechanics) I think your best bet is to take it to an Alfa dealership. It costs around £400 in the uk. Otherwise you can spend a long time doing it and still have to get the tools from Alfa