Fiat 2 litre 16v - interference fit?

[nigel bickle]

I just bought a clean Fiat Coupe- with ''non start'' issues. AA says its the cam belt -although how he diagnosed that when the covers undisturbed -I'm unsure. I cant even see it - anywhere.Since it was a 'Homestart' -I'd question his veracity.I believed -if the belt failed- that the valves on this would clout the head. But it spins freely- no noise -although perhaps a little too freely.So -before I start dismembering (I've 2 spare engines with bottom ends blown on SWMBOS yellow one) -any pointers?

[Pillock]

I had a Polo that 'span a little too freely'.... once the head was off there was a nice hole through one of the pistons and the severed ends of both valves had dropped through it. The AA diagnosed that without taking the belts covers off too, despite me having already diagnosed it and asking outright for a tow truck.Course, I knew it was busted as I was doing 50mph in third with 'timing issues' when it skipped another tooth.....

[bigstraight6]

I had the same thing earlier this year with the sister in laws '85 Toyota corolla when it stopped and refused to start, I wrongly assumed it was an ignition problem, as the engine was spinning freely and not making any unpleasant noises, but after going through everything and finding no problems I took the cambelt cover off and discovered a seized water pump and kippered cambelt

[wuvvum]

From having looked at some 20V Mareas and Coupes on the Bay and elsewhere with broken belts I'm pretty sure these engines are interference, as the ones I've seen with the heads taken off for inspection did look a bit of a mess. Plus they are prone to cambelt failure as it's such an arse of a job to change with the engine in the car that i's often neglected. I think the only Fiat engines which weren't interference were the 999cc FIRE engines in the Uno and Panda. Like you say though, if it were the cambelt you'd expect to hear/feel some piston/valve interfacing going on when you turn the lump over. I wouldn't like to try to guess what is wrong with the engine - they're a bit of a temperamental lump at the best of times...

[Pete-M]

Integrales are definately interference, and the Coupé 4 pot is the same engine.

[nigel bickle]

Hhhhmmm. Ta guys -mirrorred my thinking.I've 2 spare blown engines (bottom end grenaded) which is why I took it on -so I'm not toooooooo bothered. 'Mrs' likes it -so I guess I'll be at it shortly.lewt you know the outcome.

[lovejoy]

Here's the answer Nigel, just "bosh" in that spare Fiat 903 cc engine you have lying about ( same as my Pandora !!!) - no cambelt issues to worry about then ....... might keep SWIMBO below legal limits too !!ps. have to figure out how to post pics of "local talent" , so don't hold yr breath...... LovejoyAntiques

[nigel bickle]

Cor -on that a bit quick -werent you?Get back to the tequila & sun -whilst we freeze & moan about it.