Oldest Punto in Britain gets a cam belt change

[@JamesG75]

I really like this car. Mk1 Puntos were practically everywhere when I was growing up so I'm really pleased you're preserving this one for future generations

[@furiousdriving]

I remember them coming out and looking so drastically modern compared to everything else, Ive wanted one for a while, so really good to have the oldest survivor

[@histriamagna1014]

Those plastic bits are thirty years old and still holding better than five years old BMW plastic...

[@Ju1ian10001]

Thats because modern BMW's use cheap nasty plastic's,

[@fugawiaus]

30 yrs ago bmw owners said that about fiats

[@MartinHopkinson]

One of the things I like about you, Matt, is that you do preemptive maintenance. This is a good example. Great video!

[@Jayoldstuff1]

Ah brings back memories of 19 year old me doing the timing belt and head gasket on a 750cc fire engine in a panda, went really easy, unfortunately being a poor skint student at the time I neglected to fill the cooling system with antifreeze and four months later when winter set in it froze and cracked the engine block, such is life!!!

[@mpersad]

As I'll say for the Nth time ...I am in awe of your skills in keeping the Furious Fleet on the road, and congratulations to all the owners communities who are tireless in their support of the used car community. Loved this video.

[@terryatkinson899]

As a fiat fan I loved it. Same engine used in many fiat models for decades 🤗 They are great at using the same parts whatever fits is used.

[@martinclapton2724]

The FIRE engine is fabulous, Reliable, great to drive behind , and fantastically simply engineered. Making it brilliant to work on. There can’t be many moderns that so enjoyable to drive and enjoyable to work at the same time.

[@daveawhittle]

Glad your getting the bodywork done, I do hope they chop it right back to clean metal and treat it all properly 👍🏻

[@furiousdriving]

its a really good bodyshop so they should be doing it properly

[@КикиМики-д4й]

My dad used to have a Punto, many years ago and i remember that when we were on a holiday, the cambelt snapped good that its not interfirence engine so he changed it next to a fire station the fire fighters helped him change it.

[@tigershoot]

A FIRE engine being fixed by firemen at a fire station. Amazing indeed.

[@fhwolthuis]

Great job, Matt. I'm really missing my old Punto when I see this. Actually had 3 of them, the 75SX and a mk2a 1.2 ELX and a mk2b 1.2 Dynamic. Great little cars!

[@volvo480]

My ex had a Punto 55 S which, despite being poverty spec, was surprisingly nippy. But the body roll in corners was insane.

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice work Matt. All These jobs will keep that little car going forever

[@nekite1]

Try an Alfasud from the eighties for rusting faster than you could drive it. It makes the Punto look like a solid car.

[@stuart121972]

My wife’s Mk2 Ford KA has the Fiat Fire engine fitted, however it has variable valve timing so I understand it’s an interference engine. It’s just had it’s second timing belt & water pump change during our ownership. I’ve had my wallet hit in the past with snapped timing belts. Interesting to see how the job is done.

[@Ju1ian10001]

Yeah the 500 and Ka's do have VCC, they do need locking tool's for them as the crankshaft sprocket desing was changed to not haviving a keyway so just relies and on the crank bolt keepin it together.

[@terryatkinson899]

​@Ju1ian10001 didn't know that. My cinquecentos are old school, one a fire engine and the other the pushrod version found in everything from 127s onwards.😊

[@mr-wx3lv]

That's a nice little Punto. Even now it looks good. Great colour. One of the best small runabouts in the 90s for sure....

[@chrisbury4635]

So satisfying to work on something so simple, I own both ends of that spectrum with owning a Citroën Xantia V6 and a C15E 😊

[@eggy1962]

nice to see you have a straight forward job go well, a refreshing change

[@maxidyne]

Nice preventive maintenance! Good job on the rust prevention. Enjoyed it Matt, can't wait to see more on this rare Mk1 Punto.

[@Phiyedough]

For big hex holes I use a bolt and 2 nuts locked then you can just undo it with a normal socket.

[@arturseversons3444]

Fcukin hell mate, what a tip! Thanks! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@terryatkinson899]

I've had that socket in my toolbox for over 20 years, gearbox and sump in most fiat's use it😊

[@kevinnye5132]

Noooooooo Matt leave the door SHUT !!!!!!! 😂, exhaust fumes are now the new Vape 💨 and vaping is good for you 😉, nice professional service Matt just in time for autumn / winter 👍🏻.

[@thisiszaphod]

Also, Matt, have you put a sticker - if it did not come with the box - somewhere in the bay to indicate that you replaced the cambelt, with date and mileage?

[@furiousdriving]

didnt come with one but I keep records in the cars paperwork

[@thisiszaphod]

@@furiousdriving - top man!

[@terryatkinson899]

Mine came with a sticker but I was covered in oil at the time and I didn't have a pen 🤭

[@PaddyWV]

Hard to believe, considering the size today, but I remember some taxi companies experimenting with Unos and Puntos back in the day.

[@will89687]

The Punto really looks like a keeper Matt - less frustration, more joy of ownership!

[@anthonystevens8683]

Nice one Matt, keeping the oldest UK Punto on the road has to be commended. Keeping the metal moth away is definitely a key maintenance task for these cars like many others of the era. I salute you sir on the quest to save this one and hopefully may inspire other Punto owners to save some more. Many thanks for sharing.

[@phil7301]

Jobs a gud en !! I do have a giggle thinking of all those " internet mechanics" who know everything, having a nervous breakdown when you call things " thingy me jigs" etc . Same with your viewers from abroad wondering WTF you're going on about. Excellent!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

[@stevehill4615]

Great job Mat, only thing I'd do is write the date and mileage in tippex/white marker on the timing cover so you or any subsequent owners know exactly when this job was done.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great little tinkering video Matt. Great to see the Punto again.

[@furiousdriving]

thats the trouble with buying good cars, not enough content!

[@jasoncornell1579]

Maestro, Princess Ambassador all of those came off the line rusting

[@danno4081]

Just changed the water pump and cambelt on my 1.1 seicento today, had a new water pump in February according to my mechanic, also didnt look as tho he timed it right, was two teeth out, I put it right and it seems to be a bit smoother, maybe gonna do all the work myself in future

[@richardcarne753]

My grandad had the 2000 fiat Punto

[@TheStwat]

Great job. It's a good idea to give it a citric acid coolant flush. In fact, It's a good idea to give all your cars a citric acid coolant flush as it neutralizes the rust in the system. It worked wonders in a two of the mercs I owned. One was so rusty and blocked up but after the flush the coolant stayed clear and rust free for many years and mant coolant replacements after. It's even mentioned in MB in house service literature if an engine has ever been ran without the correct coolant for any amount oif time.

[@furiousdriving]

Good idea, that’s a job to do when it’s gone next as there’s no running water up at the barn

[@mark70s29]

Great engine! Just think how long it's been in production. Even used today in panda. Imho the 1243 was the best. I'm not keen on my 59 pandas 1.1. Needs too many revs and uses more fuel than my mk11 Punto 1.2 elx. The newer fires have a weird belt tensioner too. Spring loaded thing.

[@gtommy0258]

That's why I have a Punto mk2 1.2 8v, is simple to work on, I can do everithing in my garage, is very reliable, it has a lot of interior space and it don't need much money to maintain

[@johangrey9420]

The cam belt is clearly marked with a white line to correspond with the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket 20:25. Same thing down below on the crankshaft sprocket. Just to make the job easier and quicker.

[@seancooke7332]

Love the Punto. I think you need an early 1990s Panda to keep her company Matt. Hint hint. It will take up hardly any more space than a Lawn Mower.

[@VDPEFi]

Fantastic little car and the fire engines and their derivatives are just superb. My absolute favourite cars to do timing belts on without doubt always have easily removable crank pulleys, ie seperate bolts and not fighting with one huge one done up to a million ft lbs too!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Such an easy job. As I remember you didnt even have to remove the engine mount to do it. May be wrong though.The one I did had a ben valve thugh so didnt work when I was done anyway. A huge drawback of the single point injection.

[@furiousdriving]

thats right, no need to take the mount off, huge advantage!

[@chrisrand5185]

That reminds me, it's about time Bertie had a new cambelt. Do you fancy doing a 1.6 Punto? Purely for comparison purposes, obviously!

[@furiousdriving]

maybe.......

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Hey Matt I love all the new Additions to the channel. However can we pretty please with a cherry on top have an update on the Mercedes W123 project. Thanks from your Australian friends.

[@tonys1636]

I think 60's and 70's Alfa's would give the Punto's a run for the money on rot and your Crown Vic. Even my 1970 BMW 2000 sprouted a severe case of 'measles' on its white paintwork as it spent the first three years of its life in Morocco and after 3 months back in blighty was spotted all over.

[@NEILB1989]

When you said you found a guide on how to change the timing belt on a fire engine, I thought you meant an actual fire engine ( big red thingy with ladders and hoses) 😂😂

[@furiousdriving]

found that first..

[@tigershoot]

FIRE stands for Fully Integrated Robotised Engine.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Tell me you cleaned the mating surface for the water pump on the block........

[@furiousdriving]

yes

[@timothyclapham936]

"Struggling for a rot analogy" at 25.40 - urm your standing right next to an Alfa and even worse a BL Mini the other side! Couldn't see the wood for the trees I guess!!?? As always a great video though - keep up the good work!

[@danieleaton1399]

Some good easy maintenance to keep it going , love the MCM quote 👍

[@sarahmerritt7607]

Always good to watch you Mat, love the enthusiasm, and the made up words!😂, Hi from Gold Coast, Australia👍

[@steverandall5814]

If you can scrounge up a bolt with a 12mm head on it you can use it as a make-shift Allen wrench to pull the oil drain plug.

[@terryatkinson899]

I did the timing belt kit in my cinquecento sporting and needed 3 water pumps until I got the right one. Pulley either has 17 or 21 teeth and doesn't look like it would be easily swapped over. Your expert would know fiat's reason for 2 types of pump 😊 Regarding coolant i have the pink stuff as that is what motorfactors gave me🤔

[@stevie007]

Looking forward to this one 👍👍

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Just had the cam belt changed on my Toyota Celica... Safe is ALWAYS better than sorry.

[@morgman43]

When I had my Panda 100HP, which also had a FIRE under the bonnet, I put the cost of changing the cambelt and waterpump as a great example of why it was such a cheap car to keep on the road. Low hundreds from an independent specialist. An excellent engine design.

[@iansavage2885]

Matt, great vid of a well deserved Car of the Year..a point about Draper hex 12mm tool, my theory is they factory fit the plastic thing in such a way, you cant buy it, use it once, and return it for credit.......you need to cut off the plastic bit.

[@furiousdriving]

that does make sense that way

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

I like how different we perceive cars. You say how it's the easiest car you worked on, and I was just looking at it like "my god, there is no space in there!" being used to 80s Peugeots which you can change the timing belt on blindfolded.

[@PenryMMJ]

Rots like an Alfasud? That would be my benchmark 😁

[@williamwales6619]

Lo again. RE paint jobs. Have you had a wee lottery win ye are no telling us about.? As i said before ive got one of these "the 56 plate version" and i am delighted to see how easy it is to work on. Happy days. Keep up the good work love the quick fixes.

[@bikerguychris33]

Great video pal 😊 The MK1 Punto would be a great car for those who have no mechanical knowledge that want to learn 👌 And are MK1 Punto's worse than Austin/MG Metro's and Classic Mini's for rotting?

[@patrick103b]

The two turn check is a bit obsolete with a non interference engine they will always turn as the pistons and valves never share the same space but well done remember doing one of these when I did the head gasket on my wife’s mk2 ponto

[@furiousdriving]

this is true but the marks on the thing wheels should come back to the same place after a full circuit - if not the belts routed wrong or supplied the wrong length

[@Ju1ian10001]

Actually nope the fiat fire isn't, the easiest ever timing belt to do is a ford CVH/PTE engine, the tension has 2 13mm bolts you slaken of and then slide it over. the fiat engine is named fire for a reason as well, Fully Intergrated Robotised Engine, although it had use before in the first model panda that had electronic ignition but a carburettor, the punto had single point (also called Throttle body) injection and electronic ignition. The fire engine was still in production and use in the Fiat 500 and second gen Ford KA but has veriable camshaft control, wasted spark ignition and multipoint/sequentail fuel injection. Plus the Fiat 500 and second generation punto could be had with a 16 valve version of the engine, the bottom end was the same but the head was completley different. Both the VCC and 16 valve version of the fire engine went from being non-interference engines to interference engines and the timing was/is critical. As a side note the 8 valve Fire engine fitted in second Gen punto's became as bad for Head Gasket Failure as the Rover K-series and was also well known for the oil feed pipe to the cam blocking and ruining Camshafts.

[@chriswhite3378]

Fiat uno's can rot badly as well especially the rear suspension turrets

[@jonk6834]

Easiest cambelt change ever! These 1100cc Punto engines are an absolute doddle to work on. Still have that very same Haynes manual somewhere, for a car that I last saw 17 years ago 😢

[@markpunt9638]

At what stage was the new coolant in? Perhaps not when we were told.😂😂

[@furiousdriving]

just before the old pump came out

[@mikes747]

The leaving the cambelt trick on that engine only works if it hasn't had a replacement headgasket. If it has then it becomes interference and mangles lots of things! Ask me how i know........

[@furiousdriving]

ooh, not good....

[@jonricketts6570]

AlfaSud Matt they dissolved in the rain

[@furiousdriving]

These share that DNA

[@habsom1406]

That's all well and good Matt, but what did you have for lunch? Seriously though, great work, there should be a law that says all manufacturers should produce non-interference engines, ha! Those Eyetalians sure are smart! 😂

[@focusrssteve]

Good evening, hopefully it goes well?

[@furiousdriving]

only one way to find out...

[@focusrssteve]

​@@furiousdrivingnice job there Matt, well done.

[@lukemallory7832]

That was a nice one!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

The water being pale isnt necisarily a sign of a weak mix. A garage I worked in used clear glycol so its a possibility even though that is the only place I ever saw that.

[@furiousdriving]

It had no smell either which I would have expected with any kind of coolant

[@nothingmuch.3014]

At work, we get a 200L barrel of clear, concentrate, universal coolant. We dilute it down & add red dye so it looks 'normal'

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@furiousdriving Yeah that could be a worry.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@nothingmuch.3014 Yeah then it's the same setup. We didnt colou it thoguh beause cars have different colours and some times the colour gets very icky when you mix different ones.

[@thisiszaphod]

The other cambelt replacement trick, without having to own the locking tools, nor concern over pulley markings, is to cut the old belt lengthwise, remove half of it, partially slide on the new belt, cut the old one off, before sliding the new one on, fully.

[@furiousdriving]

Ive come across this, great idea but its surprisingly hard to cut a belt!

[@thisiszaphod]

@@furiousdriving - angle grinder with 1mm disc. 😉

[@Ju1ian10001]

No locking tools required on a "normal" 8 valve FIRE engine, nor were any manufactured, being non-interferance if the timing went out, no damage occured and you could/can turn the crank/cam back into time. Although the locking tools for the VCC 8 valve units can be used and work.

[@davidgibson4840]

I like that idea

[@TrevorBuick]

What colour coolant in the end Matt?

[@furiousdriving]

pink, on good advice

[@lesklower7281]

I do like your clourful sockets very nice

[@smoothmicra]

If there was any sense or logic in the world this car would be worth...a million pounds. How has it survived 50K on British roads? 🤔 It's basically a duck that has somehow swam over a crocodile infested pool to reach the other side. 🦆

[@colinwould6007]

Cool shirt!

[@parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601]

Love the vids everytime I see a new one it gives me more confidence and inspiration to work on my old CL often I have your vids playing in the background as I work. 😊😊🤗🎉. Keep up the top work. Oh also are you at the NEC this year again. Time for me to get a new t Shirt. 😂😂

[@furiousdriving]

We're still in negotiations, its not a cheap event to be part of, but if not Ill bring one when I finally get up to do your cars!

[@janehackett4430]

Great video! Where do you get your parts from please? I have a 1999 16V sporting😊

[@furiousdriving]

From my local motor factors, Jayar Car Parts in the south east

[@janehackett4430]

@@furiousdriving thank you!

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

I cut my teeth on its predecessor the 138 1500 lump. Brilliant engine

[@michelswerissen6544]

Good work well done video approved.

[@SheldonElectricals]

Can you have a 'bunch' of brake and clutch cleaner?????!!!!!

[@furiousdriving]

theres an And in the middle so bunch is appropriate

[@jasoncornell1579]

Did u use the tea shelf?

[@furiousdriving]

many times

[@taficegaming]

Forgot you had this car lol

[@pauljohnson4871]

I've never had the nerve to do a timing belt

[@ianjenkins4641]

Have you put the timing belt on the wrong way round??? I’m sure I saw the arrows pointing back?

[@furiousdriving]

Im going to have to look now, I put it on and took it off again, not sure which bit made the video, although as timing belts arent directional it shouldn't matter, the arrows are just for helping with timing

[@ianjenkins4641]

@@furiousdriving I could be wrong buy it looked like the arrows were going backwards

[@ianjenkins4641]

And the arrows are for rotation of engine mate. 100%

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

The arrows were clockwise looking from the right, correct for rotation of engine. The later shot was from the left of the engine looking right.

[@Ju1ian10001]

@@furiousdriving No No the Arrows and direction does matter, It's all to do with teeth on the belt and pulleys and how the stresses go through them, it can cause the belt to snap premeturelly (not so bad on a non-interance engine, but again on an interance engine, well bent or broken valves could be the end reult) I did learn the many reasons why in college when i was an apprentice, but that was nearly 30 years ago so the memory is a bit vauge now. So in short Belts can be dirctional, it will say on the box and on the belt.

[@ronmccullock1407]

Why don't you use genuine FIAT parts?

[@richardjones2468]

Supermini Fiats from the very beginning have always been cheap to run, cheap on parts and very easy to work on. It helps that their designer engineers have to as part of their training actually work on the workshop floor. I`m an ex Italian vehicle workshop proprietor and car collector - Our daily driver has been a small Fiat since the 127 and great favourite was our Unos, perhaps the 1.3 70SL with sunroof but FIRE engined Uno FIRE 999cc with 5spd was maybe better overall. Those FIRE engines by the way stand BIG kms (over 250k) if serviced, Never had the mk1 Punto but had the mk2 90SX with CVT trans, and Grande Punto Dynamic with 1.2 90 hp diesel. All pretty good very practical, cheap cars to actually own.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Another good video ⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@jasoncornell1579]

How do u make anti freeze?😂

[@furiousdriving]

turn her heating off!

[@jasoncornell1579]

@@furiousdriving or hide her nightdress😁

[@richardcooke7621]

Your Punto is not the oldest in uk.....there's a white one for sale at Mathewson's right now 😂

[@furiousdriving]

that car was registered in June 954, a month after this one, which was registered in May and imported in March 1994

[@richardcooke7621]

@@furiousdriving yeah.....but it was manufactured in feb 94. And isn't an import.

[@billgriffiths1685]

Yipee I'm 3rd

[@sexytasmin]

Looks a very clean car Mathew.