When it comes to servicing and maintenance on your Alfa Romeo, one of the most important considerations is timing belt replacement (aka ‘cam belt’)
Failure to replace the timing belt within the required interval – either distance or time – could result in catastrophic engine damage, and potentially a one-way trip to the scrap heap for your car.
On this page you’ll find convenient, accurate information on timing belt replacement for your 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 with the 2.0 V6 TB engine.
Official, Initially-Stated Timing Belt Intervals
When your car first released, the following was the recommended timing belt replacement information:
| Timing Belt Replacement Interval (KM) | 116,000km |
| Timing Belt Replacement Interval (Miles) | 72,000mi |
| Timing Belt Replacement Time | 6 Years |
However, over time it came to the attention of Alfa Romeo that timing belts were failing prematurely on the 2002 2.0 V6 TB engine, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and costs for owners and Alfa Romeo alike.
Therefore, timing belt intervals were changed to the following. You should not use the original interval, and instead rely on the following. If you are looking at buying a 2002 166 with the 2.0 V6 TB engine and it has been maintained using the original interval recommendations (listed above) you may need to factor in organising a new timing belt/cambelt sooner than expected – work this in to your price neogtiations!
Recommended Timing Belt Intervals
The new timing belt interval for the 2002 166 with the 2.0 V6 TB engine is as follows:
| Timing Belt Replacement Interval (KM) | 58,000km |
| Timing Belt Replacement Interval (Miles) | 36,000mi |
| Timing Belt Replacement Time | 3 years |
Original Replacement interval was double at 116,000km (72,000mi) or every 6 years, but this was changed to 58,000 km (36,000mi) or 3 years – whichever comes first – due to a an excessive number of failures.
Timing Belt Replacement For 2002 166 With 2.0 V6 TB Engine – Notes
Here are some other considerations:
- While replacing the timing belt, it’s often recommended to also replace the water pump, tensioners, and idler pulleys as these parts often have a similar lifespan to the timing belt. If they fail, they can cause significant damage to your engine. Instead of purchasing these components separately, consider a timing belt kit. These kits often include the timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and sometimes the water pump.
- The water pump is often driven by the timing belt in many Alfa Romeo models. If the water pump seizes, it can break the timing belt, causing significant engine damage.
- Replacing the timing belt on a 2002 166 (2.0 V6 TB) is a complicated task that often requires special tools and expertise. Unless you’re an experienced DIY mechanic, it might be best to have this job done by a professional.
- Keep a record of when you replaced the timing belt, including the date and mileage. This information will be useful for planning future maintenance and for potential buyers if you decide to sell your car.
- The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times. If the timing belt fails, it can cause the engine to stop running or, in worse cases, cause severe engine damage due to piston to valve contact. Although Alfa Romeo timing belt replacement is typically costly compared to other makes and models, the cost of NOT replacing your timing belt on your 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 with the 2.0 V6 TB engine could be significantly higher if failure occurs.
If you have any questions, clarification requests or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.