New cambelt & water pump
After a fight to the death over the last two episodes with the inlet manifold to rid ourselves of the dreaded swirl flaps, we hoped the cambelt replacement would be a bit easier – and to some extent it was, although I tackled this job hot on the heels of the manifold saga. With the airbox out and cambelt cover off, it made sense to plough-on and get it done.
In most respects the Saab, Fiat and GM 1.9 and 2.0 diesel belt is a fairly simple one. Cambelt cover off, offside engine mounting out, auxiliary belt off and finally the lower alloy cover to expose everything. Even then they make it tricky – the lower belt cover will not come off unless the auxiliary belt tensioner is fully retracted and locked in place with a suitable pin. I used a small Allen key. I used a big pair of gas pliers to twist the tensioner clockwise and you don’t want your fingers anywhere near this thing!
Do NOT try to do this job without a locking toolkit. They are less than £30 and essential. Also, whilst you must fit the belt with the direction
