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Another Alpha 147 question

  • 06-05-2011 01:52PM
    #1
    Delancey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 ✭✭✭


    Saw the other thread on 147 but decided it would be bad manners to ' hijack ' it.

    I have an Alfa 147 , 2003 , 1.6 petrol and running very well bar one small thing which may be nothing or may be a sign of a potential problem - on startup the engine sounds like a diesel , only the other day a friend asked me if was a diesel when he heard it start !
    After 5-10 seconds it sounds fine and stays that way , exhaust is not excessive by any means , not burning oil , etc.

    Timing belt done recently and oil checked regularly as my Alfa like all of them is heavy on oil.

    Is this something to be concerned about ?


Comments

  • #2
    ottostreet
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,986 ✭✭✭ottostreet


    What's an Alpha?


    Come on man, you own the thing!


    Sorry for going OT.


  • #3
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,991 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    That sounds like the classic variator problem that occurs with Alfas. If I remember correctly its not a big problem and its doesnt cause any long time problem.

    It sure does sound like the variator but its pretty sh1tty not to have had that done with the timing belt that he says has been replaced recently.


  • #4
    CarMuppet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 521 ✭✭✭CarMuppet


    Yeah there is a nylon washer on the variator assy connecting to the cam shaft that wears and 'causes' this diesel sound. There is no long term damage to the car. Your variable timing may not be 100% :) but nothing to worry about.

    You can get it replaced when you're getting your timing belt changed... the part is around euro110 from memory.

    How much oil is your car burning? Some cars burn while others don't... would it be greater than 250ml or 500ml a week?


  • #5
    Delancey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 ✭✭✭Delancey


    ottostreet wrote: »
    What's an Alpha?


    Come on man, you own the thing!


    Sorry for going OT.

    Jeez I never thought I would make that mistake :o


  • #6
    Delancey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 ✭✭✭Delancey


    CarMuppet wrote: »
    How much oil is your car burning? Some cars burn while others don't... would it be greater than 250ml or 500ml a week?

    Dunno the exact amount to tell the truth but would not be anything like that quantity.
    Last car was a punto which used sweet F... all oil , from what I've heard ( and read on this forum ) it just seems that Alfa's are heavier than most on oil.

    I suppose it needs a top up every 6 - 8 weeks which is more than I would be used to.


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  • #7
    CarMuppet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 521 ✭✭✭CarMuppet


    Delancey wrote: »
    Dunno the exact amount to tell the truth but would not be anything like that quantity.
    Last car was a punto which used sweet F... all oil , from what I've heard ( and read on this forum ) it just seems that Alfa's are heavier than most on oil.

    I suppose it needs a top up every 6 - 8 weeks which is more than I would be used to.


    That's nothing to worry about. imo if you’re topping up by <250ml every 4 to 8 weeks you have no worries.. assuming you have no leaks/gasket issues.

    I'd say kick back and enjoy your Alfa..:cool:


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