new to alfa romeo

[thebear1971]

Howdy everyone , after owning fiats and lancia's all my life i have decided to give alfa romeo a go so iI have just brought a 2004 156 twin spark selespeed . I drove it to work and back 2000km round trip and boy I loved every minute of it what a car !! , my question is that it has a real petrol fume smell and has developed a missfire does any one know of a good mechanic around noosa or on the sunshine coast that I can take her to for my regular work ,
                                Kind regards  Ted  .( the bear )

[Davidm1600]

Hey Bear, that sure is a bit of a long commute or alternatively you were taking the scenic route  !  Well done and hope you get some answers re Alfa service mechanics in your area from the forum.  You could also check out the Queensland Alfa website as I am sure they will have some advice there re decent repairers.

In terms of the misfire, I take it you havn't had an error messages show up on the dash, because if you have it could be the good ol Lambda sensor(s) failing.  There are four of them and they usually progressively start to fail from say around the 100,000km mark.  Normally a message will show up on the dash saying engine management system failure- take to dealer.  etc Misfiring, erratic performance is typical if a lambda sensor fails.

However, if it is not this, then I guess perhaps it is either electrical, timing or alternatively perhaps even fuel blockage or ...?

What ever the cause best get it seen to.  Oh and don't forget the belts, these need changing around the 50,000 km or every 3 years, and also keep an eye out on the water pump, as these also can/will fail.  So hopefully you have some/all service history with your 156. 

In terms of parts, while you can let your mechanic get them for you, the alternative is to jump on line and order through places such as EB Spares in the UK.  They are really good to deal with and fast delivery to Aus. Price wise you should be able to save some dosh as well. That is my experience anyway.

Undoubtedly Col will chip in here with some further guidance.

[hammer]

Ted,

It's worth the drive to Brisbane to sort out Alfa issues. i also live on the Sunshine Coast and I drive my Alfas down to Automotion at Enoggera (a club sponsor). There are several other Alfa specialist workshops in the Brisbane area who advertise on our AROCA Qld website so check the site and give one a call.

Cheers,

Brent Hampstead (AROCA QLD President)

[colcol]

Ok, either you have a 2004 156 JTS OR 2002 earlier twin spark, if you have a JTS, they have FOUR Lambda sensors and twin spark will have 2 or 3 depending upon year, they stuff up by wearing out and start to give trouble at 100,000klms, by causing the motor to misfire.
The JTS has 4 spark plugs with a coil pack on each spark plug, these wear out as well, but they either work or don't, if one packs up you will, really notice it.
The thermostats on these wear out quickly, in 5 years, i have had THREE!, if your temp doesn't get halfway, then a replacement is due.
Oil to use for twin sparks is 10 - 40, if your twin spark has a drinking problem, try some 10-50, the JTS uses 10 - 60, both fully synthetic racing oil, from your favourite brand of lubricant supplier.
The petrol smell could be a leaking petrol hose or union or even a bad seal on an injector.
Water pumps should be changed every second cam belt change, 100,000klms or 6 years, as it is an idler for the cam belt.
Also for spare parts, give Italian Automotive Spares a try in Melbourne, i have dealt with them, and they know their stuff, Colin.