Cambelt replacement on 2004 156 TI manual

[alfa 156 TI]

This is my first post, so hello to everyone!

I have just bought my first Alfa Romeo. I bought the 2004 156 TI manual which has 39000KM on it. Nice looking vechile in a silver.
I'm not sure why the seats in the TI extend out to the front as I don't see any major benefit. However love the nature of the vechile.
Traded in a Mazda sp23 after driving Wednesday from Canberra to Melbourne and back the next day.

I knew there maybe some issues with the vechile, based on the bad publicity the Alfa Romeo brand gets, but after reading posts on this forum I came to a decision that my need was to great for any minor issues the car may have.

Saying that however I could do with some good advice!

I have done 39000 KM, do I need a Cam Belt change at my 40000km service?

Secondly, the bonnet is temporamental when closing (eg have to close it from a specific height), is this normal?

Thirdly, on the roof I have noticed two small rustic spots in seperate locations. Does anyone else have this issue? They are very minor so far.

BGC

[Evan Bottcher]

Hi there - welcome to the forum!  Congratulations on your first Alfa Romeo - I highly recommend your next step be to join your local Alfa club and get to know some fellow Alfisti!

Regarding the cambelt (and tensioners and probably balance shaft belt) - I highly recommend you get it done at your next service.  Even if you haven't exceeded the suggested mileage they are meant to be done every three years minimum.  The consequence of a broken belt is quite expensive so changing belts is good insurance.

When you say 'rustic' spots on your roof, do you mean actual rust?  or faded paint?  My 156 has spent most of it's life outside and I don't have any issues with the body apart from a couple of dings and scratches.

Bonnet - I have to drop the bonnet from a reasonable height to close it.  This might be normal.

welcome!
Evan.

[alfa 156 TI]

Cheers evan,

have already talked to local member and will join soon. I have already learn't alot on this forum before I bought the car and buying the Alfa was a very personal thing for me, its not just a car but a way of life. Meeting other enthusiasts who have the same passion for the Alfa would be very rewarding and to tap into that knowledge priceless.

In relation to the rust, its about the size of a one cent coin, however it seems to be bubbling under the paint.

Regarding the cambelt (and tensioners and probably balance shaft belt) - I highly recommend you get it done at your next service.  Even if you haven't exceeded the suggested mileage they are meant to be done every three years minimum.  The consequence of a broken belt is quite expensive so changing belts is good insurance.

Will have it done straight away.

Cheers for the advice and the welcome Evan

[alfa 156 TI]

Evan

When you say 'rustic' spots on your roof, do you mean actual rust?  or faded paint?  My 156 has spent most of it's life outside and I don't have any issues with the body apart from a couple of dings and scratches.

Having taken what you said about the rust into account, maybe it is fading, however the slight bubbling effect concerns me. I'll have the guys doing the service to take a look at it.

Brad

[Davidm1600]

Hi Brad

Good on you for taking the plunge into Alfa ownership, as I sure most Alfisti will agree it is addicative and yes a way of life.  Not sure I could ever feel that with a Mazda or let alone even a BMW !!  (the missus has a '98 318Is Beemer).  I too have a 156 JTS.  For a modern Alfa, they are so relaxing to drive, a really nice to be in when on the road and yet have that something factor which so many other cars just dont have.  I have a couple of 105 ('late 60s Alfas) and they too have all of this.

Re the both the timing belt changing, I can't agree more.  The cost of not doing it is just not worth thinking about.  Re the rust spots you mention, yes if it is rust most definitely get it checked out and get it repaired as soon as possible.  The last thing you would want is rust to damage your investment.

Cheers
Dave

[John Hanslow]

A lot of 156's are on the used car market and being onsold as you probably have seen.

Some came of lease several years ago so they cound be on their third owner.  Some for sale on the net are one owner and still serviced by the purchasers' dealer.

However as a car gets older, some are not serviced by a professional who understands the car. Some of these are also run a bit hard.

As for recent & current models, many members have commented that a 156 is relatively cheaper to maintain than  similar European cars.

Get your car fully checked out by an alfa specialist.  Good advice and comments will be also forthcomming from club members. 


Cheers.

[alfa 156 TI]

Cheers John

John says:

As for recent & current models, many members have commented that a 156 is relatively cheaper to maintain than  similar European cars.

My first service back in late May was $1260, the wife wasn't impressed, however this incorporated a cam belt, so maybe not too bad for 40000KM. Didn't suprise me as I had done my research, mainly through this site. I should have had the temperature guage replaced, however I thought I should put this off as I was already in trouble for buying the car.

Brad

[alfa 156 TI]

Hi Brad

Good on you for taking the plunge into Alfa ownership, as I sure most Alfisti will agree it is addicative and yes a way of life.  Not sure I could ever feel that with a Mazda or let alone even a BMW !!  (the missus has a '98 318Is Beemer).  I too have a 156 JTS.  For a modern Alfa, they are so relaxing to drive, a really nice to be in when on the road and yet have that something factor which so many other cars just dont have.  I have a couple of 105 ('late 60s Alfas) and they too have all of this.

Re the both the timing belt changing, I can't agree more.  The cost of not doing it is just not worth thinking about.  Re the rust spots you mention, yes if it is rust most definitely get it checked out and get it repaired as soon as possible.  The last thing you would want is rust to damage your investment.

Cheers
Dave

Dave, thanks for your reply.

I've wanted this car for years now and finally have it. Modern cars today just don't have much appeal. When I'm leaving work and walking into the car park, I see my car, tell my self how lucky I am and just can't wait to get it out on the open road. Luckily I live in Canberra so we have a lot of open roads.
The timing belt is done, however the rust spot will have to be looked at.

Cheers Brad

[hammer]

Hey Brad,

I've also recently purchased a gorgeous little 156 Ti and just had the belts done at 45,000km. Strangely enough my car also has a couple of odd bubbly spots on the roof, which, living in Qld I attributed to bat crap being left on the paint for too long without being washed. The bats up here are massive and that fruity gear they drop as they fly over my neighbourhood is acidic. Anyway, I'm about to have it attended too (the paint that is, not the bats) but thought it a strange coincidence that another 156 ti owner had a similar situation.

I can also empathise with you on the $1200 service bill. My wife flashed me the raised eyebrow when I told her the cost...it's bad enough the bloody car doesn't have cup holders!

Cheers,

Brent

[alfa 156 TI]

Hey Brad,

I've also recently purchased a gorgeous little 156 Ti and just had the belts done at 45,000km. Strangely enough my car also has a couple of odd bubbly spots on the roof, which, living in Qld I attributed to bat crap being left on the paint for too long without being washed. The bats up here are massive and that fruity gear they drop as they fly over my neighbourhood is acidic. Anyway, I'm about to have it attended too (the paint that is, not the bats) but thought it a strange coincidence that another 156 ti owner had a similar situation.

I can also empathise with you on the $1200 service bill. My wife flashed me the raised eyebrow when I told her the cost...it's bad enough the bloody car doesn't have cup holders!

Cheers,

Brent

Brent,
that is funny! Wife's love cup holders and I new it would be an issue when I bought the car. These days cup holders are standard I suppose, so we do tend to expect them in our vechiles.
In relation to your bubbly rust spots, can you keep me up to date on the cost and the work undertaken. Any info will be valuable. My spot is on the roof up front near the windscreen but is located centrally which made it hard to see initially when I bought the car. I thought it may be some sort of acidic fruit that had dropped on the car from a tree. However bat poo could be a factor.
I bought the car in Melbourne, however it has spent most of its serviced life supposedly in Perth.
I can handle the service costs for now but rust is a different issue!
My wife doesn't know about the rust or the temperature gauge as yet, I thought I should tell her a little bit at a time?
Anyway hope the rust is sorted for you and you just enjoy the ride, the cars are awesome otherwise. The drive the gearshift, the looks of the vechile are awesome.

Driving up to Sydney this afternoon to see the in-laws, at least my wife's father will love the car.

Where in Queensland do you live Brent? As my mother and sister live up there and I spent many years there. Currently I'm in Canberra.

Brad

[Victor Lee]

Hi Brad,

FYI:   AROCA NSW has a Canberra Chapter.  From their website (http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au), the Canberra Convenor is:
Jon Pike
(h) (02) 6288 2778
(m) 0414 272 778
Email: canberra (at sign) alfaclubnsw.org.au

Re your rust issue:  Check the factory rust warranty for the 156.  Is it 5 years or 6 years (I can't remember) and whether this warranty is transferrable to new owners? 

Cheers

[Davidm1600]

Hi Brad yes I know what you mean when you walk over and spot your car.  The 156 does that too you, I get a grin out of it knowing that I too have something that just looks damn good for a new car.  There are not too many you can say that about.  Even my brother who is a die in the wool old car person reckons the 156 is spot on.   I do like the looks too of the 159 and the Brera, but apart from a few very expensive exotic cars (eg Aston DB9 etc) there is not much to get excited about, design wise.  And then you get in, start her up and take off, the grin just gets bigger !! Just got back from a decent drive in the country, so enjoyable. 

I too know what you mean about cup holders but hey that is what the cafe is for.  Why would you want to drink coffee on the go when you are in an Alfa.  Good to know the cost of service and changing the cam belt.  Something to look forward to,.......but might not say too much about it to the missus. Good advice from Victor re both the club and also checking re any warrenty cover.

Cheers Dave

[John Hanslow]

Interesting comments.

Two 'Alfa syle decisions' I was told by a very knowledgable motoring enthusist were:

1. You drive yoyur car to the cafe so why would you want a cup holder !

2. The 159 will never have a GTA model because they won't.

Regards.

[hammer]

Brad,

I am in Bulimba in Brisbane. Very hip neighbourhood, befitting an Alfa, where cafe culture is an integral part of one's life and the only thing more important than a well-lit make-up mirror is cup holders. However, I grew up in the housing commission badlands of Woodridge and Kingston - where we drove rusty old, mostly stolen, holdens. I'd definitely be in danger if I drove through the old neighbourhood in one of my Alfas. Aah, I'm a traitor to my roots. The shame of it.

Brent

[alfa 156 TI]

Hi Brad,

FYI:   AROCA NSW has a Canberra Chapter.  From their website (http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au), the Canberra Convenor is:
Jon Pike
(h) (02) 6288 2778
(m) 0414 272 778
Email: canberra (at sign) alfaclubnsw.org.au

Re your rust issue:  Check the factory rust warranty for the 156.  Is it 5 years or 6 years (I can't remember) and whether this warranty is transferrable to new owners? 

Cheers

Victor,
have already contacted Jon and look forward to meeting other club members.