Happy days, not...

[giovannidc]

Hello chaps,
i wanted to fix a couple of little things today like those bulbs that needed to be changed. I changed one that i had spare and then headed off to Repco to buy what i needed. I noticed that i was slightly low on coolant and there was some splurting around the hose but thought it was normal.
So i leave Repco and as i start the car, it is struggling to turn on, idle is low and makes a weird noise. Also, white smoke comes out of the exhaust.
Ideas? I made it home and i am going to leave the car here and take the bike until Monday. F my life...
Also, i was low on engine oil so i bought one bottle off Repco and topped up about 2 good liters.
I guess i need a mechanic that knows what to do too. I live in Tullamarine, by the way. Sorry if this post is messy, i am mad as a dog.
Also, engine oil cap is "white" inside.
So.... loads of money right?

[carlo rossi]

blown head gasket

[giovannidc]

Now i need a mechanic and a rough quote.

[Alfapride]

Try Bmc automotive off Rex rd campbellfield close to your area and a good mechanic that works on a lot of italian cars

[giovannidc]

Thanks, i probably need it to be towed, i don't want to risk any damage to it...

[Paul Gulliver]

Try Vince @ Northern Alfa in Thomastown

[giovannidc]

Thanks, will call him on Monday i suppose.

[colcol]

Blown head gasket and the engine has run low on oil, if the oil level goes below MIN, then it can cause damage to the bearings, between MIN and MAX is about 1 litre, but you said it took 2 litres.
See if you can get a good second hand engine as this one sounds like it has a lot of damage, most likely not worth fixing, talk to your mechanic, he will know the best way to deal with it.
What sort of car is it? i don't think you mentioned it.
Also try club sponsors Maranello Pursang Motors in Brunswick and Ill Bolide Rossi in Thornbury as they are in the Northern suburbs, Colin.

[giovannidc]

Hi Colin, the car is a 147 2.0 Ti. I love it and i really don't want to look for another car.
I don't have a mechanic as of yet, i bought the car last year and it was in pretty good condition.
Hence why i am asking for suggestions as to which mechanic would be the most appropriate also because of my area.

[carlo rossi]

cheaper to drop a second hand low km motor in
look around there around
early 2.0ltr 147 dropped gudgeon pins around 120k kms
having a bet thats it
dont fix
replace

[giovannidc]

Yeah, i guess. I hope that i can find a decent one.

[colcol]

Take your car to an Alfa Romeo Independant Specialist, as they will have done it before and they will know where to source a motor from.
Would get the timing belts, pulleys and water pump done to a second hand motor, while it is out, so its good for another 3 years, Colin.

[giovannidc]

Any idea of the costs?

[giovannidc]

Milano Spares quoted me around 1500 for the job, the cheapest and quickest i've found.
Opinions?

[carlo rossi]

how many kms on it
you could be back to page 1 in no time flat
ask them do they have a lower km one
if there is thats the one
never take the first motor offered
unless its the only one