any ideas???

[diavlo]

I bought a 166 3.0l alfa 63,000Km. Knew the old owner ran like a dream. Bought the car for what i thought was a routine service. (65,000Km.) i ended up changing all the pullies, timing belt, tensioners, rocket cover gaskets, water pump you name it! I left the place drove 10km home fine. Next day went to go to get new tyres fitted. Accelerated slightly heavy, the engine cut like a rev limiter the heat light came on and temperature sorted. Then returned straight to normal.

Pulled over, check coolant, seems might have been an air lock. Level was below min. Refiled the water took off drove about 3km tried to rev it again same thing. any suggestions?? mechanic wants to see it in the morning, thinks it could be a manifold sensor or thermos . anyone ever had same problem.   

[John Hanslow]

We have had a fair bit of comment re 156 era cars and more particularly 166 (936 Series) cars.  The belts need changing at the most 60,000 kms, preferably 50,000.    Although the costs can come as a bit of a shock, the car was due for a service and belt change anyway. 

An mechanical inspection and quote with reference to the service manual should have picked this up prepurchase.  Did your mechanic or the seller alert you to overdue service & belt change ?

I assume you have referred to our sponsors page and got an alfa specialist who konws the car to do the work and the temp issue is an easy fix.  If not, give them a call as it's cheaper in $ and better for a specialist to help you here.

Cheers.

[diavlo]

i think your exactly right. Its not a standard engine or car in that respect. I have 4 cars, Hilux, MR2 GT, Crewman. They are all your standard setups. But the alfa really should be looked at by a specialist. They ended up discovering that the problems was actually an earthing problem, with the wiring from when they took off the rocket covers.

Plus the repairs cost just under $3k for belts, tensioners, pullies, gaskets, water pump and service. Not even the bloody Pollen fillets are cheap!   

[John Hanslow]

Good to hear.

You will find dealers like Lance Dixon, Robert Lane or similar who sold the cars can work on them or our club sponsors Hugh Harrison  at Monza motors etc.  Give them a call and compare prices and service.

With the 166, you get a lot of metal for your money.  Check out youtube top gear 166 review - 'a refined car for the discerning motorist'

Join the club if you have not already done so and come along to the club meet or drive.

Cheers.