2009 Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS - Head Gasket

[Elijah]

Hi all,

I have got a 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS. About three weeks ago, the head gasket blew. We are really peed off as the car has only done 71k and was serviced regularly by an alpha specialist. The quote for fixing it exceeds the market value. The quoting garage is only willing to use new part though. I am wondering what your suggestions are? I was thinking about finding a second-hand motor and someone willing to put it in for example?

Really grateful for any hints you can give me.


Kind regards
Elijah

[Citroënbender]

If it's only head gasket failure, then either overhauling the head (if it passes a hardness test) or replacement with a used head, would be economical options.

[gtv19]

From my experience with JTS engines and head gasket it can be a matter what else is found when the head comes off. I would only use new preferably genuine parts. Maybe you need to get another ALFA specialist to quote, but be prepared for the unknowns when the head comes off.
Is there any guarantee that a second hand engine is any better?
Does the cars overall condition make it worth worth saving anyway?
I hope you can get a satisfactory resolution, these matters can be frustrating and you need a service person you trust!
Check the AROCA SA website for advertisers who have reputable service.

Cheers

[Elijah]

If it's only head gasket failure, then either overhauling the head (if it passes a hardness test) or replacement with a used head, would be economical options.

Thank you so much for your answer. There is a bit of hope I guess...

[Elijah]

From my experience with JTS engines and head gasket it can be a matter what else is found when the head comes off. I would only use new preferably genuine parts. Maybe you need to get another ALFA specialist to quote, but be prepared for the unknowns when the head comes off.
Is there any guarantee that a second hand engine is any better?
Does the cars overall condition make it worth worth saving anyway?
I hope you can get a satisfactory resolution, these matters can be frustrating and you need a service person you trust!
Check the AROCA SA website for advertisers who have reputable service.

Cheers

Hi, thank you so much for answering me. It is quite likely that saving the car is not worth it/too risky trying to do so. It takes a moment to be ready and take a car like that with 70k to the scrap yard...

In case it is not worth it or too risky, do you have a suggestion if I am better off taking it to the scrap yard or selling it online for parts?


Thank you
Elijah

[Citroënbender]

Bottom dollar for a low mileage 159 2.2 JTS sedan (I presume it's a sedan) with engine failure is probably $400 complete; unless it's a clean TI spec as well, it might be hard to sell much of value from it before scrapping.

I'd start sniffing around for a garage with more pragmatism. No suggestions as I'm nowhere close.

For a used head if the old one has gone soft, you'll find a reputed wrecker in either Adelaide or (more likely) Melbourne.

To source other rebuild items there are a number of choices, within Australia people like Arese, Preston Paige, EAI all come to mind.  Overseas there's some good vendors including Shop4Parts.

[Citroënbender]

Gasket sets, one example I'd trust:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/283038527329

The 1.9 and 2.2 JTS motors share head gasket kits. Factory "VRS" kit number is 71741258, the head gasket alone is 55192574.