2006 GT Head gasket and thermostat issues

[Coose]

Hey guys,

The old man has a 2006 GT 3.2l, it's been out of service and sitting in the factory gathering dust for the past year & I've been handed the keys with the hope of fixing it or it's going to the wreckers.

It's had the plastic impeller replaced for a metal impeller which is a known point of failure in the busso. The motors done a head gasket and it's seems like a thermostat failure is to blame.

Does anyone here have any words of advice before replacing the head gaskets? I've been quoted stupid money for the heads to be done (around the 6 grand mark)

I feel like this would make a great weekend car and one that would be fun on the track after a bit of work! It's only done 95,000 so hopefully plenty of life left in the old girl.

I'm not familiar with alfa's as i have spent most my time with Wrx's and imports, any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

[Pseudonym]

Just bear in mind there's a specialised tool kit for doing the timing belt on these things, and being an interference engine you want to get it right the first time. Also pretty sure I've heard before that the head must be faced, even if it's straightish - unlike Nissan where some cardboard and clag glue and she's all good 😅

[bonno]

Hi Coose
Apart from repairing the vehicle by a local club sponsor and further to Pseudonym comment,  I would have the heads sent to a cylinder head specialist for examination/testing and machined as necessary. Replace timing belt, water pump, offending thermostat and fit new VRS head gasket kit iaw manufacturers requirements. Please note that there are How to guides and videos on the net to guide you along the way.

[poohbah]

Coose, you should have a look at this UK fella's Youtube channel (Italia Autos).

There's a couple of videos about restoring/refurbing a 916 series Busso V6 (3.0L - essentially the same engine) as well as changing belts properly.

This is probably worth a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usKmZry1LbA