156 V6 not-so-good vibrations

[L4OMEO]

Hi everyone

New to the group (see Introductions), and have a question relating to the 156 2.5 V6 24v I recently bought.

The engine has a couple of harsh spots lower down in the rev range where there's a noticeable vibration or 'tremor'. It occurs at a couple of points between just under 2000rpm and 2500rpm, and happens whether it's under load or not (ie you can replicate the symptom at rest in neutral, although it's probably more obvious when driving). It is something you feel more than hear, but it's an irritation every time you pass through this window of the rev range.

Not being that familiar with this engine I'm not sure if this is a characteristic, a known or common problem, or just a fault with my car.

The engine otherwise goes great – revs sweetly to redline, all kilowatts seeming present and accounted for. Runs hotter than I'm used to (90 – 105 degrees on the gauge), but I had the cooling system checked by Alfa Brisbane when I had the cambelts done and they give it a clean bill of health.

Any feedback on this vibration?

Many thanks
Rory

[L4OMEO]

Hi all

Update on this if anyone's reading – I called in to Alfa Brisbane yesterday and asked their opinion, their feeling was it was most likely to be an exhaust bracket coming into contact with the bodywork or another component at certain revs and creating the resonance I'm hearing. Sounds feasible, and made me remember that the dealer I bought the car off had to replace an exhaust bracket to pass the Safety Cert inspection so they may have created the problem then. It's back to the dealer tomorrow for a couple of other minor (hopefully) warranty issues so they will look at it while it's there.

Cheers
Rory

[L4OMEO]

Hi

Update - problem fixed, as suspected an exhaust bracket was resonating on the bodywork causing the vibration. Small irritation, big difference to the enjoyment of the car now it's gone.

Course, with that noise (and an airconditioning whine) removed, now I can hear I slight whine from the gearbox or diff which was previously masked. Sigh.

Rory

[dehne]

the joys of owning an alfa

[L4OMEO]

Yeah, I hear you. Still, the Alfas I've had have been no worse (on balance, probably better) in the reliability stakes than the BMWs, Saabs and Audis I've had. The only Euros I've owned which were bullet-proof in the time I had them were a couple of Mercedes from the late 80s/early 90s. Engineering-wise they were in a whole other class.

[K3nshin]

Oo thankyou for this info! My 01 Selespeed has the same vibration at roughly the same revs. I must check it out!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update!

Brought my car into the mechanics, turns out it was my catalytic converter was gone from general wear & tear. With that broken all the unfiltered pollution damaged my reconditioner.

Job fixed. $650 later, I didn't realise something very small affected the soomthness and enjoyment of the ride. It may have restored some kilowatts lost when it was damaged.

Cheers Chris

[len105]

Hi L4OMEO

I too have a black 2.5L 2002 6 speed which I snaffled for a very good price earlier this year.

I find there's a small vibration when the engine's cold - when you first start up - it's only there for a little while - then it goes away.

Have you found this ? Are you still loving it after 5 months ? Any more 'good vibrations' ?
Cheers
Len

[Fast Eddie]

i am potentially looking at purchasing a 2005 156 2.5V6 so yes curious as to whether you like it, love it, tolerate it, etc

[L4OMEO]

Hi Len

Nice to meet another from the same batch! Can't say I got mine for a bargain price (mid-teens, with 85k on the clock), but when you factor in a cambelt change and a new waterpump a few weeks later at the dealer's expense then I think I came out ok.

The original vibration was fixed but a smaller one introduced in the process - suspect the exhaust bracket is still touching the body somewhere, but it's less noticeable and lower in the rev range (2200rpm) so I'm happy enough. No sign of a vibration when cold - if I've parked on a hill then sometimes the valvegear chatters a bit until the oil has circulated, but that's the only cold-start issue.

Edward - yeah, I'm loving this car, as is my BMW-phile wife. Personally we both much prefer it to the manual and Selespeed 156s we've previously owned. Perhaps it is more nose-heavy in the handling, but that's something you encounter ocassionally - the V6 motor, that's something you enjoy every single trip. I've driven 156 GTAs, found it to be a very different car to the 4-cylinder 156s, but the 156 2.5V6 definitely shares some genes.

The car you're looking at is a 2005 - does that mean it's the Q-System auto? That does change the character somewhat (based on my experience with a pre-facelift 156 2.5 V6 Q-System). The auto does stifle the engine a bit, means you need to go looking for the performance whereas the manual always seems more eager (which isn't always a good thing - it's very hard not to respond accordingly. I suspect the Q-System would be better for the longevity of my licence).

Best of luck with your search.

Cheers
Rory

[Fast Eddie]

Correct Rory, Q-system which i have not driven before.  I have had a 2000 156 selespeed and my beloved 2003 156 GTA.

I was spoilt with the GTA so trying to do a trade off by considering the 2005 156 V6 but then losing a bit of ground due to the Q-System auto but still i believe better than a 2006 159 2.0 or a 2006 159 2.4 TD (which i have now tested) and keep that all within a budget.

The used Alfa market is actually a little light on at the moment in Perth.

[L4OMEO]

Not keen on the 159 then? Have to say, after the V6 I'd find it hard to go back to a 4, partly based on performance but mostly I'd miss the sheer charisma. The TD ... hmmm. never been keen, but so many Alfisti seem to have been 'turned' that I'd have to give the benefit of the doubt. Need to try before deciding. I can appreciate the TD's many qualities, but the one thing they can't do is raise the hairs on the back of the neck on the way to the redline. From my first 'Sud, nearly every car I've owned has done that to some degree - it's an integral part of the driving experience for me.

On another note, your GTV pic reminded me of a friend's similar model back in NZ - he had one of few genuine Bell & Covill (Colville?) Turbos, which had somewhere in the vicinity of 230bhp. At a trackday where I only lost marginal ground to a Ferrari 348 down the back straight (I had a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16), the B&C just walked away from me. Remarkable car.

Cheers
Rory

[len105]

Thanks heaps for your comments Rory - and Edward for keeping the conversation going....

I ,too, was fortunate enough to find a 63K mid teens 2.5L 6 speed looking for a good home - for my second post 1986 Alfa, I would have to say that it a fine example of a modern, manual, stylish family car - with an exhaust note you can hear ( although it is not loud ) - with a competent engine and good road feel - plus ( I think ) great handling for a front steerer - that many non-car loving friends of mine cannot believe that its 7 years old ........such is the allure of the leather & the red dashboard lights !!

However, do not compare with the 156 GTA.........cos........in my opinion.........that is an even better proposition........

cheers
Len

[L4OMEO]

Good buy indeed Len, nice work.

Yeah, most people are amazed at the age of mine - some (non-car people) at work were surprised when I told them it wasn't new. We got into ours after an 18-month experiment with a Landie Freelander, the only car in my 38-car history bought for purely functional reasons. Let's call that a failed experiment that won't be repeated. While the 156 is pretty impractical in comparison for us and two kids under 4 (they need a lot of stuff), we'll gladly sacrifice that for the fact that every time we get in the Alfa it makes us feel good.

The GTA is another step up again; it's a more focused sports sedan. I'd love one, but until finances/priorities change my 2.5 will do. You can tell that the same blood runs through the engine!

Cheers Len
Rory