Buying a 156, Oil on gearbox

[Nate Dog]

Hello,
Just joined the forum, looks like i'll be taking the plunge, potentially, and buying a 2002 JTS 156 manual.
So, inspected the car today, and going with current owner to a mechanic tomorrow for a more thorough look.
What i found was a little bit of oil on the bottom of the sump well, didn't really bother me as i'm sure that's a little weep from the sump plug.
What was of major concern to me was the oil on the gearbox. New oil which looked a real nice new colour as well as black older oil which looks like it's been there for some time.
Never owned as Alfa before, trying to keep an open mind. BUT, what am i likely to find?
Seal between gearbox and engine prone to fail? If so rough repair guestimate?
Other obvious/usual leak points?
Gearbox shifts fine, no clunking or baulking to get in gear, and other than the usual wear and tear for a 9 year old car seems to be in ok condition.
Airbag light on, but found several mentions that it's likely to be a sensor pulled loose.

I'm probably a little too keen on this particular car. Well maintained, a few little dings but nothing major. Timing belt service done for a second time at 120 (137k now) so no dramas there. Anything major coming up now that i should be weary of.

Trying not to be too much of a chicken shit and grow a set. Car's cheap enough but i need something that won't implode 3 months out!
Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks fellows.

[colcol]

If you are in Victoria, take this car for a pre purchase check at one of our supporters that know these cars inside out , depends on who is closest, Marranello Pursang Motors, Monza Motors or Maceuri Motors, look at our website for details, the engine oil drain plug has a dowty washer on it and after a while they harden up and leak, it should be replaced, make sure it has a service record and all the things that should be done have been, the oil used in JTS engines is 10-60 fully synthetic and it should be checked every week as the loose piston rings of these engines allow a bit more oil past and they will use a bit more oil than a twin spark, JTS stands for direct injection, and the cam belts should be done every 50,000-60,000ks or 3-4 years depending upon driving conditions, if you buy it enjoy it!, i have had one for 3 years now , Colin.

[Nate Dog]

HI Colin,
Thanks for the reply,
Nope, i'm in NSW, sydney not Victoria, but thanks,
as to the oil around the sump plug, as i said that doesn't really bother me.

It's the oil on the gearbox i'm worried about, a fair bit of it, pretty sure it ain't engine oil.
Was wondering if it's a common fault for the seal between the engine and gearbox to go. Couldn't locate the source of the leak but looks to be somewhere around there.

Please guys, help!

[colcol]

As far as i am aware of its not a coomon problem with 156's and 147's, take it to an Alfa Specialist in N.S.W., you Alfa Owners there would know where to take it, how about a few suggestions, Colin.

[wankski]

what seal b/w g/b and engine??

the only thing b/w then is a dry clutch and flywheel??

where is the oil? engine oil or trans fluid? sure it just wasn't spilled on it??...

anyway, WHEN u take it to an alfa specialist and point it out to them - should be able to tell you!

140k kms on a jts and 'cheap enuff'...

hmmm.. good luck!

[Nate Dog]

OK,
more info
2.0 JTS manual. 2002.
want's 6,000 for it
hence the cheap enough comment.

So, there is some oil on the sump, but thats nothing more than a leeking sump plug i think, spread out on the bottom of the pan but no where else really.

The oil i'm talking about covers the transmission casing. ie bottom of the gearbox. Its smells like gearbox oil and is very thin. There was fresh oil, as well as some black cacked on older oil. Quantity looked like too much to be over fill or spill.
Car has service record, second timing belt service done at 120,000 and has now got 137,000 with a sticker asking for next service at 140,000
I think it's been well looked after. Owner seemed pretty spot on, had replaced things that had gone, from dash lights to fuel pump.
It's the oil that scares me. I've booked it into a mechanic to inspect it monday morning. I hope he can tell me more about where the leak is coming from.

[bix]

Mechanic should be able to trace the source of the oil. Let us know what it is.
Is the seller providing a Road Worthy Certificate? Whatever is causing the airbag light to display will need to be fixed to comply; as well as the oil leak also obviously.

[wankski]

doesn't sound too good to be honest.... if it seems like its trans fluid and near the engine/trans join.... i fear it may well be the input/main shaft seal that's toast and gushing fluid. if u actually mean the bellhousing to g/b join then that may just be the rtv sealant has gone - but will probably still require the g/b out...

g/b out = u're doing clutch/slave as well while you're at it... $$$

see what an alfa mechanic says...

even if there was no leakage issue - that kinda car is not what i'd be picking up.. maybe just me...for a grand or 2 more you can get into the 6s of which mileage does not weary them (once a q2 is installed for extra insurance!)

or if you want a reliable bargain, a bit older TS is the go...

a high mileage early 156 JTS can leave you in a world of hurt $$$. just sayin'.