156 not getting up to temp?

[bloomers1176]

Hello guys,

Have looked at previous posts and I appreciate that the topic is covered somewhat heavily...........however for my own peace of mind and sanity, my 2003 JTS manual barely gets above 50 degrees, is this likely a stuck open thermostat?

If so do I have to but the housing also as mentioned elsewhere (but not with 100% certainty) and what one to buy and where?

Oh and I suspect I shall fit myself.  Any inherent difficulties?

That's a lot to ask in one post but id really appreciate the help.

Thanks


Bloomers

[colcol]

If your thermostat is more than 10 minutes old, then its most likely faulty, yours is a 2003 JTS, so its most likely on its 4th thermostat, like mine is.
Get a new one at Italian Automotive Spares in Brunswick, [03] 9036 1606, Monza Motors in Bayswater, Maceuri Motors in Clayton, Alfaman in Footscray, Marranello Pursang Motors in Brunswick, Ill Bollide Motors in Thornbury, Alfa Donnini Repairs in East Malvern or look in the Alfa Club Magazine.
They are not hard to change, just a lot of pipes to remove, [ if this thing had one more pipe going to it, you could make it breed!].*
The thermostat comes in a housing, complete with pipes, as the pipes are prone to leaking as well, a cheap thermostat won't have a a temperature sensor, thats why its a bit cheaper.
You could most likely look on youtube on fitting one.
* As what 'Jellignite Jack' said after looking at Triumph Fuel Injection, Colin.

[bloomers1176]

Thanks Colin. are they really that bad? I have a feeling that its stuck open as it takes for ever to read any temp at all.

Going to have a go this weekend if I can source a Thermostat.

Never done it before but "He who dares" and all that

Thanks

bloomers

[colcol]

The JTS thermostat is different to a twin spark, so don't get a 156 2 litre thermostat, get a JTS, i wouldn't think you would have much trouble getting one as they are changed as often as say a air filter, so it should be a stocked item, an Alfa Workshop i would say stock them.
The JTS thermostat reminds me of a MG driving mate from a long time ago, faulty Lucas fuel pump, British Leyland wanted $40 for one, but spare parts storeman said he could do 3 for $100, MG driver laughed, storeman said you will be back, and within 4 years MG had consumed 2 more Lucas fuel pumps, Alfa Spare parts places should sell them in blister packs, as i have had 3 and it won't be my last, Colin.

[Mick A]

Hi Colin, what is the difference between the thermostats besides a the part number? Both engines run at the same operating temp and have identical hose outlets and temp switch location.

[colcol]

Don't know what the difference is between the thermostats, but the spare parts places have different listings, and i am not brave enough to buy a twin spark thermostat to see if i can get it to fit my JTS, the thermostats look very small, and maybe they are not big enough to do the job for long periods, say over 2 to 3 years, but Vectra's and Astra's have the same ferocious appetite for thermostats as the twin sparks and JTS's, except according to my mechanic mate, they are a stinker to change, the Alfa is easy, swings and roundabouts, Colin.

[Mick A]

Thanks for the info.

[bloomers1176]

Blister pack? lol............... oh dear what have I bought, washed and polished her today mind and I may forgive the thermo sadists.  Going to fit this weekend.

On a side not Colin......... since she has been running cool and rich the plugs upon inspection were sooted to say the least.

Now they are expensive so I cleaned them up. (false economy)

Also they are twin spark I think NGK's with the double nodes is this correct for a 2.0 JTS?  (2003)

Also (sorry) best place to get replacement for me here in QLD (Ebay)

Thanks buddy



Bloomers

[colcol]

From what i have seen, the JTS spark plugs are the same as the twin spark, but only half as many, or you get a spare set, when you buy a set for a twin spark, the JTS spark plugs are very easy to change, being located on top of the engine, the NGK's are Japanese and have 2 nodes.
Give Italian Automotive Spares a try, [03] 90361606 for your spark plugs and thermostat, Colin.

[bloomers1176]

Righteo buddy cheers for that.

Bought a "Calorstat" thermostat from carparts4less Uk looks ok. cheaper than anything this side of the pond. And arrived in 7 days!

And..... just got my self a U480 OBD II scanner. I have a light bugging the shit out of me.

Im guessing nothing to do with the sensor on the Stat. That would be too easy. I shall wait for the weekend and check the sodden thing.

Bloomers

Ok couldn't wait. Wish I had though....

So codes thrown up are PO420 and PO430 Cat efficiency below threshold  bank 1 and bank 2

And PO340 Crankshaft position sensor A Bank 1 circuit malfunction?

The chap I bought it from had the car stalling and the garage changed the cam sensor and as it had a sensor fault. over a $1000 I have the paperwork. Mid march with 3 months warranty. Cam sensor and Crank shaft Position sensor the same thing?

If so does garage warranties remain vaild for the new owner here in QLD?

I hear that stuck open thermo's can cause lots of problems like this.

Not sure If I should take it to that garage? 

[colcol]

Interesting to see how the 'Calorstat' thermostat lasts, any idea who and where they are made?
Is the light that is bugging you an engine light or airbag light?, some scanners won't switch of airbag lights, if your JTS is approaching 100,000klms, it could be the FOUR Lambda sensors are on the way out.
The sensor on the thermostat is for temperature only, make sure its clean with no rust, Colin.

[Craig_m67]

Crank sensor goes in the block, under the start motor, need long fingers to get at but easy to replace (6mm screw, plug and play).  Cam sensor probably goes in the head, near the cam

You could buy twenty or so OEM crank sensors for $1k
Plenty of each type (new OEM) on eBay UK ... or your preferred supplier.

I've done the crank sensor myself, not difficult.

[colcol]

I have replaced crank sensor in JTS, couldn't do it from top, due to fat hands, but did it from underneath, when i had the oil sump off, it is near the end of the engine where it meets the gearbox, wasn't giving trouble, but i had the opportunity to replace it....so i did due to being paranoid about crank sensors in a Commodore that had 3 fail on me at the worst time, classic crank sensor failure is car runs ok when cold, stops when it warms up, then lift the bonnet and half an hour later it works, there are different crank sensors, Genuine and non genuine, early twin spark, late twin spark and JTS, it is a mine field, get the right one.
The cam sensor is at the front of the motor at the top next to the cam shaft, you would have to remove the timing covers, serpentine, timing and balance belts to get at it.
Cat efficientcy may mean that its only operating at 94%, and that will trip a sensor for when it drops below say 95%, i heard that you can clean the cats out, by running a few litres of Lacquer Thinners through the petrol, mixed with a full tank of fuel, anyone tried it?, Colin.

[bloomers1176]

Thanks guys.

Hey Col that thinners sounds like a scary operation from someone who feeds his baby girl with High Octane happy juice.

worried that its just had a cam sensor replaced and timing and closed cleared and then had to go back to have the cam sensor sorted and codes cleared again but now the crank sensor is showing??  connected in anyway??

Anyway thermo being changed this weekend then Ill clear the codes and see..................

Fingers crossed hey ?? haha

[colcol]

Hopefully they replaced the camshaft position sensor with a new one, not much to go wrong, just sits there and tells the computer where the camshaft is, either works or not, throwing up errors may mean its on the way out.
Try the Lacquer Thinners in tank and see if it works, otherwise you may have to pressure test the cats, to see if they are blocked, Colin.