Two problems with my 156 - can anyone shed some light?

[Alfa156Melb]

Hey all,

Just picked up my new (to me) 2003 156 JTS Selespeed. She's great and so far the most fun and enjoyable car i've ever owned. PRevious cars have been BMW's, RX7's, Landrovers, TR8 and a couple of Datsun 1600's.

In anycase, there are a couple of problems I'd like to sort and would appreciate some feedback so I have some knowledge to play with when talking to the dealer.

1. There is a creak in the front suspension - it just started yesterday and came out of the blue. It seems to be getting louder and louder and is driving me nuts. I can only hear it (And feel it) at low speds over rough surfaces and speed humps.

2. On the open road the engine temp reads 60 degrees, over the last couple of nights its been very cold in Melbourne which has made it run a little colders still. In traffic, it does tend to rise to about 95 degrees but quickly drops back to 60 when on the move again.

Is this normal for an alfa? I hear that the guage does not take an average temp, but reads the actual temp - but to me, that variation is too much...

Any help on these two issues would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

David.

[Alfa_alchemist]

hello mate and welcome to the forums

I have exactly the same alfa as you but I can only help you with one problem. Regarding the suspension noise it is very hard to pin point the exact cause without inspecting the car. As much as you hate it, you will have to take it to the alfa dealership for an inspection.

Now, regarding the low temperature issue - this is a common problem with alfa's and the problem is a thermostat - it gets stuck open. This is not good for your engine (especially JTS engines apparently) as the low temperature makes the engine less responsive, it makes it use more fuel (the engine CPU tries to warm it up by putting in more fuel) and the cold oil will make the engine wore out quicker. The solution - change the thermostat. Note that the cost of JTS thermostat is around $240 and if you leave it at alfa dealership to change it, all up including labour costs it comes to between $350 -$450. I know cause I've had the same problem as you and I've changed it last week.

[Brad M]

Also, beware the fuel gauge isn't the most accurate. Doug will confirm 

[pep105]

Hi

May help you with the 1st issue

My 147 had the same noise from the front end, dealer attempted to fix it twice however they could not replicate the noise when they test drove it  so on the third ocasion I took one of the workshop boys for a spin to replicate the noise (low speed over speed humps), they then lubricated the control arm bushes and the niose disappeared (thank christ it was frikkin annoying!)
Dealer was Lance Dixon. This may not be the case with yours however sounds very similar.

Cheers
Pep

[dehne]

hi there with the noise in the front it will be ur front sway bar they have two plastic type bushes on them and if u check one is prob cracked the bad news is u have to buy the whole bar as these parts r not replaceable

[Alfa156Melb]

Thanks guys! Especially to you Alfa_Alchemist, I've followed your threads about looking, finding and buying your car.. very interesting, and i took your experience into account when i bought mine.

Well, I'm picking it up later today as i'm having these little problems looked at under warrenty. Problem is, the mechanic isnt an Alfa specialist, so no doubt ill have some problems..

I'll keep you posted...

Outside of these two issues, man I love this car!

Dave.

[Alfa156Melb]

Dehne,

It's interesting you say that, as the dealer I bought the car from told me that they had replaced the spaw arm bushes for the roadworthy - sounds like that maybe where the problem is.. Ill look into the other suggestions too, With this noise - I will soon kill the car - its driving me up the wall.

[Doug Gould]

Firstly, my fuel gauge problem seems to have fixed itself. I sent it to Lance Dixon's to have the sender unit replaced but there are currently none in Australia. Since then I have been refilling at the same point on the gauge / km to run display as when Brad rescued me from the side of the Hume. Each time the approppriate amount of fuel has gone into the car (ie 55 - 58 litres and not 64 litres).

Secondly, I've had 2 suspension noises. One was the sway bar which was replaced under warranty. The second occurs on smooth roads with slight corrugations - especially around a corner on the unloaded wheel. It comes and I send it to Lance Dixon who tighten things and it goes away for a year or so. I don't know what magic it is that Damon does, but the noise goes away.

Thirdly, my temp gauge pretty much stays on 60 and moves very little. I've never understood this because I'm sure the water in the engine is actually 90 degrees or more. I do know of more than one manufacturer who has fixed "overheating" problems by replacing temp gauges. I figure that so long as it behaves consistently everything will be OK.

Doug

[Brad M]

Love to take credit there Doug, but I waved and kept driving  ... but Marco was your saviour.

[Alfa156Melb]

I'm reading a lot about Damon from Lance Dixon... sounds like he's a legend in the Alfa world?  I live in St Kilda, and was going to got to Zagami's - Should I go to the trouble of seeing Damon?

[Joe Garra]

Damon bought my old Sud when I traded it in on a spider. I've always wondered what happened to it.

[Victor Lee]

Don't give Damon too big a head!   

Yes, Damon's very respected among Club members and extremely knowledgeable and that's what you want in a Service Manager! 

Let's just say that Club members from afar as Werribee, Toorak, Elwood and Narre Warren (!) take their Alfas to Damon to look after.

If the guys at Zagames are looking after you well, why would you need to change service people?  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[Alfa156Melb]

Well, I only just bought my Alfa, it's so new, i haven't even named him yet!  I was only thinking Zagame's because they are close to me - well close to St Kilda anyway.

Based on your feedback, and otheres here, I'm inclinded to take it Lance Dixon - I think my Dad was mates with lance back in the day too - both members of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Victoria.

I've made my decision - Damon it is!