156 V6 coolant reservoir

[joestram]

Hi All,

Not sure if I've got an issue or not, however, I've noticed that the coolant reservoir is a little empty, infact, it also looks like there has only ever been water in it.

Is this normal?

Thanks

[joestram]

Pic

[GTVeloce]

Define normal? 

I suggest a good flush and refill then observe it carefully and see if it starts to diminish. If it doesn't great. If it does then it's time to hunt for a leak.

[bazzbazz]

As GTVeloce says, give a good flush and have a new coolant tank to fit AFTER you do the flush, then fill with fresh coolant of the correct type.

[poohbah]

AS tanks are relatively cheap to buy and very easy to fit - and in the 156 they all start to degrade really badly (its over 20yo by now...) - I'd say go buy a genuine new part and replace it. (Recently found a tiny hairline crack in my '02 GTA along the seam that only opened when it was hot, just enough for a tiny dribble to come out). Yours definitely looks crusty, so time for a new one.

Then flush the coolant and refill with the right type - should be green for your car (or red for a GTA V6 like mine). Really hope for your sake the PO didn't just use water.

then obviously monitor levels - if it is still dropping, you'll need to find where else it is leaking from. Check for signs of it leaking around the water pump too, as well as usual hoses and clamps.

(PS - I bought a replacement genuine new expansion tank for my GTA from my local Alfa workshop for about $100 at the start of this year. Took 10 mins to remove the old and fit the new.)

[joestram]

Thanks for the reply guys.

It's odd as I recently (this year) had the car roadworthied, serviced and had timing and pump changed and it wasn't mentioned.

Being an Alfa, I am constantly looking at the gauges when driving and I've not noticed this go above 100 before (creeps just above 90 then the radiator fan kicks in).

Where is the best place to buy spare parts from these days for the 156?

Random question - I've had air con issues since buying the car this year - noting they are separate systems, would no coolant impact the fact I'm not getting cool air? I can hear the air con compressor initiating when I press the button.

Thanks

Joe

[poohbah]

Joe, you're in Melbourne right? Try Arese Spares which is in NSW but does good online service, and there are a few places in Melbourne that seem to have reasonable range (Vics on here can probably help you) but I think one is Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia Parts in Thomastown.

As for the AC, that will be a totally separate issue. If it was working previously (and you say the compressor is coming on), if you are lucky it will just need a regas (cheap). Or (more costly) you may have a leak somewhere or the compressor is not working correctly.

You'll need an AC technician to have a look.

[Domenic]

Italian Automotive Spares Brunswick East
9036 1606

[GTVeloce]

Re the AC: if the compressor is cycling on as expected then it is not an electrical issue. Does the fan come on at the same time? Regardless, it is probably beyond your level of ability (no offense but I'm guessing you don't have gauges and a vac pump?) and I suggest passing it to someone who can check for a leak first and then re-gas as it is most likely short of gas.