Alfa156Melb

I have a rattling sound coming from the engine bay when the engine is under load. it goes away when you coast or decelerate... The rattle sounds a little like a vibrating tin-can with a small washer in it.. This is the cars second motor - the old motor had the same noise too.. Any ideas what it may be?

OK... in that case I'm glad I haven't changed it yet thanks

Drop links? That's all ive done to the suspension so far.. I haven't got around to the wishbones yet.. Placebo? .... bah

It didn't cost much, and it has actually made a significant difference to mid corner stability and turn in, which is now faster for some reason. It's also quietened down most of the rattles and squeaks coming from the front area.. not that there were that many to start with. With the harder springs, I wanted something to keep the chassis in good condition and hold the car together better... as I said, the squeaks are gone, so job done... I didn't expect any handling improvement at all, mostly for the reason you point out. So I'm quite surprised about that. I'd say it's in my head, but her indoors took it to the supermaket the other day, She had no idea I'd fitted it, or that it had even arrived in the mail.. and she came back asking why the car felt so good / different... So I guess there's something in it... Anyway, my main hope is to prevent the car loosening up as it gets older.. I hope that it helps in that regard...

Thats awesome, cheers ChrisO.. So....... out with the green.. in with the Red!....

So, my new strut brace arrived today, 5 weeks in the making after ordering it from Alfisti.net... It didnt take long to fit but there were a couple of things I wanted to bring up here and maybe get some advice.... First.. its not an exact fit.. it took some effort to finally get everything to match up.. sort of.. Here's some pics.. So, as you can see from the pic, the bar doesnt seem level in respect to the car.. the right hand side is higher than the left - is that by design or? And, looking at the next pic, you can see the brace ends aren't neat.. Could this 'twist' in the bar be due to the car not having settled yet? or perhaps uneven ground when fitted?

I understand the chemicals are different, but what is the advantages / disadvantages of each?

Hi all, whats the difference between green and red coolant? apart from the colour!

The smokes back... It's such a small amount, I can't tell what colour it is.. but it's there.. Noticed it today.. was about 36 degrees, Air Con on full, left the car idling as I had the my other half and my 2 year old in the car.. I ran into a shop to get a drink... These breather valves you speak of Smaky.. you're talking about the PCV Valve yeah? If it is that causing the problem, where can I buy a new one?

The price discrepancy here seems to be across the board for Alfa parts... For instance.. Coil Packs for JTS $A300, Pollen Filters - $70.. Drop links - $100 each! Thermostat.. $295.. I paid $A53 for an OEM from EBSpares. Pretty much for all cases, you would expect to pay no more than a third the cost in the UK than you would here in Oz.. In regards to the guide, I'm in no hurry.. I know I'll need to do it in the next few months or maybe more..

ok thanks.

Ba ba.. bump...

Very interesting.. I just spent a fortune replacing the motor after a cam belt snap and big end bearings. having read your post, i'm kicking myself for going as far as replacing the motor now. With what I know now about sourcing part overseas, I could have done it at a fraction of the cost. Such is life. The new engine is great, only 50,000kms.. 2004 model. I have no idea how gummed up the head is, but it definitely feels flat compared to the TS.. still has more power and torque.. just flat - especially above 4000rpm. If we had a Smaky equivalent here in Melbourne, life would be easier

Smaky I read in one of your posts in reply to Biffa's engine rebuild thread on AO the following: "That would be the #1 inlets we can see all coked up, that will be the inlet manifold gasket leaking from the variator channels, I'm glad you posted that as if you dont go th 3500 rpm often the this gasket is the only thing holding the oil pressure up and if it's leaking enough to do that then you've also found your oil consumption problem, nice work so far though." http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt/192582-biffas-jts-has-decided-to-become-ill-at-70-m4-3.html#post3028564 Can you elaborate on this please? Why would not revving the motor cause problems?

Just read the whole post.. what a great story! Was the motor more lively after the head clean up? And how long did it take for it to sloth up again?

Thanks Biffa, I was amazed at the difference, the TS was just alive...

Any chance for a guide? or would it be too complex? Mine will be due shortly... when i replaced my engine, I needed a new clutch and was quoted $500 just for the kit!! Bloody Australian prices.. So the breaker I bought the motor off, kindly threw in a clutch kit for me, but it was about 60% worn... I'm keen to get a new one in there soon.

too late!

There are three adapters (Yellow, Green & Red) that allow you to connect to your Airbags, ABS and CAN ECU's as well as the Engine and SillySpeed ECU with the straight OBD Cable. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FiatECUScan-Adaptor-Diagnostic-Cable-Engine-Airbag-ABS-/250972420786?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3a6f1f3ab2#ht_1072wt_1396 I just bought these, thanks to Smaky...

I thought that would be the case for #4... What about the other questions, particularly regarding the software update..?

I'm a little disturbed about that... I like furry animals...

The amount of mud and deer guts on mine you wouldn't hug it either... Um.. why do you have deer guts on your car?

Smaky, I have just come back from playing in a friends 156 2.0TS and I have a couple of questions for you on his behalf. First though.. Fuck I love his car!! Is the TS engine normally a much freer revving and more responsive engine? I noticed a lot less grunt.. but it was SO Much more fun than the JTS! Is that common or do I just have a slothy motor? Anyway. the questions: 1. His engine temp is sitting at 70 degrees whilst on the move, and 90 on idle.. time for a stat change? 2. He asked me if he can upgrade the software on his sillyspeed (MY2001) What are your thoughts on upgrading Selespeed Software? And how is it done? 3. His clutch adjustment is set to 30mm.. Whilst his gear changes are silky smooth.. we are going to fix that and bring it back to 28mm.. will that speed the box up a little? 4. Given his box is frankly working as perfectly as I could ever imagine a sillyspeed could.. is there any point in rectifying the rod length? What are the consequences of leaving it as is? 5. bugger.. I can't remember 5.. there was a 5 I'm sure of it. Thanks !

Ek.. couldnt do without Aircon.. not in the mid 30 degree weather we get here.

I think there is for the earlier models.. not so sure for mine.. but, as you say, Smaky will know...