M.J.S

Thanks again, I'll change that hose as well. 😊

:-) did it this afternoon. The pipe directly beneath it, I'd that the same size? It looks bigger Thanks Smaky!

As ever thanks Smaky!

Hi All, On my 156 2.4JTDM 20v a vacuum hose is starting to split. I want to replace it, so does anyone know the correct internal diameter for the hose in the pic below? Its at the front of the engine bay. I measured it to be 4mm, but it seems the sizes for the car are 3.2 and 5mm. Any ideas? Thanks

looks like i've found the cylinder head cover fastening screw torgue = 9-11Nm

Hi Smaky, Well I owe this an update.... Umm no, I've managed to replace the rear discs and pads and identify an oil leak from the front rocker cover gasket (I think). Apart from that life, children. chicken pox, and holidays have gotten in the way of being able to investigate it. I've found the gasket, now wondering if I can do that as well. It seems more important than the cental locking. So is there a guide on replaing the front rocker gasket? What is the correct torque for the bolts to replace the cover? If that goes well I'll look at the relays. A note with the locking, it seems to be okay if i hold the key in position when it locks for a second. Odd! The immobiliser for hte last week has not been an issue, would that suggest a loose connection somewhere? Oh we've managed to sell the 147, so back down to the 20v tractor and the GTV now

Cheers, I'll take a look next time I can get out there. Hopefully one evening this week

So I've been able to diagnose/fix the fan, its the heater resistor. I swapped over the one from teh 156 and it works So the relays... and the cental locking and key code thingy.... thats next. do you have a diagram/pic of the relays/location? But for tonight its time to open the booze.

HI Smaky, How things? Are you still in the Cotswolds? I might have to make an appointment at some time. The relays, are they easy to get to? is there any way I can test them? You are right, it is quite a step up!

Howdy Chaps, So after a few years of Alfa ownership I've added to our collection. This time it is a 2001 GTV V6 A couple of hundred miles on and there are a few niggles. Can you help? 1. the central locking does not work. 1 key seems to work (light comes on) and the other is dead even with a new battery. 2. The fan does not work, it was not connected. I connected it and it fired up full blast with the engine off. I had to disconnect the fan to stop it. 3. the drivers lock does not always work, sometimes it locks then unlocks straight away. 4. finally the code immobiliser does not always go out. Is there a way to replace the ariel/anetnna? is that the likely cause? All 4 of the keys will sometimes work then not work with this error so it feels like the antenna to me. Is there a good place to get a new one? Is there a fitting guide? can anyone suggest anything to help with these? Thanks!

So after jacking it up and taking the wheels off I found the problem. The offside front drop link was loose. Tightened up and the knock has gone. Think I'll replace it soon thought.

So after jacking it up and taking the wheels off I found the problem. The offside front drop link was loose. Tightened up and the knock has gone. Think I'll replace it soon thought.

Hi All, So the 2004 156 2.4 JTDM is knocking or thumping. It seems to be coming from the front, I can hear it and it also possible to feel it in your feet when driving. It feels like it is coming from the front middle of the car. The sound is more like a thump than a knock and it feels like something is being pushed back then coming forward. I've taken a video and some pictures. You can hear the thump (just about) at 18-20 seconds in. The pics and video are here OneDrive Link Would it make sense to disconnect the drop links and take it for a quick test drive to see if the noise goes away? So is it one of the usual suspects? Or am I in for something else? Cheers M

I've also been able to get into it this way as well Hi Smaky! You think its the drivers door even though I could not open the rear passenger door from the inside if I went in through the boot?

I'd love to, but I've only got the one key.... is it a hardware switch thatcould be changed in the key?

Hi all, I've got a strange situation.... my 147 if I unlock with the button it will sometimes lock itself straight away after. It won't let me in! I can open the boot and climb in and open a door from the inside. It did it tonight and was able to open it with the key. When it happened before if I climbed in through the boot I could open the rear drivers sidedoor, but not the rear passenger one. Any one got any ideas? Cheers

might be time for new pads and discs then... at this rate i'll have replaced most of the car soon

We've just worked out how to get both over. I'll give you a buzz later today.

We've just worked out how to get both over. I'll give you a buzz later today.

I'll bring the 156 first as brakes are more important see you tomorrow

As usual, Smaky to the rescue.... Its just me on Sunday so i might have to do two trips if there is time. Lets see how it goes. Cheers!

So I've had a real quick look at the brakes, there is a little lip on each of the disks but nothing to severe. I took some pictures... When the engine is on I'm able to depress the pedal and the movement slows to but it seems to still move towards the floor. The pads look okay to me. Is this pointing towards a cylinder?

Things to check then: Discs and pads – looking for worn pads (these I think all have a reasonable amount left). Discs for wear/uneven wear and lips around the edge I will check the pedal behaviour when the engine is running tonight. Checking for seized calipers, is this as simple as having someone apply the brakes and looking for movement at the rear wheel? I have not seen a drop in brake fluid level or seen any marks on the floor where the car has been standing.

I think there is something not quite right with my 156 brakes... they work but they are just not as good as my 147 and not as good as I think they should be. It feels like I have a lot of travel before they really engage. I read a test on how to test the assistance servo(pump the pedal with the engine off, turn it on and the pedal will sink) it seems to behave like this. What should I investigate next? I canny see any leaks, and the fluid is 14 months old. Cheers

Thanks Smaky, I'm off to the states in a week or so so it might be difficult to get to you before then. I'll keep it topped up until I can visit you.