twisted_pr 16 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Not sure if this is more of a general chit chat topic, but as it relates to advice on getting through the MOT, did anyone see the Honest John MOT survey results? http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co. ... alfa-romeo I find it staggering that lighting issues, often the most easy to identify and rectify are the most common cause of failure across all makes and models. I guess this will only go up in light of (no pun intended) the new HID regs, unless testers take the attitude of "the luminosity, aim and pattern etc were fine and I couldn't see any ballasts, so how could I tell?" Anyway, reason for posting in this section is that my Dad's 147 is going for its long overdue MOT shortly (once the Sele issue is sorted). As I'm new to Alfas, is there anything specific to look out for when doing a pre-check on a 147 (especially one that's been stood for a year)? Using the vast experience of the AD forum members, perhaps a model specific checklist could be compiled (at some point, as I know time and resources are an issue)? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 My old 147 failed on some suspension parts, cant remember exactly what they were now but think it was the wishbones or droplinks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anjenha 44 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Brakes for the Spider, top of the list here anyway. I've never failed an MoT as I'm lucky enough to live with a mechanic... I can ubderstand the brake issue, the handbrake is known for being shocking... But I've never had a problem. In fact I've found no recurring issue that sticks out... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted June 2, 2012 1.5% for structure, now I think that's the rust issues gotten on top of, lighting issues, well if there are that many bulbs blown/aiming out and that's the worst % then clearly the cars are surviving better than the reputation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daffo 3 Report post Posted June 3, 2012 Bastard (The vehicle formerly known as Alfie or Bella) has its MOT on the 11th. I'm not anticipating good news... Just a feeling... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted August 20, 2012 2002 156 Jts, pass no advisories Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anjenha 44 Report post Posted August 22, 2012 Aphrodite passed her last MOT with no glitches... Guess I'm just special Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clem Fandango 71 Report post Posted September 3, 2012 Gtv now has a new MOT. Advisories on rear tires near legal limit but knew that any way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted September 3, 2012 Possibly the most annoying advisory you could get...after all they are either legal OR not. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clem Fandango 71 Report post Posted September 3, 2012 I know and considering I only do about 5000 miles a year there's probably 6 to 8 months before they need changing legally. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Devious 4 Report post Posted October 17, 2012 Flew through with not one issue. Thanks for posting the Testers Guide Smaky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted November 16, 2012 My 156 failed on CV boot, leaking rear calliper and upper wishbone N/S. The wishbone was changed last year, so was replaced FOC. All done now any legal for another year. Hard to believe people fail on blown bulbs, they're so easy to check. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twisted_pr 16 Report post Posted December 12, 2012 Despite having been stood for nearly 2yrs all the 147 needed was a pre-MOT Selespeed pump refurb (thanks to Smaky for the excellent guide), plus the scenic route to the MOT station (so I could clean up the brake discs etc) and she passed. Bought her off my Dad, drove 200+ miles home and was presented with a load of engine sensor errors - that was lucky timing! Going in for a cam belt change on Friday so will get errors seen to then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted December 12, 2012 Check your battery terminal is tight.# # Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twisted_pr 16 Report post Posted December 14, 2012 Thanks Smaky. Thought it was odd that 4 sensors would go at the same time (Lambda, Water Temp, Crankshaft & RPM), had a look/tighten, cleared errors and now it's just the Crank & RPM that keep coming up (no matter how many times they're cleared in FES). Dropped it off at Alfa Workshop today for the cam belt, so they're going to have a look at the errors at the same time. Expecting to need two new sensors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted December 14, 2012 Er....that's the same sensor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twisted_pr 16 Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Erm, oops, yes. Yes it is. Sorry, meant CAMshaft sensor. Both cam and crank sensors replaced and all behaving well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted December 20, 2012 GTA passed its mot with 1 advisory Rear tyres scrubbed on the inside Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Pretty normal them Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anjenha 44 Report post Posted May 22, 2013 (edited) Flew through on Monday, Not before having the front lower arms replaced, new brakes, and new tyres (Due to aforementioned arms) and tracking done. Mechanic/hubby also tells me I need to replace the radiator and possibly the lambda (Intermittent 'flat' spots). All fine as I have both from poor Charlotte. Oh! One verbal advisory on rear drivers tyre/wheel... but nothing in writing Edited May 22, 2013 by Anjenha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted May 22, 2013 Went to see my 166 on Monday, the power steering leak is fixed. For the MOT it need a new front spring, its cracked, there's some play in the suspension, something to do with the brakes and possibly a blowing exhaust, most likely down pipe on the rear bank, apart from the manifolds the rest is new (ish). Considering she's been off the road for over a year the bodywork still looks surprisingly good, but my inner detailer is still itching to get to work. Best of all the guy sorting her out started her up and she fired straight into life with that lovely Busso V6 sounds. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gibot123 16 Report post Posted August 16, 2013 147 passed 2 advisories . 1. Poor disc condition ( been stood for 3 months )Only about 400 Meters to the test station. 2. Darn drivers door check strap poor condition , there's a surprise , clack clack clack. Oh deep joy . Now got to save up for the tax . Whilst it still works Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted August 16, 2013 Tax is a bloody killer The gtv is due it's mot plus tax and the van is due tax aswell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted August 16, 2013 MiTo is £125 a year its gone up a fiver since last year Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted August 17, 2013 My 147 2.0 cost more to tax than my 166 2.5, because its newer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites