320touring picks up another number - Alfa 156 Content!
Discussion
I got bored on Sunday so took it upon myself to resolve one of the glaring errors in my motoring history..
I've driven a fair few Alfa Romeos in passing, either via working at car auctions, or through friends.
However I've never owned one until now!
Located 6 miles from my door and MOT'D til June, it was a 1.8 t spark. I paid a derisory sum and scarpered with it before the vendor could change their mind
Initial spotting:
Made good my escape with ra burd driving the 306..
Initial exterior views look promising
I also made a lame walk round video so I can list what needs doing- see if you can spot the deliberate(ahem) mistake..
https://youtu.be/-o1b8BLFkao
Hope you like it- seems a solid enough old bus, and was fun on the road home
I've driven a fair few Alfa Romeos in passing, either via working at car auctions, or through friends.
However I've never owned one until now!
Located 6 miles from my door and MOT'D til June, it was a 1.8 t spark. I paid a derisory sum and scarpered with it before the vendor could change their mind
Initial spotting:
Made good my escape with ra burd driving the 306..
Initial exterior views look promising
I also made a lame walk round video so I can list what needs doing- see if you can spot the deliberate(ahem) mistake..
https://youtu.be/-o1b8BLFkao
Hope you like it- seems a solid enough old bus, and was fun on the road home
ajb85 said:
Was the mistake "fuel filter" when you meant "fuel filter?"
Not a bad old bus, the 1.8 is generally the most reliable of the T.Sparks, almost as gutsy as the 2.0 but a little less complex, fundamentally a great engine. What's the floorpan like for rust? Knocking wishbones don't come cheap I'm afraid!
Aye - virtual points to you on the deliberate mistake frontNot a bad old bus, the 1.8 is generally the most reliable of the T.Sparks, almost as gutsy as the 2.0 but a little less complex, fundamentally a great engine. What's the floorpan like for rust? Knocking wishbones don't come cheap I'm afraid!
It appears to have had welding in the past, based on the mot history.
the 1.8 is ok, but works for its living in a car of this size. chassis seems nice bar the front end knocks- will need to investigate it further
JFReturns said:
Hopefully the clonks aren't caused by front anti rollbar bushes like mine, as the whole unit needs replacing and sub frame dropped..... Getting mine done Thursday as its driving me mad.
as you say thebushes look much more work than the droplinks- should know more by the weekendday 1 commuting ended at 58.5 miles with no new faults..
Current Fault list
some suspension bangs
running cool
fuel flap not latching
inoperative remote central locking
inoperative rev counter
potential blown bulb (to be checked)
inoperative heated rear screen
air con needs gas
missing trim panels on interior
radio not on switched live
creak from seat
All in all, no major problems-should be work throughable..
Day 2 started like this:
Wish me luck!
Current Fault list
some suspension bangs
running cool
fuel flap not latching
inoperative remote central locking
inoperative rev counter
potential blown bulb (to be checked)
inoperative heated rear screen
air con needs gas
missing trim panels on interior
radio not on switched live
creak from seat
All in all, no major problems-should be work throughable..
Day 2 started like this:
Wish me luck!
Day 2 ended with 141.4 miles on the clock.
Car was fine, so I decided to try sorting an issue
Original Fault list
some suspension bangs
running cool
fuel flap not latching
inoperative remote central locking
inoperative rev counter
potential blown bulb
inoperative heated rear screen
air con needs gas
missing trim panels on interior
radio not on switched live
creak from seat or 2.
solved
headlight bulb
rear screen (partial)
Found
Inoperative sidelights
wired relay light
Running adjuster motor
Cumulative Score +1 Fault
First up, heated rear window.
Pulled the 30a fuse (bottom right of main fuse box under steering wheel)
Not blown, so onto checking the relay.
Ignition and press the button, relay can be heard clicking.
final port of call was the connector in the boot- pulled cleaned and reseated-will see how it goes.
May need a meter to identify if it is still not working.
Next up, blown bulb:
Pass side full/main beam was not working.
Popped the bonnet and that is when the fun started
...
This bulb was hidden under a relay cover, and came on with the ignition.
I stripped it out, and traced a wire going back to the bulkhead..
with that done (and the car still starting ok) it was time to investigate the bulb.
Looks like the bulb was disconnected, and earth was off.
moreover, both sidelights do not have bulbs.
Reconnected the bulb and had a win!
At the same time, one of the headlight levelling motors was running constantly,.
so time to disconnect it
Huzzah!
Car was fine, so I decided to try sorting an issue
Original Fault list
some suspension bangs
running cool
fuel flap not latching
inoperative remote central locking
inoperative rev counter
potential blown bulb
inoperative heated rear screen
air con needs gas
missing trim panels on interior
radio not on switched live
creak from seat or 2.
solved
headlight bulb
rear screen (partial)
Found
Inoperative sidelights
wired relay light
Running adjuster motor
Cumulative Score +1 Fault
First up, heated rear window.
Pulled the 30a fuse (bottom right of main fuse box under steering wheel)
Not blown, so onto checking the relay.
Ignition and press the button, relay can be heard clicking.
final port of call was the connector in the boot- pulled cleaned and reseated-will see how it goes.
May need a meter to identify if it is still not working.
Next up, blown bulb:
Pass side full/main beam was not working.
Popped the bonnet and that is when the fun started
...
This bulb was hidden under a relay cover, and came on with the ignition.
I stripped it out, and traced a wire going back to the bulkhead..
with that done (and the car still starting ok) it was time to investigate the bulb.
Looks like the bulb was disconnected, and earth was off.
moreover, both sidelights do not have bulbs.
Reconnected the bulb and had a win!
At the same time, one of the headlight levelling motors was running constantly,.
so time to disconnect it
Huzzah!
JFReturns said:
It's due one in time if not miles - every 3 years, changed from 5 iirc. Mines had four cambelt changes 
Mine ran cool, replaced sticky thermostat and now fine. Might be worth cleaning it before buying a new one.
cheers for the info re the Stat - I may give it a flush out at the weekend.Mine ran cool, replaced sticky thermostat and now fine. Might be worth cleaning it before buying a new one.
Cambelt I'm no fussed by at the moment- will check it at the weekend and see what needs doing -if its a keeper I'll organise it soon
Day 3 finished with 296.5 miles on the trip, and just over 1/4 of a tank left.
It started out in an unnervingly familiar manner:
I switched on the heated rear screen and cleared the rest of the car.
10 mins later (whilst dropping ra burd off at the station) I had to resort to a 'more manual' method of rear screen clearing
Not a new fault - just a failure to resolve an existing one!
Onwards and southwards! 75 miles or so to Lockerbie covered in good time - the seats are plenty comfortable for the longer run.
I got to the local shop for an 'arty' pic
5 mins later it had a crowd of admirers
A damning comment on the human condition, eh?
business was attended to, then a leisurely schlep up the road commenced. Again, comfortable, quiet and refined. That said, some actual heat would be a treat - cool running is now the #1 enemy.
The final activity of the day was showing a Defender who is boss of the OMGOFFROADZ
A good day all in
It started out in an unnervingly familiar manner:
I switched on the heated rear screen and cleared the rest of the car.
10 mins later (whilst dropping ra burd off at the station) I had to resort to a 'more manual' method of rear screen clearing
Not a new fault - just a failure to resolve an existing one!
Onwards and southwards! 75 miles or so to Lockerbie covered in good time - the seats are plenty comfortable for the longer run.
I got to the local shop for an 'arty' pic
5 mins later it had a crowd of admirers
A damning comment on the human condition, eh?
business was attended to, then a leisurely schlep up the road commenced. Again, comfortable, quiet and refined. That said, some actual heat would be a treat - cool running is now the #1 enemy.
The final activity of the day was showing a Defender who is boss of the OMGOFFROADZ
A good day all in
thanks for the tip re the front badge, I'll get onto it once some of the larger faults are sorted.
HRS is not too big a worry- just tackled it as it was easy to track through logically. I think the solution may be a bit involved. It doesnt affect the drive really so can get a lower priority.
I've ordered sidelight bulbs, so will fit them when They arrive. I think the sticking headlight levelling motor may have the unit dipped to lowes setting, so will hopefully resolve that at the weekend- can see a manual override on the top.
HRS is not too big a worry- just tackled it as it was easy to track through logically. I think the solution may be a bit involved. It doesnt affect the drive really so can get a lower priority.
I've ordered sidelight bulbs, so will fit them when They arrive. I think the sticking headlight levelling motor may have the unit dipped to lowes setting, so will hopefully resolve that at the weekend- can see a manual override on the top.
Zombie said:
There is a known issue with rev counters and side light bulbs. - When the rev counter "fails" The O/S rear tail light is continually dimly lit. You can only really spot it in the dark. But AFAIK, this only affects the prefacelift cars and your's as a 2002 car should have the facelift interior.
But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
Previous owner mentioned this was the reason that the rev cou ter is diconnected.But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
no lights on at the rear at the moment. I may reconnect at weekend and see what is what-thanks for the info
Day 4 was a gentle one- finishing on 360.3 miles.
no faults to report and no pics as it was a commuting/trip to the cinema sort of day. nothing exciting.
Day 5 will be an autopsy to diagnose as yet unattributed noises from the suspension.
Also a good chance that the tank will need a filling.
no faults to report and no pics as it was a commuting/trip to the cinema sort of day. nothing exciting.
Day 5 will be an autopsy to diagnose as yet unattributed noises from the suspension.
Also a good chance that the tank will need a filling.
Day 5...
took it over to my brother's to get some tools from his 7 series
Boot holds more than you'd think
then it was off to the unit via Asda for a full tank. 375.9 miles to 55.17L gave 30.97mpg-not too bad given it was always running cold.
I stopped off at Halfords for some new Coolant-looked it up in their handy doofer
Once on site, we did the usual checks, status report as follows:
All discs and pads fine
Front Lower arms would benefit from replacement
Front upper arms OK
ARB Droplinks could be replaced all round
Backbox starting to lose outer skin but still gastight. Rest of Exhaust ok.
Grot found at bottom of drivers wing- see pic
we then set about doing the coolant flush - -thermostat is on its way should be here mid week.
coolant condition was similar to the 306 I had
That done it was time to sort the rev counter. Previous owner told me it was disconnected due to it draining battery via the rear lights (common on older 156s)
when reconnected, no issues were found, save a check engine light that went out on restart.
I took it out on an extended test run, and it warms up more than before, but still not spot on. No overheating and fan kicks in properly.
Got back to the Unit and the drivers window decided to stay down. Moreover we had no power to the window switches.
Checked the fuses as per owners manual, all ok, and the relays clicked properly.
Had to resort to "hunt the motor" and apply 12v directly to get it shut
Got everything back together, only to discover no wipers, blower or indicators(but hazards still working).
googled for the cause of that, and replaced blown fuse. Sorted, and the windows started working again too! Typical that said fuse never showed up for any "no power to window switch" searches..
Anyway, all home ok now, 87 miles done on new tank, and the opportunity for payback awaits!
took it over to my brother's to get some tools from his 7 series
Boot holds more than you'd think
then it was off to the unit via Asda for a full tank. 375.9 miles to 55.17L gave 30.97mpg-not too bad given it was always running cold.
I stopped off at Halfords for some new Coolant-looked it up in their handy doofer
Once on site, we did the usual checks, status report as follows:
All discs and pads fine
Front Lower arms would benefit from replacement
Front upper arms OK
ARB Droplinks could be replaced all round
Backbox starting to lose outer skin but still gastight. Rest of Exhaust ok.
Grot found at bottom of drivers wing- see pic
we then set about doing the coolant flush - -thermostat is on its way should be here mid week.
coolant condition was similar to the 306 I had
That done it was time to sort the rev counter. Previous owner told me it was disconnected due to it draining battery via the rear lights (common on older 156s)
when reconnected, no issues were found, save a check engine light that went out on restart.
I took it out on an extended test run, and it warms up more than before, but still not spot on. No overheating and fan kicks in properly.
Got back to the Unit and the drivers window decided to stay down. Moreover we had no power to the window switches.
Checked the fuses as per owners manual, all ok, and the relays clicked properly.
Had to resort to "hunt the motor" and apply 12v directly to get it shut
Got everything back together, only to discover no wipers, blower or indicators(but hazards still working).
googled for the cause of that, and replaced blown fuse. Sorted, and the windows started working again too! Typical that said fuse never showed up for any "no power to window switch" searches..
Anyway, all home ok now, 87 miles done on new tank, and the opportunity for payback awaits!
So after the shenanigry of Saturday I got up early to Crail and went Drag racing..
how did it go, I hear you cry!
well...
Met up with my Brother (e30) and Joe (zx)
Got to Crail about 10.30 and queued to sign on. It was rammed, and took about 30 mins between runs.
First run went ok, and I worked out launching just below 3k was decent.
Will was up running his stock Starlet, bought for the drag racing. He stays in Acrington, and intends to leave it at the mother in laws..
Joe hails from that there Yorkshire, so they're both a fair bit from home.
Run 2 in the Alfa was slightly more eventful. Got a good start, and cleanly theough the gears up to approx 85mph indicated at the line.
hit the brakes, got a pop. Pedal to the floor and not slowing..
Handbrake and gearing down was deployed and I got it down to 20mph and made the turn onto the return road. Lucky as the other option was a tyre wall and the sea..
See if you can guess what was wrong?
A blown brake pipe meant no pressure. Got towed home.
Its booked in for a pipe on Wed morning.
A baptism of fire indeed. Luckily the leather s wipe clean..
how did it go, I hear you cry!
well...
Met up with my Brother (e30) and Joe (zx)
Got to Crail about 10.30 and queued to sign on. It was rammed, and took about 30 mins between runs.
First run went ok, and I worked out launching just below 3k was decent.
Will was up running his stock Starlet, bought for the drag racing. He stays in Acrington, and intends to leave it at the mother in laws..
Joe hails from that there Yorkshire, so they're both a fair bit from home.
Run 2 in the Alfa was slightly more eventful. Got a good start, and cleanly theough the gears up to approx 85mph indicated at the line.
hit the brakes, got a pop. Pedal to the floor and not slowing..
Handbrake and gearing down was deployed and I got it down to 20mph and made the turn onto the return road. Lucky as the other option was a tyre wall and the sea..
See if you can guess what was wrong?
A blown brake pipe meant no pressure. Got towed home.
Its booked in for a pipe on Wed morning.
A baptism of fire indeed. Luckily the leather s wipe clean..
A couple of Drag racing Vids for some excitement, rather than the crushing annoyance of an Alfa..
First Pass Vs Citroen ZX 1.9td
https://youtu.be/gosPbiaNBas
2nd pass- the one with the brake failure
https://youtu.be/6FVRmDNxvns
First Pass Vs Citroen ZX 1.9td
https://youtu.be/gosPbiaNBas
2nd pass- the one with the brake failure
https://youtu.be/6FVRmDNxvns
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff