Smoky 156 2.4 JTD

[h.phoenix]

We've had a 2004 156 2.4 JTD Sportwagon (20v model) for three months now. Its now done 80k miles which is quite a lot for its age, but then it was slightly cheaper than the book price and we'd been searching for quite awhile for a 20v SW. Its only had one owner since new and a full Alfa service history (including cambelt change at 72k). Ownerships been fine so far apart from having to change the front top wishbones which were making a racket (turns out they had the purple polybushes fitted), taking apart and cleaning the rear wash wipe to get it to work, and fitting new front washer jets!

Lately we've noticed when accelerating hard, large plumes of smoke from the rear - the other day it was so bad it obscured the car behind in the rear view mirror! Is this normal for the JTD's or a potential problem? Occasionally there is also a bit of stuttering, which the guys at Alfa Aid thought could possibly be a boost leak in one of the pipes.

[Wombat Rick]

It's not normal. I would agree that the most likely cause is a split or leaking turbo pipe. They are under huge pressure at full throttle.

[sjg]

There can be a little smoke under full load but not huge plumes of the stuff.

If you don't mind saying, how much did you pay? Mine is the same model/age/mileage, will be selling soon and not sure what to ask as there's so few about to make comparisons against.

[correlejco]

I'm looking for a 20v JTD, so contact me and see if we can talk about it. Mail me at [e-mail]