I'm an owner!

[robsco]

Picked the 147 up at last yesterday guys and its everything I expected an alfa to be. There are a couple of little niggles however. Firstly, the car sounds like a diesel for a few seconds after start-up. Secondly there seems to be a whirring sound at low speeds. Would this be more likely to be a worn synchro or possibly a wheel bearing?

Thanks
Rob

[wrinx]

Diesel sound at start up is the classic variator noise. When were the belts and tensioners last replaced? If they're due get the variator changed at the same time.

Engine flush and oil change may help.

Whirring noise, could be tensioner related too, or perhaps alternator/compressor...but difficult to diagnose over t'internet. Get it to a garage if you're worried

wrinx

[robsco]

Thanks wrinx.

The cambelt is due, something I will be getting sorted in about a months time. Using a company car as much as possible in the meantime. Sorry if I'm being silly, but the purpose of the variator is to adjust the cam profile at certain revs is this right? And could this mean I'll be down on power?

[correlejco]

Variator alters cam timing, not valve lift. They seem to work OK even when noisy, so I doubt you'll notice any power difference.

But change that belt - NOW - please! Otherwise it'll end in tears. Take a trawl through this forum and you'll see the consequence of cam belt delay - time after time.

I suggest you locate a good Alfa independent garage and get the whole lot changed. They'll know what to do.

Enjoy your Alfa!

[Janitor]

Congrats robsco

Our 147 was great for the 5 or so years we had it - although we did go through the pain of cambelt going... £1200 bill at Christmas time, great!

So as above, get it done ASAP and enjoy!

[valkyerie]

Congrats on getting a 147, If its a diesel it should be no trouble at all.

But do get the cambelt done!!

On the whirring sound at low speed, Did you have happen to have your air con on at time? I've heard many
a fiat and alfa emit the same king of noise with the air con on at low speed. Not sure if its a major problem
but if in doubt get it checked.

[robsco]

Thanks for the replies. The aircon wasn't on at the time, my extremely limited mechanical knowledge is telling me that it could be a synchro whine. As for the belt, I am planning to have it done ASAP, I'll get the variator done at the same time. And the broken spring in the gearbox worth every penny.

[RicksAlfas]

robsco said:

As for the belt, I am planning to have it done ASAP

Do it sooner!!


Congrats on getting the car. What was the outcome on the fuse/lights problem?

[robsco]

I couldn't say to be honest rick! The dealership were extremely unhelpful throughout unfortunately and seemed to have zero interest in me or the vehicle. After days of messing around, I even had to fax a wiring diagram over to them because they didn't have the initiative to phone Alfa! (Mercedes garage)

Utterly useless. But the sheer condition of the car, the quality of the leather, the look and the engine won me over completely. Even bits of interior trim coming off in my hand couldn't push me away. Alfas are truly special vehicles aren't they

Cheers
Rob

PS I'll post some pictures soon when there is sufficient daylight!