156 1.8 T-Spark engine problems

[Ads21]

Not a great start to Alfa ownership.

On day 5 of owning a 156 1.8 T-Spark Veloce the car started making a loud noise from the top end of the engine above 1200rpm. Having searched a couple of forums for similar issues my completely un-skilled diagnosis is that the rings have gone. Watched a few youtube videos that sound similar also.

The car was cheap and other than the engine is in really good condition and only 78k miles.

Ive spoked to a mechanic friend of mine who suggests it is un economical to repair unless you DIY it to save on labour. I have neither the room or skills to do this personally. Also it could turn out to be something totally different.

What would you suggest? Sell spares or repair? Would be a shame to scrap the car in the condition it is in.

Adam

[renorti]

as a spares repair your looking at £200. i would find another engine ebay littered with them, £100-£150
spend a day or 2 swop the engines.like you say shame to scrap an alfa.

[Ads21]

I have seen the engines for sale, cheaper than i thought as well.

Has anyone put together a guide for the engine removal and installation i could use? This is by far the biggest job i would have undertaken.

[RicksAlfas]

Somewhere like 156.net might have something.
Make sure you get EXACTLY the same type of replacement engine (i.e. metal or plastic topped) and take plenty of photos as you go along. Most things will be self explanatory but there will always be the odd wire which is a puzzle.

[Oilchange]

does it sound like a diesel engine now? could be the variator, cheap fix

[Ads21]

It sounds like a knocking/slapping noise, is smoking a lot, not revving cleanly and idling erratically or cutting out. I don't think it is the variator.