Calling Alfa experts - 156 JTS Veloce - engine question.

[TonyRPH]

I've been to look at an Alfa 156 2.0 today. The dealer tells me he doesn't know if the cambelt has been changed.

The car does have a full service history.

When looking under the bonnet, there is a shiny object - which I believe to be the Variator? (see pic)

If this part is new - could that indicate that the cam belt has been changed?

[conkerman]

If you have no reliable evidence. Assume not and use it in negotiations.

[Harrytsg]

TonyRPH said:

I've been to look at an Alfa 156 2.0 today. The dealer tells me he doesn't know if the cambelt has been changed.

The car does have a full service history.

When looking under the bonnet, there is a shiny object - which I believe to be the Variator? (see pic)

If this part is new - could that indicate that the cam belt has been changed?

The circle area is at the back of the engine, bell housing end, I believe the variator is at the front.

It's likely that if the variator is new the belt will be, but no guarantee.

Worth bearing mind that the service interval for cam belt changes is now 30k (from memory) reduced from 60k.

Lots of information at Alfaworkshop site

[Mr2Mike]

The variator sits between the cam pulley and the camshaft itself so you can't see it without a fair bit of dismantling.

Budget for a belt change if you buy it.

[TonyRPH]

Thanks for all the replies.

Dealer offered to pay half to replace cambelt.

I just wanted to make sure it hadn't been done already, after seeing the shiny bits on the end of the engine!

I know the cam belt is hidden from view - I wasn't sure if the variator thingy was.

[Mave]

make sure they do the tensioners as well as the belt....

[colin2296fs]

that's the thermostat, alfaowner has a lot of good info, jts engines seem to have a bit of problems with injectors at 70k miles ish also

[Rickyy]

Variator is at the other end, near the front of the block IIRC.

Lovely engine, but quite troublesome. I had a Sportswagon, but it died 5 weeks after I bought it .

[robsa]

Also check the oil level. If its low at all, walk away.

[colin2296fs]

a cam belt change is £500 in parts by the time you get all bearings pulleys and water pump you should do the auxiliary belt and pulleys too, don't know if the jts has the balance shaft belt, if it has change that too.

[Rickyy]

colin2296fs said:

a cam belt change is £500 in parts by the time you get all bearings pulleys and water pump you should do the auxiliary belt and pulleys too, don't know if the jts has the balance shaft belt, if it has change that too.

Pretty sure it does, it really isn't a cheap job to do!

[robsa]

It does have the balancer shaft.

[Mr2Mike]

colin2296fs said:

a cam belt change is £500 in parts by the time you get all bearings pulleys and water pump you should do the auxiliary belt and pulleys too, don't know if the jts has the balance shaft belt, if it has change that too.

That seems like a particularly exaggerated figure. A genuine Alfa timing/balance belt kit including all tensioners etc. can be had for £150, so surely a water pump doesn't cost £350?

[TonyRPH]

The dealer told me that a cam belt change is about £250 - £300 to him.

[Harrytsg]

That's a reasonable price, make sure the pulleys are included, I had my (TS) changed cam belt changed (1st) and the idler was definately on its way out. From what I gathered in my years of Alfa ownership, was the pulley will seize causing the belt to snap.

[trashbat]

Is this a Selespeed?

[TonyRPH]

trashbat said:

Is this a Selespeed?

No, it's a manual.

I was advised to avoid the Selespeed.

[trashbat]

What's the cap with the breather on the right hand side of the photo then?

Edit: this:



Maybe it was converted to manual? Unusual either way.

Edited by trashbat on Monday 18th November 07:44

[TonyRPH]

trashbat said:

What's the cap with the breather on the right hand side of the photo then?

NOTE: The pic above is not the actual car I'm looking at.

I just googled for an engine pic to illustrate what I was talking about!

[trashbat]

Ah! Fairy nuff.

Yeah, don't buy a sele JTS - two problems for the price of one.

I have a JTS and I documented all the costs in my profile. Apart from injectors, as someone correctly said, it's been fine. They were also right about that circled object being the thermostat.