Going to look at a 147 any advice?
Discussion
We are a petrol head family. My wife and I have always fancied a 147. She needs a new car so we are going to look at a very low mileage 1.6 TS with F.A.R.S.H. I know some people on here dont rate the 1.6 it will be her car and she is no speed demon. Any advice what to look for?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
All you need is right here: http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_147.shtml
Oil usage - Twin Sparks in general use plenty of oil, so keep a regular eye on levels.
Cam variator - If you start the car and you hear a rattle from the top end, its the cam variator. Not vital it is replaced immediately, but it should be done when the cambelt is changed.
Cambelt - 36k/3yr intervals to change. Don't even think about buying a Twin Spark if this is overdue.
Suspension - Check for knocking or creaking, as the suspension is weak and changing the arms and bushes isn't a cheap job.
Gearbox - A common fault on 147s is a difficulty to change from 2nd to 3rd as the box doesn't spring into neutral and won't centre properly. The selector plate becomes worn, which in turn makes it stiff, which it turn means that trying to find the next plane when coming out of second can be a nightmare.
Cam variator - If you start the car and you hear a rattle from the top end, its the cam variator. Not vital it is replaced immediately, but it should be done when the cambelt is changed.
Cambelt - 36k/3yr intervals to change. Don't even think about buying a Twin Spark if this is overdue.
Suspension - Check for knocking or creaking, as the suspension is weak and changing the arms and bushes isn't a cheap job.
Gearbox - A common fault on 147s is a difficulty to change from 2nd to 3rd as the box doesn't spring into neutral and won't centre properly. The selector plate becomes worn, which in turn makes it stiff, which it turn means that trying to find the next plane when coming out of second can be a nightmare.
mrmender said:
It last had a cam belt at 14,000 in 2007, mileage now 28,500. Ive phoned about and general opinion is to be 100% safe get it changed again. It's booked into a specialist on Monday
The official recommendation is now three years or 36,000 miles, whichever is sooner.I'd also recommend checking the oil level at least weekly until you get an idea of how much it's using - some TwinSparks use hardly any, some use a lot!
Killer2005 said:
mrmender said:
Thanks guys
Took the plunge today & bought a mint 1 Owner 28K mile 147 1.6 TS It has a full Alfa SH the last service cost £1500!
New suspension bushes do they really wear that quick even at that mileage?
Should last about 50k iircTook the plunge today & bought a mint 1 Owner 28K mile 147 1.6 TS It has a full Alfa SH the last service cost £1500!
New suspension bushes do they really wear that quick even at that mileage?
If you're planning to keep the car a while, I'd suggest you look at poly bushes as an option.
Frankthered said:
Maybe they should last 50k but I had mine replaced under warranty at around 30k. And within WEEKS they were worse than the original set - Alfa dealer didn't exactly do a great job there!
If you're planning to keep the car a while, I'd suggest you look at poly bushes as an option.
Yeah my thoughts too will look into poly bushes. Alfa must make 'em out of pasta;)If you're planning to keep the car a while, I'd suggest you look at poly bushes as an option.
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