Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 940 Series (Giulietta, Mito and 4C) => Topic started by: jasonsco on February 01, 2017, 11:40:12 PM

Title: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: jasonsco on February 01, 2017, 11:40:12 PM
hi im new to this forum i own a 2010 alfa mito qv 170 bhp and my multiair unit has failed.i am wonderring if any forum members have or know where i can purchase another unit in australia or a reputible supplier offshore.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on February 02, 2017, 01:56:04 AM
Little more information please, WHICH particular actuator are you referring to?   ???

Baz
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Colin Edwards on June 08, 2018, 11:59:02 AM
Further to the "correct" specification oil for the 125kW Multiair engine, the owners manual says Selenia Abarth 5W-40 (product code 1390), one dealer uses Selenia K P.E Multiair (product code 1411) another dealer uses Selenia Abarth 10W-50 (product code 1313)! 

Just curious as to what oil others have been "reccomended" to use in this engine by a dealers service department / spare parts department?
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Craig_m67 on June 08, 2018, 04:31:00 PM
I'd check with a reputable indie (like Bazz) to see if you really need one.... if so, here >> https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=13831&sku=253886

You can probably use the AlfaOwner 10% discount code
Delivery is usually 3-4 days ex UK (to Brisbane)
Send them your VIN and they can confirm fitment with ePer
I use these guys pretty much exclusively for my late model Alfa's
If it's not listed and you have an OE part number they will get it from Alfa

No association with the vendor, have used them since 2007
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Colin Edwards on June 08, 2018, 05:43:29 PM
Hi Craig,

Dont need an actuator!!  Just some feedback on what Selenia oil others have been advised to use or are using in their 1.4 Multair.

Sorry for the confusion.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 08, 2018, 10:01:24 PM
Ok, the reason there is so much confusion here on this issue is that the oil spec has changed since the Multiair unit was released.

If you look at early Giulietta Owners Manuals (2011) they gave just two oil specs, one for all Petrol engines (1.4T/1.4MA Turbo/1.75TBi) & one for Diesels

All Petrol engines were - SAE 5W-40 ACEA C3 /API SN grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA StAR P.E.

All Diesels engines were - SAE 5W-30 grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA WR P.E.



In current Owners Manuals (2018) the specs have changed. The oils are as follows-

1.4T - SAE 5W-40 ACEA C3 /API SN grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA StAR P.E.

1.4MA - SAE 0W30 ACEA C2 /API SN grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA DIGITEK P.E.

1.75TBi - SAE 5W-40 ACEA C3 /API SN grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA SPORT POWER

Diesels - SAE 0W-30 ACEA C2 /API SN grade totally synthetic lubricant - SELENIA WR FORWARD

Many places have not realized the update and are using what they have always used, some have caught on, thus the confusion.
Just one point, you DO NOT have to use only SELENIA OIL, but you do have to use the CORRECT oil, whether it be Penrite, Selenia or what ever.

As for why the changes, the MA units have very fine, high pressure oil galleries that operate the inlet valves, blockages in these are what usually cause MA Unit failures. The oil spec change was most likely done to help prevent this.

As for the diesels, the change was likely due to lower ash oils coming onto the market and changing to these result in less problems with clogged up engines with EGR Valves & DPF Filters.

I hope this helps you in some way to understand whats what with the oils.

As the old add used to say - "Oils ain't Oils Sol!"  ;)
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 08, 2018, 10:05:27 PM
Quote from: Colin Edwards on June 08, 2018, 11:59:02 AM
Further to the "correct" specification oil for the 125kW Multiair engine, the owners manual says Selenia Abarth 5W-40 (product code 1390), one dealer uses Selenia K P.E Multiair (product code 1411) another dealer uses Selenia Abarth 10W-50 (prodict code 1313)! 

Both the Selenia Abarth 5W-40 & Selenia K P.E Multiair 5W-40 are the original spec, using the Selenia Abarth 10W-50 will completely FUBAR a MultiAir Unit !!!   :o (That's just my personal opinion for what it's worth.)
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 08, 2018, 10:30:54 PM
Just one last thing, though the engines are the same (they are already built and stuck under the hood of the car), oil technology marches on and improves, and manufacturers will recommend the most up to date oils & products.

It's not that the older spec oils are no good for the engine, there are just now newer and better options now available that weren't in existence at the time your engine was built several/many years ago. :)

Just remember the 2.0 Twinspark in 156s were originally spec'd with 10w40, when the exact same engine was put in the 147 it was changed to 10w60, because it was a better oil for that engine, the engine didn't change, oil technology did.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Colin Edwards on June 20, 2018, 09:35:10 AM
FCA confirm Selenia K P.E Multiair 5W40 is the recomended oil for the 1.4 Multiair.  Seems its the latest (late 2016) spec oil and complies with Fiat 9.55535-S2.  Viscosity Index is 175 - earlier oils 170.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 20, 2018, 06:55:25 PM
Did they perchance mention why they suggest that rather than what the latest owners manual (2018) specifys - 0W-30 SELENIA DIGITEK P.E. ?

Was it because of the hi sulfur content of Australian fuels like we discussed earlier?
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Colin Edwards on June 21, 2018, 10:33:51 AM
Hi Bazzbazz,
What car's owner's manual recommends Selenia Digitek 0W-30?  I could only find 0W-40 on the Selenia site.  Our 2017 build Abarth 124 owner's manual specifies 5W-40. 

Maybe FCA want a car to be as efficient as possible and now specify a less viscous lubricant?  All in the name of reducing emissions.  As long as this "more efficient"(?) lubricant has a relatively low volatility, and is not eaten by the engine, emissions "should" be lowish.

I suppose some consumers will be economy conscious while others (like me!) will be engine wear / long term reliability conscious.  Us Alfa owners have a habit of hanging on to cars for a long time!  I'd rather use an oil in my engine (especially a turbo or DI or both!) that protects it rather than reduces fuel consumption by at best 2%.  All thing being equal, from a purely engine protection perspective, an ACEA C3 oil (as specified in my owner's manual) will perform better than an ACEA C2 rated oil.

When it comes to new cars, any manufacturer will only be concerned with engine wear limitation during the warranty period.  However, they know full well the likelyhood of a claim due to excessive wear DURING the warranty period will be relatively unlikely.  Hence the shift to more efficient but less protective lubricants?
 
Manufacturers are VERY sensitive about emissions at the minute.  Just ask VW, Audi and now Mercedes!  At least FCA were brave enough to announce an end to diesel engines in their passenger cars! 

Colin
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 21, 2018, 11:34:46 AM
The latest 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulietta owners manual specifies 0w-30 for the 1.4MA. (Same motor in your Arbarth)

Earlier manuals for the Giulietta 1.4MA specified 5w-40, as explained earlier above.

These are the manuals downloaded directly from the european Alfa support site. Maybe someone hasn't told FCA australia about the change, or it could have something to do with the different quality of fuels we have here in Oz, as we have discussed in PM.

I use the correct Penrite 5w-40 myself, and to those wishing to do your own oil change, be aware, Penrite has 3 different 5w-40 concoctions so make sure you hse the right one for the 1.4MA or you WILL brick the MA unit!  ;)


Just as long as you got the 10w-50 out of the Abarth engine is what matters most.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 21, 2018, 05:35:10 PM
From the manual -

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1363/13635981/24811134/413933444.jpg)
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Colin Edwards on June 21, 2018, 06:46:06 PM
The first specification reads as "1.4 Turbo Petrol Versions" - requiring 5W-40
The second specification reads as "1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir Versions"- requiring 0W-30

Is the Guilietta 1.4 available in MultiAir and non-MultiAir?  Curious. 

Unless there has been a very recent re-design of the MultiAir widget, it would seem it's not sensitive to lower viscosity oils!  Or is it?

Anyone out there with an Abarth 1.4 MultiAir and the Owners Manual specifying something other than 5W-40?

As a car manufacturers range of vehicles need to provide certain emission performance, I wonder where an Abarth sits.  Is it a Fiat or an Abarth?  Is an Alfa an Alfa or a Fiat?  Maybe because "Fiats" (including Abarth) have small engines / low emissions, Abarth is "allowed" to specify a less efficient / higher fuel consumption oil spec.  All very mysterious!
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Craig_m67 on June 21, 2018, 07:38:50 PM
Yes, the Guilietta was(is?) is available with and without multiair on the 1.4

Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on June 21, 2018, 09:22:14 PM
Quote from: Colin Edwards on June 21, 2018, 06:46:06 PM
As a car manufacturers range of vehicles need to provide certain emission performance, I wonder where an Abarth sits.  Is it a Fiat or an Abarth?  Is an Alfa an Alfa or a Fiat?  Maybe because "Fiats" (including Abarth) have small engines / low emissions, Abarth is "allowed" to specify a less efficient / higher fuel consumption oil spec.  All very mysterious!

Well they ARE all the same bloody engine, so they should all use the same oil! 
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on August 18, 2018, 09:08:20 AM
The oil you are looking for is ENVIRO+ 5W-40 (FULL SYN) and is available at Supercheap, Autobarn, Repco ect.
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bonno on August 18, 2018, 10:15:52 AM
Hi Haakon
Further to bazzbazz post, when I go looking for the correct grade of oil thru on line Supercheap store, enter via Servicing / Maintenance tab on website, press the oil tab and enter details of car and it spits out the various brands suitable. Refer to the following link for the example chosen “Giulietta 2018 1.4 turbo MPFI 125kW engine”. The green tick identifies product is suitable for car selected.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/shop-by-category/servicing-and-maintenance/engine-oil?segment=1&page=1&vid=L5D1VJA8tM8uN06LiRru5g%3D%3D
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: Craig_m67 on August 18, 2018, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: bonno on August 18, 2018, 10:15:52 AM
Hi Haakon
Further to bazzbazz post, when I go looking for the correct grade of oil thru on line Supercheap store, enter via Servicing / Maintenance tab on website, press the oil tab and enter details of car and it spits out the various brands suitable. Refer to the following link for the example chosen "Giulietta 2018 1.4 turbo MPFI 125kW engine". The green tick identifies product is suitable for car selected.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/shop-by-category/servicing-and-maintenance/engine-oil?segment=1&page=1&vid=L5D1VJA8tM8uN06LiRru5g%3D%3D

I wouldn't pay any attention to that SuperCheap system personally.

Yesterday I went to get some oil for my 1750tbi. 
Needs 5-40w ACEA C3 (I'm told)

That system recommends a Penrite oil in the right weight and spec, but then a completely different oil alternative 0-30w ACEA A3... which I'm told will fubar my turbo.

I bought the penrite, but I'm pissed off about all the confusion.

The fella at SuperCheap told me that if the turbo grenades, just tell my insurer (Shannon's) that it was the specified oil by them and all is good.. I'm not sure I like that approach, would prefer the engine not to grenade in the first place
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on August 18, 2018, 01:58:31 PM
Quote from: Haakon on August 18, 2018, 09:19:10 AM

The one I used for the 7500 kms change was Enviro + 5w40 C3 I believe (container thrown out...) - this is only available now in the 0w30.


No, that is the oil I just told you to use, and is still available from all the places I just listed

Enviro + 5w40 ACEA C3

(https://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/img/product_images/web/EPLUS5W40005.png)

What makes you think it's discontinued??
Title: Re: multiair actuator unit.
Post by: bazzbazz on August 18, 2018, 02:06:44 PM
Quote from: Craig_m67 on August 18, 2018, 11:10:51 AM

I bought the penrite, but I'm pissed off about all the confusion.


What confusion? I've been telling you for ages what oil to use . . . . . Not my fault you hate John Laws and can't tell the difference
between Valvoline and Penrite.  ;)

(Private joke, don't ask, long story)  ::)

;D ;D ;D