The joys of Italian design

Started by poohbah, January 18, 2017, 03:33:32 PM

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poohbah

Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

V AR 164

Typical Alfa indeed, although am I the only one who doesn't use the washer system?

I also love the fake bonnet, I'm sure they could have made it a functional bonnet and boot with only a couple of kg's added.

Anyone have a similar quirk with their Alfa? Would like to hear some!

Andrew.
Present:
-1992 164Q
-1993 Hilux Surf

Past:
-2006 159 2.4 Ti

poohbah

Plenty of classic quirks to name - like the central hatch strut in the 116 GTV making it a hatchback in which you cannot fold down the rear seats. Or the finger-amputating handbrake in the 75.

And of course, the need to clear half the engine bay of the V6 156 in order to change a rubber cambelt ... making what should be a $150 job a $1500 job.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

bazzbazz

$1500 !!!!!   :o

I gotta raise my rates, I am just waaay too reasonably priced!   ::)

;D
On The Spot Alfa
Mobile Alfa Romeo Diagnostic/Repair/Maintenance/Service
Brisbane/Gold Coast
0405721613
onthespotalfa@iinet.net.au

bazzbazz

Quote from: poohbah on January 18, 2017, 03:33:32 PM
This kind of thing drives me nuts about Alfa ...

Well its not THAT hard, you undo 4 screws (granted, a pain in the ass) but then all you need is a garden hose to fill it.  ;)

Here's one for you . . . . .where is the fuse for the A/C compressor, not the fuse for the A/C control system, but the fuse for the compressor. (and looking up my posts on the web will be considered cheating!)   >:(

:)
On The Spot Alfa
Mobile Alfa Romeo Diagnostic/Repair/Maintenance/Service
Brisbane/Gold Coast
0405721613
onthespotalfa@iinet.net.au

poohbah

I'll have to check my last bill a few months back - pretty sure the cambelt change on its own was about $1500. The total bill topped $2k of course, including some other odds and sods plus 6m service etc.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

poohbah

Fuse for A/C compressor on the 4C or on a 156?

No matter - I have no idea.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

poohbah

I'm not too pleased with the location of the oil pressure sender on my '81 GTV either. Mine needs replacing, but what a faff to get to.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

bazzbazz

The fuse for the A/C compressor doesn't exist . . . . .it uses the Cigarette lighter fuse!!!

Took me a whole night searching for the bloody thing, not even any of the local Alfa or Indie service centres knew.   ::)

So if your A/C ever stops working, see if your lighter is on the blink too before you take it to your local A/C service centre.

;)
On The Spot Alfa
Mobile Alfa Romeo Diagnostic/Repair/Maintenance/Service
Brisbane/Gold Coast
0405721613
onthespotalfa@iinet.net.au

poohbah

Interesting bazz. I recently had the AC compressor bearing replaced, and the unit regassed (it wasn't working when I bought the car). The mech however said I might need to replace the whole compressor too (+$1K!), because he thought it may have a failing/dodgy electrical switch which meant the AC would randomly stop working after a few minutes.

That said, it now seems to work all the time when I turn it on  - though I hardly ever bother. I prefer window down, arm out ...
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

105junior

I paid $1200 for a cambelt change 3 years ago but all that was changed was the belt & tensioner,
This time around it got the burger with the lot,  paid $1k labor plus parts that I sourced from Alfaworkshop, probably $2k all up
72 GT 1600 junior with 2L transplant
73 spider Veloce
04 GT 3.2