Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 932 Series (156, GTV, Spider, 147, GT, and 166) => Topic started by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 12:18:27 AM

Title: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 12:18:27 AM
Like to contribute for a change  . My 156 GTA was getting fuel smells . Had some tourists in the back seat and wound down the windows and it was not good . After googling , evidently this is a common problem .   The pump after time perishes and leaks through the top of the plastic cover .  Examining is not as hard as you think , two allen key bolts for bottom back seat then remove , then two allen keys for top seat and lift of hinges and you will discover a hatch . The hatch has four 13 mm bolts remove and pull to the side , one fuel pump .        Please PM me am free to explain in detail about this procedure  .   Dont be scared about this if you want to save big $ have a crack at it    After starting engine it was clear that fuel was pissing out of the top of fuel pump.     

So need new fuel pump    . Want to get a good deal . Fuel pump removed numbers say
Bosch   

580 313 075
28702
60682368


Anyone recognize these numbers     

Have emailed some suppliers in england but it looks dear

There is an ad on EBAY from Moorabbin VIC quoting $ 241  sounds good    Any other ideas    Thanks
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 20, 2017, 01:37:44 AM
If the one from Moorabbin is this one -

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151974064886?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Then its the right one and the cheapest price you'll get in Australia.

Baz
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 06:51:13 AM
Yep.  That's it.    Cheers mate. 


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 20, 2017, 10:38:10 AM
Greg, I have had this issue on both my 156s. But despite most workshops usually saying you need to replace the pump in total, my local alfa workshop have been able to repair instead of replace - total cost $280 last time I had it done (8 months ago).
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 01:18:51 PM
Hi poobah.   Any idea how they repaired it.   It's only going to cost me the $ 250 for the new pump as I pulled it out myself. Cheers


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 20, 2017, 01:49:49 PM
I'm not 100% certain, but I think it involves some sort of plasti-welding and new seals. Seeing as you already have the pump out, maybe you could take it round to a workshop and ask if it could be fixed. Might be cheaper. But if its going to cost within 20-30% of a new pump, you may as well just buy the new one and fit yourself.

I know that the workshop I go to does quite a lot of these repairs - they came up with a fix because of the number of 932 series cars that had the issue and the higher relative cost of replacement (at least if you are paying workshop labour). They also swear by the longevity of the repair as a permanent fix. I don't know of anyone who has had to go back for a second fix on the same car afterwards.
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 20, 2017, 02:13:08 PM
The area that normally leaks is the 4 section "Crown" area on top. If you can't get hold of a new pump, or as in my case when I first got "Ruby" you cant afford a new one, the best repair method is using JB-Weld metal epoxy.

You simply just mix up enough to fill the 4 sections on top and leave 48hrs to completely cure. The JB-Weld is impervious to fuel and if any manages to get trough 2-3cm of the stuff . . . .

But as you have the means to replace it, buy the new pump!

Ohh, and did we have fun getting the top fitting ring off?    ;)

Baz
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 04:27:00 PM
Yep.  I reckon I'll
Go for a new one thanks for the input.  I was actually surprised baz.    Used the old trusty blunt chisel and hammer and came off easily.     For those reading this , once you get to the fuel pump you have to unscrew a cap which holds the pump in.     Cheers all.  Let u know how I go. 


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 20, 2017, 04:55:50 PM
Ahh, you HAVE disconnected the battery . . . . haven't you?  :o
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 20, 2017, 05:14:08 PM
Good point Baz. I forgot to do that on my first 156 when changing the stereo head unit, and shorted out half the dash and required new fusebox. So much for savings on the DIY stereo! Still, I'll not make that mistake again...
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 06:28:39 PM
Oops.    But I am alive.    Best disconnect for refit    Doh


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 06:57:54 PM
Oh.  And the best thing.  I found $ 3.75 in change.  18 hair clips. An old McDonald's chip 3 twisties and rubber bands for braces.   See how worthwhile and rewarding this exercise can be. 


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: Craig_m67 on January 20, 2017, 08:44:46 PM
Braces?
I call loom bands

/C
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 20, 2017, 09:47:40 PM
Quote from: 105greg on January 20, 2017, 06:28:39 PM
Oops.    But I am alive.    Best disconnect for refit    Doh


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Hmmmm, may I suggest a full auto Halide Fire Extinguisher System fit out . . . . .I just have that sneaking feeling it's gonna come in handy someday . . . .

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1363/13635981/24722472/412520000.jpg)

:o

;D  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 20, 2017, 10:28:57 PM
Here's one I prepared earlier ... :'(

(no - it wasn't when I changed the stereo)
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 20, 2017, 11:27:20 PM
Ok, I'll ask, how the bloody hell did they rip the hood from the rear hinges . . . .and WHY???   :o
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 21, 2017, 12:23:34 AM
That was the fire crew's decision. Car was completely alight by the time I got out, and I never had time to open the bonnet.

Car was already beyond saving long before the fire truck arrived, and they couldn't get access to the bonnet latch inside the cabin. I guess they figured that was the quickest/safest way to get to the engine bay. It did take them about four separate attempts to completely extinguish.
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 21, 2017, 09:38:41 AM
Since its European they probably thought the bonnet opened that way


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Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 21, 2017, 12:40:24 PM
Certainly shows how tough the bonnet catch itself is, still intact and supporting the whole weight of the bonnet.
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: bazzbazz on January 21, 2017, 02:17:02 PM
Yeah, just a pity the fuel rail wasn't as robust . . . . . .  ::)
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: poohbah on January 21, 2017, 05:14:31 PM
picky picky picky
Title: Re: 156 Fuel Smell
Post by: 105greg on January 25, 2017, 07:29:51 PM
Last. On this.  Just replaced my new pump the one on eBay. Was not right but the sellers were real good and asked me for more info after I bought it. Turns out the one I bought was wrong but these guys went out of there way and made sure I got right part.  The link above good service and arrived overnight from vic to Gympie.    Fitted and all good.     By the way as it was leaking like water through a stocking would that potentially throw an engine light.


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