Hi all,
I own a 2004 147 Selespeed. I have had it for the last 4 years/40,000kms and it is currently at 181,000kms. In the last couple of weeks I have noticed the car has developed a Selespeed oil leak. Usually there are a few drops in front of LHS wheel, but today it was more of a puddle. For the last 2 weeks I have been regularly topping up the fluid with celenia cs. Roughly 300ml of fluid has been used so far. I had a look under the car to find the source of this leak but was unsuccessful. I live in tas and my 147 used to go to Fogarty autos who has since shut down. I was wondering if anyone can recommend an Alfa specialist (preferably in the Hobart area) who I can take my 147 to for an inspection and repair.
Thank you,
Dev
While I can't recommend anyone in Tasmania for you I can advise you what the issue most likely is.
The most common cause of the leakage you are referring to is from a failing Selespeed accumulator. The accumulator is the big black sphere attached to the front of the Selespeed actuator, it stores the pressure generated by the pump, and uses that stored hydraulic pressure to operate the Selespeed system.
The accumulator is simply a metal sphere with a rubber bladder stretched across the inside of the neck, with nitrogen gas behind it. As the pump pumps fluid into the sphere it fills the bladder, which compresses the nitrogen, thus creating the required pressure for the system to operate.
With age the bladder splits/leaks, and fluid will build up behind it. When you top the fluid up there is now extra fluid in the system, so at night as the system depressurises the reservoir fills back up, but now the system has extra fluid in it, the reservoir now overflows out the overflow pipe, leaving you a lovely little gift by the front left tyre.
Clear as mud?
The following is just my opinion and 15 years of experience specialising in Selespeeds -
One other thing to be aware of, as the accumulator wears out, the pump has to operate at a higher cyclic rate to maintain pressure, so it wears the brushes at an accelerated rate. Thusly I always recommend that if your replacing either the pump or the accumulator you do both as a set, because if one is worn out the other is surely going to fail sooner or later as well. Best to do both and avoid the cost of going back and doing it all over again.
Good luck and I'll ask a college who lives down your way if he can recommend anyone.
Baz
My associate suggests you give these guys a try - www.davidshortautomotive.com.au (http://www.davidshortautomotive.com.au)
Thank you for your reply and mechanic recommendation. Had another look for the leak today, this time focussing on the accumulator, which definitely seems like the source of the leak in this case.
Cheers,
Dev