Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 160 Series (90, 75, 164 Sedans) => Topic started by: V AR 164 on March 01, 2018, 04:49:03 PM

Title: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 01, 2018, 04:49:03 PM
Hi all,

Just wanting some peoples opinion on a car that I have the opportunity to snap up. Its another 164 (yes I know I have too many, nevermind that fact), however its going quite cheap due to an engine knock/ squeal.

Attached is a video I took of it running. Personally it does not sound like a bottom end knock, but more like a cam follower or something similar is not happy. Mainly because its not constant like a continuos knock, but more random so to speak. Also it sounds like its coming from the top of the rear head, and not underneath the car.

Any ideas? Maybe a slipped timing belt?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKCKaerD_Zs

Thanks guys, Andrew.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: bazzbazz on March 01, 2018, 05:30:36 PM
Take the belt covers off so you can see the belt tensioner and see if it whacking itself silly back & forth on its stops.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 01, 2018, 06:22:26 PM
Quote from: bazzbazz on March 01, 2018, 05:30:36 PM
Take the belt covers off so you can see the belt tensioner and see if it whacking itself silly back & forth on its stops.

I would, but it's not 'my' car and wouldn't start pulling it apart on him.

Now that you mention the tensioner, I can see where you are coming from. He did have the timing belt replaced a few weeks prior to this, so it could be related.

Thanks, Andrew
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: bazzbazz on March 01, 2018, 08:19:31 PM
Well if it wasn't making the noise before and it is since the change . . . . . just saying.  ;)
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: Citroƫnbender on March 01, 2018, 08:24:04 PM
"They all do that, sir."
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: simmi1983 on March 02, 2018, 11:20:48 AM
30ft pole !
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: poohbah on March 06, 2018, 03:54:07 PM
Not sure if this helps, but i had to replace a sticking idler that was making a bloody awful noise shortly after a belt change on my first v6 156.

Just had a listen to the video - mine sounded nothing like that. More it was a strained sound under heavy acceleration, and wouldn't rev properly above 4500rpm.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: bazzbazz on March 06, 2018, 06:08:39 PM
I had a re-listen to the video, it's the squeaking and rattle that goes along with the  knock that makes me want to bet on belt/tensioner issues.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: bonno on March 06, 2018, 07:19:49 PM
As indicated by Andrew, there was a timing belt change a few weeks earlier, however no indication whether this noise appeared since. If so, then I would suggest it is related and my recommendation is to take it back and get it rectified under repair warranty (if carried out by an Authorised repairer). By the sound of the engine, I would waste no time in getting this addressed, before it becomes terminal.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 06, 2018, 09:43:38 PM
Hi all,

Well I did indeed purchase the car and have it at my place now. Today I quickly jacked up the car and took the front wheel off. I started it and inspected the tensioner, and to my surprise, that was indeed what was making all that knocking noise! So the motor is perfectly fine, just the tensioner is whacking itself against its bump stops. It seems as though the metal cylindrical rod that comes out of the hydraulic tensioner body that puts load against the bearing assembly is stuck in its inmost position.

I think bazz is some kind of magician!!! I plan on pulling the tensioner off and getting it rebuilt with all new seals etc.

So needless to say I am very happy with my new project and can't wait to get it all sorted.

A couple of piccies with both my Q's.

Cheers, Andrew
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: ARQ164 Shane on March 07, 2018, 09:02:27 AM
Hi Andrew
That's great news and I like the 147 wheels
I have been looking for a set myself.

Cheers
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: poohbah on March 07, 2018, 07:29:53 PM
Didn't you post a pic of that 164 last year Andrew, when you were looking for ideas on possible alternative rims for your Q?

I agree with Alphie - those 147 GTA rims look fantastic, and especially with the black duco. One of the meanest looking 164s I've seen, so congratulations on the purchase.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 07, 2018, 07:43:28 PM
Cheers guys  :D

Yes that was indeed this very car. Little did I know I was going to end up with it!

The paintwork is close to perfect and the motor sounds awesome.

It has heaps of upgraded parts such as the projector headlights, 24v side mirrors and a zender rear lip (needs to be repainted). Plus a full exhaust makes it sound very throaty.

Plus it has the optional recaro interior (in perfect condition) found in the 164 Q4. It was never sold here in Aus and cost the previous owner a pretty penny to import from Europe. A pic attached is the interior it has. I haven't got any pics of it so I got one off the net.

In short, a very nice car which I plan to work on over the coming months.

Cheers, Andrew
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: ACE on March 07, 2018, 08:33:27 PM
So Andrew,

Which of the awesome 164some will you be taking to Auto Italia?

April 15 @ Pialligo Estate.
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: ARQ164 Shane on March 07, 2018, 09:15:43 PM
Hey Andrew
So now you have a bb1
You might need to change
Your name to Steve .only joking
But you must have a awesome looking
Shed mate
Cheers
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: stustustu123 on March 07, 2018, 10:13:48 PM
Oh wow, glad it was something so simple! Do you think the return spring in the tensioner is broken, hence allowing it to slap around? I guess the good thing is this didn't allow the belt to slip and cause a more catastrophic outcome. Those pics look great by the way. A red Q, a black Q.... only one colour missing now! :)
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: Joe Garra on March 08, 2018, 12:51:36 AM
Welcome to the black Q club, only 13 came here
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: ARQ164 Shane on March 08, 2018, 09:04:19 AM
Quote from: Joe Garra on March 08, 2018, 12:51:36 AM
Welcome to the black Q club, only 13 came here
So joe would you know how many white ones come here?
Cheers
Sorry Andrew I know it your post just would like to know mate
Title: Re: Engine Knock Diagnosis?
Post by: Joe Garra on March 09, 2018, 05:43:37 AM
I'm not sure. David Wright told me that 41 were imported in total.