- Welcome to Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum.
Recent posts
#1
932 Series (156, GTV, Spider, 147, GT, and 166) / Partial surrender - no more da...
Last post by poohbah - Today at 12:22:57 PMGarage update.
I feel a little bit like a surrender monkey, but I have just made the difficult decision to give my '02 156 GTA a break from the daily grind of peak hour commuting at the ripe old mileage of almost 280,000km.
This follows a frustrating 4-month period which has involved some reasonably serious expenditure (+$9k including normal servicing) and a handful of unscheduled trips on a flatbed to resolve various sudden age-related issues. I'm still in front, given I bought the car so cheap in late 2021 ($8500 and the $4k I spent then to get it up to spec for local registration) and the next two years were largely trouble free, requiring mostly just scheduled maintenance.
However, the recent issues included clutch failure/replacement (fair enough after 270,000km...), radiator fan failure/replacement, a failed injector (failed fully open, hydrolocked one cylinder but cut out before any damage - I thought I'd killed her...), coil packs replaced on rear bank at same time, snapped gear selector cable, another fuel line leak, and the engine bay fusebox failed out due to hidden corrosion and required replacement along with various associated electrical repairs (it shorted out half the instruments and electrical functions). To cap it off, I've just discovered the AC is leaking again.
The GTA is still the best car I've ever owned, so I'll be keeping it and using it weekends and maybe one or two days a fortnight for work, but I think its time to start backing off the mileage - I've done about 50,000km in the almost three years I've had her - and see if I can stretch out the frequency of major unscheduled repairs (I'll still service it 6 monthly).
To achieve that end, I've picked up a supercheap daily workhouse from what I reckon is the most Alfa-like Japanese manufacturer - Subaru. For the princely sum of $1800, I acquired the pictured 2002 Outback 2.5i with just over 255,000km on it.
Crazy I hear you say - all the same risks as the GTA... Sort of and not really.
For starters, I'm well acquainted with the quirks of Subaru (we've had 3 Foresters, including my wife's current 2019), and I am fully aware of their reputation for headgasket failure, transmission failure, timing belt failure, and incessant oil and coolant leaks. My new toy was owned by a pretty handy spanner twirler (now driving his Brumby ute with a Forester-swapped boxer in it) and has no leaks to speak of, the headgaskets were replaced at 225,000km with MLS ones (WRX style), the timing belt was done at the same time, along with fitment of a heavy duty clutch and single mass flywheel (yep she's a manual, no CVT worries either). Everything works - even the AC and windows, no clear coat peel, straight body and no rust, even the interior is unmarked. Plus, it's had a lift kit, HD offroad tyres, bull bar and spotties fitted - even has a working CB radio. To round it out, it came with rego til the end of January 2025. The only real job I need to get onto is to replace a couple of CV boots.
So far I love it, and without wanting to jinx it, she seems a good 'un. And hopefully it allows the GTA the dignity of more fun adventures than riding on the back of a flatbed...
And despite "encouragement" from the missus to sell the '81 GTV, I've kicked that suggestion into the weeds too ... for now at least!
I feel a little bit like a surrender monkey, but I have just made the difficult decision to give my '02 156 GTA a break from the daily grind of peak hour commuting at the ripe old mileage of almost 280,000km.
This follows a frustrating 4-month period which has involved some reasonably serious expenditure (+$9k including normal servicing) and a handful of unscheduled trips on a flatbed to resolve various sudden age-related issues. I'm still in front, given I bought the car so cheap in late 2021 ($8500 and the $4k I spent then to get it up to spec for local registration) and the next two years were largely trouble free, requiring mostly just scheduled maintenance.
However, the recent issues included clutch failure/replacement (fair enough after 270,000km...), radiator fan failure/replacement, a failed injector (failed fully open, hydrolocked one cylinder but cut out before any damage - I thought I'd killed her...), coil packs replaced on rear bank at same time, snapped gear selector cable, another fuel line leak, and the engine bay fusebox failed out due to hidden corrosion and required replacement along with various associated electrical repairs (it shorted out half the instruments and electrical functions). To cap it off, I've just discovered the AC is leaking again.
The GTA is still the best car I've ever owned, so I'll be keeping it and using it weekends and maybe one or two days a fortnight for work, but I think its time to start backing off the mileage - I've done about 50,000km in the almost three years I've had her - and see if I can stretch out the frequency of major unscheduled repairs (I'll still service it 6 monthly).
To achieve that end, I've picked up a supercheap daily workhouse from what I reckon is the most Alfa-like Japanese manufacturer - Subaru. For the princely sum of $1800, I acquired the pictured 2002 Outback 2.5i with just over 255,000km on it.
Crazy I hear you say - all the same risks as the GTA... Sort of and not really.
For starters, I'm well acquainted with the quirks of Subaru (we've had 3 Foresters, including my wife's current 2019), and I am fully aware of their reputation for headgasket failure, transmission failure, timing belt failure, and incessant oil and coolant leaks. My new toy was owned by a pretty handy spanner twirler (now driving his Brumby ute with a Forester-swapped boxer in it) and has no leaks to speak of, the headgaskets were replaced at 225,000km with MLS ones (WRX style), the timing belt was done at the same time, along with fitment of a heavy duty clutch and single mass flywheel (yep she's a manual, no CVT worries either). Everything works - even the AC and windows, no clear coat peel, straight body and no rust, even the interior is unmarked. Plus, it's had a lift kit, HD offroad tyres, bull bar and spotties fitted - even has a working CB radio. To round it out, it came with rego til the end of January 2025. The only real job I need to get onto is to replace a couple of CV boots.
So far I love it, and without wanting to jinx it, she seems a good 'un. And hopefully it allows the GTA the dignity of more fun adventures than riding on the back of a flatbed...
And despite "encouragement" from the missus to sell the '81 GTV, I've kicked that suggestion into the weeds too ... for now at least!
#2
116 Series (Alfetta Sedan/GT/GTV & Giulietta Sedan) / Re: 116 Giulietta Seized Bleed...
Last post by festy - Today at 11:25:01 AMI had one stuck solid on my Alfetta, I tried everything but ended up having to drill it out. The brass was falling apart so I couldn't get a good grip on the head, and no amount of heat and/or percussive persuasion could budge it.
I've barely ever used the bleed screw though - with the front end up on ramps the radiator cap is the highest point in the cooling system (on my 116 GTV at least, I assume Giuliettas would be the same?)
I've barely ever used the bleed screw though - with the front end up on ramps the radiator cap is the highest point in the cooling system (on my 116 GTV at least, I assume Giuliettas would be the same?)
#3
Buy/Swap/Sell [Announce ONLY] / Giulia Sprint GT Veloce interi...
Last post by Anth73 - Today at 10:45:52 AMAvailable is a set of Giulia Sprint GT Veloce front seats, rear seat and door cards for restoration.
These seats are exceptionally rare to find now and are complete with runners.
Will not separate.
$3600 firm
I can be reached on 0408 408 two five nine. Located in Ivanhoe.
These seats are exceptionally rare to find now and are complete with runners.
Will not separate.
$3600 firm
I can be reached on 0408 408 two five nine. Located in Ivanhoe.
#4
Buy/Swap/Sell [Announce ONLY] / Wreaking 147 GTA
Last post by Dna Dave - September 17, 2024, 11:43:00 PMGuys,
Unfortunately it was hit in the rear end and has been written off, so it is now a parts Car, at the moment its still driving so you can hear the engine running, most parts are still available, it is blue in colour
Located in Sydney, It is a selespeed with 120,000, was a very nice car,
Call David 0419624193
Unfortunately it was hit in the rear end and has been written off, so it is now a parts Car, at the moment its still driving so you can hear the engine running, most parts are still available, it is blue in colour
Located in Sydney, It is a selespeed with 120,000, was a very nice car,
Call David 0419624193
#5
116 Series (Alfetta Sedan/GT/GTV & Giulietta Sedan) / 116 Giulietta Seized Bleed Scr...
Last post by Avanyan - September 17, 2024, 12:54:09 PMMy cooling system bleed screw above the thermostat housing is stuck. i am afraid i will strip it.
Could anyone help with some ideas to try to get it loose or some other innovative ways of bleeding the cooling system?
Could anyone help with some ideas to try to get it loose or some other innovative ways of bleeding the cooling system?
#6
Buy/Swap/Sell [Announce ONLY] / Giulia Sprint GT and GTC front...
Last post by pancho - September 16, 2024, 11:38:29 AMRepaired and ready for chrome, these bumpers are specific to the 64 / 65 GT and GTC models.
Sitting in copper at the moment. All fixing points are sound, ready to go.
Melbourne pickup.
$3200 the pair.
Sitting in copper at the moment. All fixing points are sound, ready to go.
Melbourne pickup.
$3200 the pair.
#7
Buy/Swap/Sell [Announce ONLY] / 105 Door repair parts
Last post by AlfaBris - September 14, 2024, 07:13:57 AMHi All.
Looking for some 105 door repair panels parts, and wondering if anyone has parts of old doors or panel lying around that may be able to help me out.
Im looking for there areas around the hinges upper and lower (i.e. the usual places) and trying to see if I can get patch part rather than a whole door.
Please message me if you have anything.
Thanks in advance.
Looking for some 105 door repair panels parts, and wondering if anyone has parts of old doors or panel lying around that may be able to help me out.
Im looking for there areas around the hinges upper and lower (i.e. the usual places) and trying to see if I can get patch part rather than a whole door.
Please message me if you have anything.
Thanks in advance.
#8
Buy/Swap/Sell [Announce ONLY] / For Sale: 2006 Alfa GT 2 Ltr S...
Last post by Olschool - September 12, 2024, 09:58:31 PMHi all, my neighbor is very keen on selling his GT ... Too many cars,not enough time to drive and pamper them all.
As much as I can remember of the car along side John's comments/wishes are as follows.
(1)...2006 ,Red with striking tan leather interior.
(2) other than a couple of spots of peeling clear coat the body is straight and unmolested
(3) 2 ltr JTS Selespeed transmission
(4) registered,and runs beautifully
(5)a touch over 100ks travelled
(6) sold as is,no RWC
(7) $3500 negotiable
(
needs it gone by the 21st
Message me on 0411576950 and I'll pass on details.
As much as I can remember of the car along side John's comments/wishes are as follows.
(1)...2006 ,Red with striking tan leather interior.
(2) other than a couple of spots of peeling clear coat the body is straight and unmolested
(3) 2 ltr JTS Selespeed transmission
(4) registered,and runs beautifully
(5)a touch over 100ks travelled
(6) sold as is,no RWC
(7) $3500 negotiable
(
needs it gone by the 21stMessage me on 0411576950 and I'll pass on details.
#9
939 Series (159, Brera and Brera Spider) / Re: 159 Ti Brake Pads/Rotor co...
Last post by MattK - September 10, 2024, 04:57:56 PMDecided not to fit them myself (yeah I know) but for anyone curious, those discs were the correct size and fitted without issue.
#10
939 Series (159, Brera and Brera Spider) / Re: 159Ti - Driver side window...
Last post by MattK - September 10, 2024, 04:56:53 PMupdate: I fixed it with the replacement motor