Alfa Romeo Forum - View Single Post - 156 2.4 JTD

Pud237 · 23-01-2008

Originally Posted by formbyruss

The 184 has the swirl flaps too, but only on auto models.

I'm not too sure if the swirl flaps are used on both auto and manual on the later 204 models.

Yes, both auto and manual of the 204 got swirlies, and you're right the 184 auto got 'em too. So 184 manual is the only safe option other than an E92.

Originally Posted by formbyruss

I can't remeber the turbo num but it's a Garrett (184).

The turbo itself on them tends to be ok, it's often the vacuum control that controls the vanes that go. There is a lot of confusion about replacing the actuator; I have been told numerous times that you can and can't renew the actuator without renewing the whole turbo on them. In the end I gave up lol....

You're right about 320d's; they do have an even more fragile turbo aparantly. They use swirl flaps in the manifold too (Same thing as 3.0 184) But there are many cases of the flaps coming undone and eaten by the engine.

BM are very quiet about whether the design/ materials of the flaps have been changed or not over the years. I would not trust them over 90,000 on any BM engine (one of the reasons I'm gettting shut of my 330).

If you decide on a 330d or 320d just do your homework first! I didn't and seriously regret it now.

Check out BMWland forum and look at the thread on 320d about poor lifespan/performance. Pretty much all the issues apply to 330ds too.

Hahahah know what you mean about beemer owners lol! Hope you enjoy watever you choose!

I think there's a new part number for 330D 204 bhp inlet manifold, indicating it might have been changed...

I've read about failures at 30,000 miles, I don't think I'd take the risk!

If you change the inlet manifold, it comes warranteed from the dealer, for 2 years and also covers any damage its failure within those two years might cause. I think getting it changed is about £500, so £250 a year for piece of mind and get it changed bi-annually, might be an option for someone with a 204 model that is worried but really likes the car.

Your right about needing to do your homework, the old pump-engined 320d is a safe bet too though, the 130bhp one. That'll take you to the moon and back no problems.

Funny that nothing's been mentioned in the press about these serious engine problems though?

23-01-2008	#55 (Post Link)
Pud237 AO Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Yorkshire Posts: 14,519 Member car: Alfa 156	Re: 156 2.4 JTD - Project 250+bhp Originally Posted by formbyruss The 184 has the swirl flaps too, but only on auto models. I'm not too sure if the swirl flaps are used on both auto and manual on the later 204 models. Yes, both auto and manual of the 204 got swirlies, and you're right the 184 auto got 'em too. So 184 manual is the only safe option other than an E92. Originally Posted by formbyruss I can't remeber the turbo num but it's a Garrett (184). The turbo itself on them tends to be ok, it's often the vacuum control that controls the vanes that go. There is a lot of confusion about replacing the actuator; I have been told numerous times that you can and can't renew the actuator without renewing the whole turbo on them. In the end I gave up lol.... You're right about 320d's; they do have an even more fragile turbo aparantly. They use swirl flaps in the manifold too (Same thing as 3.0 184) But there are many cases of the flaps coming undone and eaten by the engine. BM are very quiet about whether the design/ materials of the flaps have been changed or not over the years. I would not trust them over 90,000 on any BM engine (one of the reasons I'm gettting shut of my 330). If you decide on a 330d or 320d just do your homework first! I didn't and seriously regret it now. Check out BMWland forum and look at the thread on 320d about poor lifespan/performance. Pretty much all the issues apply to 330ds too. Hahahah know what you mean about beemer owners lol! Hope you enjoy watever you choose! I think there's a new part number for 330D 204 bhp inlet manifold, indicating it might have been changed... I've read about failures at 30,000 miles, I don't think I'd take the risk! If you change the inlet manifold, it comes warranteed from the dealer, for 2 years and also covers any damage its failure within those two years might cause. I think getting it changed is about £500, so £250 a year for piece of mind and get it changed bi-annually, might be an option for someone with a 204 model that is worried but really likes the car. Your right about needing to do your homework, the old pump-engined 320d is a safe bet too though, the 130bhp one. That'll take you to the moon and back no problems. Funny that nothing's been mentioned in the press about these serious engine problems though? Weekend toy: Alfa 156 3.0 24v V6, Silver with red leather, Q2 diff, GTA Teledials, headlights & inlet manifold, AutoDelta carbon intake, BMC CDA, decat pipe and SuperSprint rear box, FK coilovers, Dastek Unichip - my 245bhp beast! Gone but not forgotten: Alfa 156 2.4 JTD Veloce, Vela Blu, Angel 'mad map' & BMC CDA, Ferodo DS2500s - the fastest tractor in town! AO 'Bratpacker' No 5.