Not Again!!!!

As i said in my previous thread (Keeping 147 running), my car has recently been fixed at a so called alfa specialist. It was a big billed job, even had to replace the engine top due to the damage caused by the valve head that broke off. I ve been driving the car for about 1000km without any problems, and last week all of the sudden the low oil pressure light came on. I check my oil regularly, and so I again checked to find that the oil level is still fine. Since the car was still driving fine and was just repaired, I kept on driving. The next day while it did the same again and the later stopped running while driving up a mountain pass. The started again, and i slowly drove back home. What is going on with this car??

This isn't going to help you but i'm constantly amazed at the number of people who keep driving the car when the oil pressure warning light comes on.

I know i shouldn't have, but i thought it might be crazy electronics.

Chances are it is exactly that but the consequences of it not being are very expensive! :-)

What could be the cause of low oil pressure? The oil level was fine, and as said the engine almost entirely redone.

I phoned the guy who did the work on the car and he said i should remove the petrol cap to see release pressure, and press a reset button under the front passenger seat. I could find the button under the seat though? Its apparently to reset the electronics after an accident.

Low oil pressure could be caused by a bit of rubbish from the previous engine dramas getting into the pump and wrecking it, or possibly by worn main bearings (maybe also cause be rubbish going through them).

The button under the seat is to reset the fuel injection which cuts off if the car has a decent impact.

Hi bun 147. Im Kaj from Joburg. I just got a 147 2001 model in February and as i read the service book I saw the cylinder head had
been replaced,all well and done fine. but a few days ago the engine
started sounding like a diesel car,no warning lights are on though
so I immediately changed the oil with a superior oil obviously
and oil filter and changed the spark plugs but the noise persists.
Im seriously getting worried know and Im not using the car. Anyone
got advise asto what the problem migh be? I suspect the valves or
valve lifters.

Its Kay, sorry for the spelling error and ita a 147ts

Originally Posted by WJC397GP

Hi bun 147. Im Kaj from Joburg. I just got a 147 2001 model in February and as i read the service book I saw the cylinder head had
been replaced,all well and done fine. but a few days ago the engine
started sounding like a diesel car,no warning lights are on though
so I immediately changed the oil with a superior oil obviously
and oil filter and changed the spark plugs but the noise persists.
Im seriously getting worried know and Im not using the car. Anyone
got advise asto what the problem migh be? I suspect the valves or
valve lifters.

Probably the variator. You can replace it next time the cambelt is done. In the meantime it will be noisy and you may not get full power/smooth running.

Originally Posted by Bun147

What could be the cause of low oil pressure? The oil level was fine, and as said the engine almost entirely redone.

Unfortunately in a lot of cases when the valves meet the pistons it can have a detrimental effect on the crank bearings. You may find it needs a bottom end rebuild having just had a top end one...

Kay - one option on your diesel sound is that the timing variator needs replacing.

Bun147 - are you sure the correct grade of oil was used after the rebuild? If it's getting too thin when hot, this would cause low pressure warnings.

Kay, I also reckon it is the variator. My engine also did that before the variator got replaced.
Richward, the guy who did the work on the car put in full synthetic straight 30.

Originally Posted by Bun147

Richward, the guy who did the work on the car put in full synthetic straight 30.

Well that's probably not helping!

Normal Twin Spark oil is 10/40 with an optional 10/60 for hard use.
Unless the specifications are completely different in South Africa your oil hasn't got enough capability when it's running hot....

I think youre right. do you think that would solve the problem? But i trusted the guy knew what he was doing.

After the car stalled, the msg came on that the abs, asr and other functions failed. What the reason, can it be faulty electronics? This was not the first time this happened.

Ive rechecked with the mechanic, and he says he did use 10w40 synthetic oil. Big end bearings was also replaced. Having my oil pressure checked by a alfa dealership today, so hopefully theyll find the problem. Any other ideas in the meantime? Cheers

Bun147, I remember you posting a week ago or so. At the time I asked about the big end bearings because of the valve damage and hence 2 replacement pistons. I'm sure your engine has now suffered a catastrophic loss of oil pressure because of original damage to the big end bearings. I think it is bad news, and I take no joy in saying so. The crankshaft is possibly damaged beyond repair and the resultant swarf throughout the engine means a complete rebuild will be necessary. I hope your garage is able to work something out for you.

I hope I'm wrong, but I really don't think so.

I think now I have highlighted that, many others will agree.

To view the previous thread I mention, look here. (Keeping 147 running)

Arrghh. It's my post no.666, so that's not good.

Should they have rewplaced the crankshaft when they work on the engine after it broke a valve head? I really cant spend more money on the car, this is the 2nd breakdown in 4 months! Thanks for your honesty, eventhough im really hoping youre wrong. Well see what the dealership tech say after they checked the pressure. Ill keep you posted

The crankshaft would have been ok at the time of original repair. The big-end bearings (at the bottom of the con-rods) would have been damaged. The problem has arisen due to failure to recognise this had happened. This arose out of inexperience of the Twin Spark engine.

This issue is not confined to Alfa Romeo engines. Many other manufacturers have very soft engine bearings. Alfas suffer more than most because of the relative radical profiles of the camshafts in order to produce the power that Alfa engines are famed for. This is why after valve to piston contact, well versed mechanics change the big end bearings to avoid the sort of problem the 147 is suffering.

Had the oil pressure checked, and it was confirmed that is is too low!!
So you where right, there's major damage again. Cant believe this happened to me!! That oke who did the work is def gonna repair the car at his own expense, ill make sure of that.

Took the sump off 2 days ago, and to my amazement found that the big end bearings were never even replaced, even though it was charged for. Gonna get the insurance guy to come check it out, and then its pay back time for the mechanic. They could charge him for fraud, but ill be happy just to get my car in perfect running condition again. The crankshaft looks to be in fine condition. In the meantime its gonna be a while before i can drive my 147 again.

If the crankshaft is in good condition, then it may be just possible that there is not swarf throughout the engine. If that is the case, new big end bearings and an oil and filter change or two may just get you out of the poo. The engine oil pressure will have to be rechecked to make sure all is well. It is perhaps a long shot, but it may work.