147 queries

[Shining_Light]

Had my 147 about a week and am mightily impressed, just wondered what i should know. had a few warnings about oil consumption (was told a litre every 1000 miles on collection), anything else to look out for? thanks a lot

Check the oil once a week and the tyres also.

What mileage is on the car?
Good luck with it btw, fabulous car!!!!

[PMackey]

Timing Belt needs to be done every 36k.
Diesel sound on startup is a knackered Variator (wait till next TB change to fix)
Suspension isn't exactly great, might end up replacing parts of it on a regular basis depending on roads / driving style

They're the main ones, basically just keep an eye on the oil / fluids, wash/polish her regularily and she'll be fine.

[Shining_Light]

theres 70k on it and its just had a timing belt. just wondered, is the standard cd player really jumpy for everyone else? any little bump in the road and the cd skips. thought about fitting my old head unit but everything matches at the moment and i'd like to keep it that way!

[Warsash 147]

CD player in mine is fine on original CDs but not keen on copies (personal use only). As for what to watch out for - cam belt definitely at 36K plus all pullies & other belts (I'm not technical). I had a rear catalyst go at about 68K. Changed variator at 74K. front tyres last around 15K, rears have covered about 18K & lots only just half worn. Suspension squeaks - recently had prob with front n/s upper wishbone - no wear just needed re-greasing. Squeaking clutch pedal. Make sure you have a spare key as my only key died on e a year ago - special order to Milan for a new one. Fluids - yes check regularly. Usually check weekly & need to top up oil fortnightly (depends on your mileage). A 5 litre can will last me about 2 to 3 months. NEVER let it get low!!!!! Various recommendations on oil change time. I usually get my car serviced yearly & cover less than 12K in a year. Due to amount of oil needed in top ups in almost gets a constant oil change. Apart from that a good independant Alfa specialist is always useful.

Main thing is give your car the TLC it deserves & it'll thank you.

Just enjoy driving your 147

[Shining_Light]

what oil is everyone using? should i try to stick to alfas recommendation of selenia? or is any good quality synthetic 10w 40 ok?

[colander69]

I use Castrol's Magnatec... I'm told its the best out there at the mo.... expensive stuff, but you will want the BEST for your babay afterall.

[PMackey]

Originally Posted by Shining_Light

theres 70k on it and its just had a timing belt. just wondered, is the standard cd player really jumpy for everyone else? any little bump in the road and the cd skips. thought about fitting my old head unit but everything matches at the moment and i'd like to keep it that way!

My cd player is fine, even for burned cds. If you want to change you can get fascias on fleabay to go around the radio.

[Warsash 147]

Originally Posted by Shining_Light

what oil is everyone using? should i try to stick to alfas recommendation of selenia? or is any good quality synthetic 10w 40 ok?

I usually use Castrol Magnatec it's dearer than Halfords own but I hope it's better. Don't use the Selenia oil - I'm told it costs an arm & a leg. Think the main thing tho is to keep levels topped up & change oil regularly

[colander69]

I serviced mine in July, filled her with magnatec, only to be told last week she was low on oil.... would you believe I got petrol in a station I don't usually use, and the car stalled after a mile and a half.... mechanic took 8 pints of water out of the tank... coulda done real damage, but he flagged the low oil to me during this stay....

[fangbosun]

Originally Posted by colander69

I serviced mine in July, filled her with magnatec, only to be told last week she was low on oil.... would you believe I got petrol in a station I don't usually use, and the car stalled after a mile and a half.... mechanic took 8 pints of water out of the tank... coulda done real damage, but he flagged the low oil to me during this stay....

I hope you went back and told them!

[colander69]

oh yeah, they had 3 other victims the same day, and paid for repairs and fuel that had to be dumped. sought legal advice and my solicitor told me he settled one recently for same issue... 2k damage was done in that instance!!! Mine was only small in comparison, but my alfa could have expired hadd I pressed her on when I became aware she was not running properly... pays to respect your alfa

[jizzbee]

SHINING LIGHT
my 2L 147 has the same problem with the CD player .still trying to work out why.My wifes focus cd player seems to be fine over bumps..

[David C]

Originally Posted by pb5691

Usually check weekly & need to top up oil fortnightly (depends on your mileage). A 5 litre can will last me about 2 to 3 months.

5L of oil in 2-3 months...!

That is a lot.

As for the oil to use, get the best you can afford and you may even find the oil consumption drops with a better oil.

I'm using Redline 10W40.
Expensive @ about £13/L + delivery, but consumption dropped to less than 2L/year.

Still check weekly though.

[David C]

Originally Posted by colander69

I serviced mine in July, filled her with magnatec, only to be told last week she was low on oil....

Does that mean you had not checked the oil level since July...?
4-months...

[colander69]

after puttin in 45 euro worth of oil 3 months ago... yes!!! i wouldn't have thought she should be consuming so heavily... will keep an eye to it now though

[jug]

i decided to use carlube tripleR 10w40 semi synthetic oil as a flush oil for a few hundred miles, but i've now decided to use it long term because my oil consumption has stopped completely.

[alimac1973]

my cd player skips in my 147 as well, all aprt of the character of the car, definately keep an eye on your oil, I nearly goy caught out on that once, could end up very costly if it knackers your cam variator.