I've just been quoted about £130 for an oil and filter change from an Alfa garage. Isn't that a bit much? I was expecting more around the £50 mark. Would I be better of using a local garage? I don't think that there are any independants down here.
Best bet possibly, get your own supply of oil, and a OEM filter, and then find someone who won't pull the sump threads. Might pay to get that new sump plug washer/seal as well. But that price you mentioned stings!Ouch!:
Yep! they seem to lack that just 'nip it up' touch, and just graunch away at it. No chance you can safely raise the front and DIY it? Suppose not, but would be the answer if you could.:
I havn't even looked at the sump plug on the 156 2.4yet. What sort of tool do I need to undo it? Is it a hex or a star bit I need..and does anyone know what size.
Oil & Filter change imminently needed and I must DIY if I can this weekend.
Best bet possibly, get your own supply of oil, and a OEM filter, and then find someone who won't pull the sump threads. Might pay to get that new sump plug washer/seal as well. But that price you mentioned stings!Ouch!
The threads on the 156/147 sump are easily damaged by mechanics who overtighten the sump plug. It is quite common and suggests the parts are too weak and fragile. If they are damaged it is necessary to have the hole in the sump rethreaded and a new thread called a helicoil inserted as a permanent repair.
This is not particularly expensive, but is a pain.
an oil change is the simplest of jobs, even for a novice, except maybe for getting access to and removing the old oil filter.
You do however need the whole car level while the oil drains out, or some old stuff stays in, thats why you cant just jack it up and do it, however......heres an easy way to do it wi just a jack,
lift the car with the trolley jack enough for you to get under to undo the sump plug, let the oil strart draining into a basin, then while its doing so, let the jack down gently until the car is down and level, as long as there is room under the sump for the basin. Once its emptied out, lift it up again and remove the filter, fit the new one (hand tight only) after smearing some new oil on the seal and threads of the filter.
Lower the car again, after refitting the sump plug, its now level once more and oil tight so you can put in the new oil, remember to put the exact right amount in inc. the filter capacity.
Start the car, and check for leaks. Dont rev it until the filter has filled with oil and the engine is quiet and smooth.
(sidenote: Scooby's btw have to have their oil filter filled before fitting and the HT leads off so it doesnt start until oil pressure is good, or the knock sensors detect the start up noise and retard the timing, and it runs like a bag of ****e until its reset.)
Dont suppose alfas are like that but you never know....could be the cause of more stupid problems in other cars than we realise....
I find a 5 litre plastic bottle (the sort squash, distilled water, car shampoo, even oil now comes in) with one side cut out is ideal. You can then transfer the old oil to another can or bottle for disposal through the existing top.
Or you can buy a oil drain can from somewhere like halfords which works on the same principle ... just costs more!
Just seen your post AL: The original on the 147 was a 'starred bit' fixing when we got her, which was a bit chewed up Managed to remove it, and replaced it with the later heaxagon type. Since then, I have changed the oil umpteen times, with no problems, sometimes buy a new sealing washer,(neoprene?lipped version,) just for good measure.:
The threads on the 156/147 sump are easily damaged by mechanics who overtighten the sump plug. It is quite common and suggests the parts are too weak and fragile. If they are damaged it is necessary to have the hole in the sump rethreaded and a new thread called a helicoil inserted as a permanent repair.
This is not particularly expensive, but is a pain.
yes actually I have recnetly bought my 147 and it was leaking from the sump so I gave it to a mechanic and he told me it needed re threading he tried this and was unsuccesfull because he said the aluminoum is to frigile so he has used another technic not sure what and after this he has also sealed it so it does not leak so from nw on my oil changes have got to be from somewere else and not the sump.
any suggestions
Sounds like he's simply sealed it but permanently ie bodge.
The only way you will get the oil out properly is via that plug. You might be able to get someone like KwikFit to suck the contents out through the dipstick hole but if you do, take your own oil or I'm guessing you'll end up with the cheapest stuff they have on the shelf and it won't be right for the Alfa engine (10w40 semi synthetic!). And watch them refill it or do it yourself.
Ultimately, that's going to need a new sump or take it to someone else for a second opinion on the helicoil option.
That 147 of yours doesn't sound like it's been looked after too well by the previous owners ... did you not get some sort of warranty on it? I'd have a word with the dealers you bought it from ... or was it a private "sold-as-seen" deal?
Sounds like he's simply sealed it but permanently ie bodge.
The only way you will get the oil out properly is via that plug. You might be able to get someone like KwikFit to suck the contents out through the dipstick hole but if you do, take your own oil or I'm guessing you'll end up with the cheapest stuff they have on the shelf and it won't be right for the Alfa engine (10w40 semi synthetic!). And watch them refill it or do it yourself.
Ultimately, that's going to need a new sump or take it to someone else for a second opinion on the helicoil option.
That 147 of yours doesn't sound like it's been looked after too well by the previous owners ... did you not get some sort of warranty on it? I'd have a word with the dealers you bought it from ... or was it a private "sold-as-seen" deal?
I will be getting my oil changed from the guy who fixed the sump I am using 5w40 fully synthetic and I bought the car froma auction which was a company car with high miles.
Strange that you got another starred bit ,sump plug Gazza The hexagon, (female type) has been no trouble in over four years now, and like yourself, just use a 3/8th. drive with just nominal torque.:
thanks for the advise but as far as I know 5w40 is same thickness as 10w40 at high temperature but thinner when cold providing a better protection on cold start up so its actually better and its recomended by alfa aswell specailly in cold area's
I think they are thinking of places like Finland and Russia! People on here using 5w40 have complained about high oil consumption. You might be lucky but remember to check your oil very, very regularly ...
Between the two marks on the dipstick is around 1 litre. You should never let it drop below the bottom minimum marker .... test it when the engine is COLD and on a level surface.
Hope you get her sorted shortly Amir.: If the threads on the sump drain have not been too badly damaged, the Helicoil insert is a good route to go, if you know someone competent enough to clear the hole nice and square, and re-tap threads, before the insert is fitted? Good Luck.:
I usually drain my oil into an old cat litter tray. The TS is very easy to change, I don't even bother jacking uo the car (my undertray is missing).
The V6 oil filter is a swine to change, on mine it would only just fit due to an exhaust heatshield being in the way. You also have to move the power steering pipes..
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