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2.2 Timing Chain + Gear

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chain timing
2K views 21 replies 7 participants last post by  rupertg 
#1 ·
I've had my 159SW since 2007, when I bought it new. It's about to have its 5th timing chain and associated gear replaced. The first one stretched within 3 months, and they go every 20,000 miles on average.

I extended the warranty to year 5, so they've all been replaced under warranty. The last was replaced under the parts warranty, as the vehicle warranty had expired. I then had a real battle (with the threat of legal action) before ARUK agreed to warranty that new one for 12 months.

Thank god they did, as it now needs replacing again! They've said they won't warranty this part any further after this replacement.

I won't go into the awful problems I've had with certain dealers, but does anyone know how I might get this sorted once and for all? It seems really wrong that they can wash their hands of a known fault, just because the car is getting old. It's not like it's usual wear and tear!
 
#4 · (Edited)
I think it's always been the chain and gear they've replaced, although I've had quite a lot of the gearbox replaced, two new body computers, fuel injectors, fuel pump, complete new front suspension and engine mounts over the years.

Ned, I'm in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Alfa insist I get the work done at a main dealer.
 
#7 ·
Mine went a second time just over a year after the previous owner had it done at a main dealer that was no longer trading. I had it sorted out by Ned at Autolusso over a year ago when they changed a camshaft variator (I think) at the same time and since then no more problems.

Do ARUK and their main dealers actually know anything about the cars they sell??
 
#18 ·
Update: HWM's mechanic has resigned, so I took it to Kinghams, who said there was nothing wrong with the timing. Said the solenoids and variators must be clogged, and charged me £450 for an engine flush.

They said it was all sorted. Drove the car for two miles, and the engine light came back on. They say that'll be £1200 to replace the bits, as they must still be clogged.

Seriously.
 
#20 ·
You do have some luck with garages, don't you? The latest lot doesn't sound any better than the first bunch. £450 for an alleged engine flush that didn't work... You've surely got to be able to get that money back.

Take it to Autolusso, I've had no trouble since they sorted my timing chain problem.
 
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