Hey guys. Before I get started, FYI, my mechanical knowledge is pretty poor.
Bought a second hand alfa about 4 months ago. Had a few issues, shuddering a little, seemed to be using up a lot of oil, creaking in front suspension.
Took it in to the mechanics (dedicated european one)
Turned out all the spark plugs were screwed and needed replacing, and the thermostat, and the front suspension arms.
So I got that done and a coolant flush and filter change. Got them to give it a good look over, they said it was in good condition and shouldn't give me too many problems after that service.
The mechanics showed me the plugs, which were all pretty badly worn, one of them was rusted (!)
So a while later I noticed that the car was smoking a fair bit in the morning and still shuddering a little. I googled it and asked around, worried about the worst, but thought it may be just a minor issue.
Today I checked the oil again and it was below the E line, despite being topped to F less than two months ago. That, plus the smoke, and the rusted spark plug makes me think there's a blown head gasket.
So, after forking out $1,650 for the most recent service, and getting told it's in good condition, it seems I'm going to have to spend at least that again.
What I'm really worried about is that all this time driving it I might have done irrepairable damage to the engine as well.
And I'm very very annoyed at the mechanics who spent a lot of time on my car but didn't apparently notice the issue.
Now I need to decide what to do. Is it going to be worth me scrimping together enough to get the head gasket fixed if the engine has been screwed in the process? I doubt I could find anyone to buy it in it's current condition, and there's no way I would get back more than half what I've paid just three months ago. >:|
Any advice?
Bought a second hand alfa about 4 months ago. Had a few issues, shuddering a little, seemed to be using up a lot of oil, creaking in front suspension.
Took it in to the mechanics (dedicated european one)
Turned out all the spark plugs were screwed and needed replacing, and the thermostat, and the front suspension arms.
So I got that done and a coolant flush and filter change. Got them to give it a good look over, they said it was in good condition and shouldn't give me too many problems after that service.
The mechanics showed me the plugs, which were all pretty badly worn, one of them was rusted (!)
So a while later I noticed that the car was smoking a fair bit in the morning and still shuddering a little. I googled it and asked around, worried about the worst, but thought it may be just a minor issue.
Today I checked the oil again and it was below the E line, despite being topped to F less than two months ago. That, plus the smoke, and the rusted spark plug makes me think there's a blown head gasket.
So, after forking out $1,650 for the most recent service, and getting told it's in good condition, it seems I'm going to have to spend at least that again.
What I'm really worried about is that all this time driving it I might have done irrepairable damage to the engine as well.
And I'm very very annoyed at the mechanics who spent a lot of time on my car but didn't apparently notice the issue.
Now I need to decide what to do. Is it going to be worth me scrimping together enough to get the head gasket fixed if the engine has been screwed in the process? I doubt I could find anyone to buy it in it's current condition, and there's no way I would get back more than half what I've paid just three months ago. >:|
Any advice?