[Gqv666]

Hey everyone new poster so sorry if this has been done loads of times but here I go!:
So I've got a Dec 2010 Gqv 60,000 miles Fsh and well kept,here's the thing,the turbo doesn't whistle faintly like other turbos I've heard or driven but seems to whine slightly a bit like a car in reverse if that makes any sense? Otherwise the car runs fine pulls nicely and is generally quick as ....! Any ideas is it normal? Cheers in advance!

 

[Its_welshy]

Hey everyone new poster so sorry if this has been done loads of times but here I go!:
So I've got a Dec 2010 Gqv 60,000 miles Fsh and well kept,here's the thing,the turbo doesn't whistle faintly like other turbos I've heard or driven but seems to whine slightly a bit like a car in reverse if that makes any sense? Otherwise the car runs fine pulls nicely and is generally quick as ....! Any ideas is it normal? Cheers in advance!

How loud is it?

I barely hear mine at all, a very faint whistle when the stereo is off and the windows are up.

 

[Gqv666]

Hey cheers for replying,it's definitely audible,I'm not 100% it's the turbo because I can kinda hear it on tick over and it increases with rpm which made me think it may be the turbo spooling? The only way I can describe it is like a less noticeable car reversing sound?! I bet that makes no sense right?! I looked at some videos of GQVs on YouTube and the stock ones I could find seem to have the same sort of noise,I just wanted to know if it was the turbo or maybe something else? I thought one of you gurus would have the answer!

 

[Its_welshy]

Hey cheers for replying,it's definitely audible,I'm not 100% it's the turbo because I can kinda hear it on tick over and it increases with rpm which made me think it may be the turbo spooling? The only way I can describe it is like a less noticeable car reversing sound?! I bet that makes no sense right?! I looked at some videos of GQVs on YouTube and the stock ones I could find seem to have the same sort of noise,I just wanted to know if it was the turbo or maybe something else? I thought one of you gurus would have the answer!

If its ok tick over, it's defiantly not the turbo.

Are you in the south east? you're welcome to come compare against mine if you are? might be worth taking it to an indy if you're worried, turbo's aren't something that you should leave if you're concerned.

 

[Gqv666]

Thanks for the offer mate but I'm in Northern Ireland! I had a scooby mechanic listen to it (impreza specialist he knows his turbos!) and he said it sounds fine to him,maybe I'm just over sensitive?! As for the rest he said belts are all in good nick,nothing seems suspicious?! I'm sure I can hear the same kind of sound coming from others but QVs are few and far between here!

 

[Erik Loye]

I'm never heard any sound that could come from the turbo on my 120TB (or the Fiat Bravo 120 TJet I had before the G).
Could the noise you hear be the generator, water pump bearing, belt drive tensioner or power steering motor?

 

[Gqv666]

Water pump tensioner and cam belt all replaced 18 months ago so I'm reluctant to point the finger that way,good shout though,I'm at a loss because the car really has no symptoms,maybe it's just an "Alfism"?

 

[Gqv666]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeoYsu0cHz8

 

[Gqv666]

Hope the vid helps

 

[Gqv666]

Morning bump
I'm thinking alternator belt maybe?

 

[David WB]

That does not sound too abnormal from what I have heard of a few TBis so far.

There is a little bit of a scrape noise that does not sound like the turbo to me, turbos usually make a much higher pitched noise than that when they show signs of stress. It almost sounds like very loud whistling (a small whine is usually normal from any turbo), which I can't hear in that particular video. It does sound more like a pulley or such is slightly scraping or the bearing is not quite right. But I could be wrong.

Along with that, there is the typical clickyness that I have heard in nearly every TBi, but I think that's just normal behaviour.

I must say though, considering most of your video is you walking around, it is quite hard to tell. What you should do is put a bridge camera or an SLR or your phone securely into the engine so that you are not wandering around and all we hear is excessive wind noise.

 

[Erik Loye]

The only undue sound I hear is valve clatter or something similar. I would go to an Alfa dealer or specialist for a diagnostic.

 

[David WB]

The only undue sound I hear is valve clatter or something similar. I would go to an Alfa dealer or specialist for a diagnostic.

I thought that too. But every single TBi I have seen seems to make that click. I have heard three Giulietta QVs, and couple of 159s make that exact click.

It doesn't sound too indifferent from the click that many TS engines make.

Perhaps there is some underlying fault. But I don't know.

It seems quite common to turbo petrol engines, I've heard some TFSI engines make a similar noise.

 

[Gqv666]

Hey everyone and thanks so much for your responses! Firstly apologies for the video,il certainly make sure I stand still next time!
I went to my trusted Indy today and both him and another mechanic listened to the G,neither of them thought it was abnormal and said it was "normal running noise" one said it might be an alternator bearing starting to wear but it wouldn't even warrant attention until it was way louder,so all in all I think it's safe to assume that I'm just extremely over sensitive!

 

[David WB]

Hey everyone and thanks so much for your responses! Firstly apologies for the video,il certainly make sure I stand still next time!
I went to my trusted Indy today and both him and another mechanic listened to the G,neither of them thought it was abnormal and said it was "normal running noise" one said it might be an alternator bearing starting to wear but it wouldn't even warrant attention until it was way louder,so all in all I think it's safe to assume that I'm just extremely over sensitive!

Oh I wouldn't worry too much.

The GQV is our first turbo engine, and believe me, I am always scared out of my wits that it will explode. The slightest noise happens and my head is under the bonnet. :lol:

I think coming over from a TS too, doesn't help the situation. If I even so much as see a belt I assume it's going to snap immediately. You're not alone.

But the engine has been magnificent so far I must say. Just keep yours well serviced and make sure you use the correct oil, fully synthetic and your turbo should be fine for many years to come, unless you are very unlucky. Have a look around the rest of the forum. Don't heed the advice of Alfa either on the long service intervals, I would recommend half intervals on the oil change myself than what the service manual recommends, and many other members do this so they minimise the turbo risks. Give it a good going over at least once a year and you'll be all good.

Other than that, its a really strong engine.

 

[Gqv666]

Great to hear I'm not alone! And thanks for the advice,I always keep my cars well serviced and change the oil regularly,but I very much appreciate the heads up