[kevin bristow]

Hi everyone
I have recently purchased an Alfa Spider 2L twin spark 1996. On picking up vehicle, from cold start up there seemed to be no problems. As vehicle was warmed up, the oil light began to flicker and a deep rattle noise apparent on load. As the car got warmer the noise increased and oil light more prominent. I know this sounds as if it is a big end or mains problem. I wonder if anyone has experience and could say if the bottom is possibly salvagable by replacing shells. Another strange problem, which may be related, is that on revving engine with clutch depressed (stationary) vehicle tries to creep forward. In worst case sceniario, I may possibly have to replace the engine. Can anyone tell me if any other models share the same engine, and are there any pitfalls that can be avoided?
The car is otherwise in very good condition so would really like to salvage it and bring up to its former glory.
Any help would be greatfully appreciated.
(According to the paperwork it had a new clutch approx 300 miles ago).

 

[Turtle4288]

Hello, sounds like the clutch slave needs bleeding. Very easy, its on top of the gearbox under the reasonator chamber.

How bad is the sound under load? Check the lower exhaust bracket as mine makes a very concerning rattle under load only.

But not sure what causes oil light, that is a bad sign

Welcome here!!

Quite a few people have done this job on here so its definitely possible, big end goes when run on no oil for a while, others have found

 

[Chris Cousins]

Big ends can also go if the cambelt snaps. Engines are pretty much the same across all models but note mounting points for 166 are different to all the others.

 

[FoxtrotOscar]

Doesn't sound good... I would say the combination of symptoms you describe point to a bottom end failure, although it would appear to be main bearings rather than big ends. Do you know if the engine has had any major work recently? (big end failure is not uncommon- did the seller slap a set of shells in it and hope for the best?) I guess it was a private sale (no warranty)?
Basically, the only way to economically repair this car would be to fit a good secondhand engine. But before you commit, it would be wise to have a very good look at the rest of the car; these cars have a number of known issues, and you could very easily end up spending way more putting this car right than buying a good one in the first place. There's loads of info on this site, but I'll give you a few hints to start with: check the condition of the radiator, front wishbones, rear suspension bushes, exhaust, and brakes (especially the rear).
Sorry to say it doesn't look like your Alfa ownership has got off to a good start. Good luck!

 

[msgtv]

I have a good 1996 engine/gearbox for sale, 86k miles, I have a video of it running (it's now out of the car), nice engine just want it off my driveway! , strictly pick up only though, I am in Derby.

 

[alexGS]

Well I have salvaged a bottom end by replacing shells. You need a special slim Ribe tool to get the two sump bolts nearest the flywheel out (assuming gearbox in place). Have a look at www.totallyalfa.com for the tool. With the sump off you can remove the big ends and see if the crank journals are scored deeply enough to snag a fingernail. If so, then it's engine-out time. If not, then in my opinion it's worth trying new big end shells assuming mains look OK and the cause of the failure is addressed (check oil pump, look for signs of cylinder head having been replaced after broken cambelt - the impact damage to the big end shells may have been what finished them off). Just my thoughts having been there on a 156.

By the way, the 86k engine sounds like a great option too if you can pickup

Welcome to the forum and I'm sure you'll be enjoying the Spider soon.
-Alex

 

[kevin bristow]

thanks for responces,the really annoying thing is according to paperwork supplied the vehicle has been fairly well maintained.All of the items you have flagged up have been sorted even had new engine 25k ago.The bodywork is in cracking condition and motd a week ago.Saying that not much fun with bottom end hanging out of it.Become quite attatched to it, if nothing else it will make a nice garden ornament although dont think other half would agree

 

[kevin bristow]

just in case,how much are you after for engine

 

[alexGS]

Forgot to mention that you really have to avoid driving the car if there's the chance of saving the bottom end but I guess you already know that they can chew the journals in a few miles if knocking. The fact that things are good when the engine is cold (and oil thick) suggested to me that it might be save-able - best of luck. :thumbs:

-Alex

 

[kevin bristow]

thankyou