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nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

A cam belt tensioner on the passenger side (rhd) decided to disintegrate at about 65mph (ouch!) . Engine stopped pretty much immediately without any bangs, and didnt sieze, drivers side cam belt is ok.

This is the first alfa ive ever owned, (3 weeks to be exact ) and i was wondering if theres any chance that ive escaped without too much damage, or does this sort of failure always mean disaster?

The power steering rack also needs changing ( i have a spare one), so am i best just pulling the engine and having a look inside the head and do the rack at the same time, or may i get away with just replacing the belt in situ, resetting the timing then compression testing the engine and hoping alls well.

If anyone has any advice id be much obliged, the cars in pretty good all round nick, hardly any rust and generally very clean, however it only has a months mot left so i dont fancy spending a load of time and money on the engine only to find out it fails the mot badly as well.

If anyone has any advice id be very grateful.

Thankyou

martin

tvatavuk · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:54 pm Post subject:

In case engine didn't stop by itself there would be a fair chance, but since it did Crying or Very sad

Pistons and valves can touch so min damage to expect would be bent valves, but probably there is more.
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Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

thanks for the reply...

when i say the engine stopped, i mean it stopped firing, not that it stopped turning - but probably still knackered anyways i guess.

I would have thought it would have kept firing on the two drivers side pistons, but these are lifeless as well. Its all too much for me, Confused

so what would be your advised course of action now? Find a good 2nd hand engine or strip and assess this one? ( or give up on the whole thing and buy a sensible car)

gritsop · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject:

Hi,

It is a good opportunity to have the problem side of your motor repaired. Valves, valve guides , tappets etc will be like new after the repairs...

After all you cannot always know the past of a second hand motor, it can hide problems... Of course the price of a replacement motor is always lower than repairing the faulty one but stick to your motor as you know its history so far. (hopefully)

And there are no sensible cars ... Tensioners and belts are a MUST to replace when buying a car, not only for Alfas ...
So, don't take it wrong. Wink

Regards and welcome to the 33 legend,
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Bellamachinna · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:57 pm Post subject:

Hi...

I agree with Gritsop.
Overhaull your engine. Buying a second hand unit, will probably save you money, but you will never know how it was treated in his "other life".

Repairing your engine, you will end up with a "as new" engine...

Good luck
P.Camilo
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nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

Cheers for the advice people,

Wheres the best place to start pricing up parts for this engine by mail order in the UK as im up on the isle of skye so the local autofactors are pretty expensive. Most of my experience is with old VW's, rover p6's and fergie tractors, so i wouldnt have a clue where to look.

The car was my brothers who had it for 6 years, so i new the history fairly well and he had spent a lot of time and money on it - the cam belts had been done 25000 miles ago with new tensioners. I had em on the to do list after the mot and steering rack, but hadnt the time to get em sorted immediately - Guess i should have made time.... Smile

One other question, if i decide it isnt worth the expense to repair the engine is there any value in a P4 in this condition? (not necessarily financial - more due to its rarity)
If i havnt the time or money to do the work id rather the car went to an enthusiast who would repair and use it - but it would have to be trailered from NW scotland. Ive also got spare p4 gearbox, 2 steering racks, viscous coupling, cpu and lots of lights, trim, clocks etc that i bought when i got the vehicle. Mechanically the car is sound, the 4wd knocks a bit on full lock and theres a whine from the back axle at about 60mph but thats all, body and trim is very good - it just needs a patch welding on the boot floor by the washer bottle.

Again many thanks for the advice.

Martin

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 7:27 am Post subject:

Hi,

A head rebuild is easy on the 16V ; only harsh point is, exhaust guides are made of steel instead of bronze and will easily break when hammered in.
Apart from this, a straight job.

regards,
zp

Admin · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject:

Hi

I normally land up ordering stuff from Alfa Shop in Norwich.

I took the engine out of my P4 without dropping the gearbox. It was easier than disconnecting the prop shaft.

All the best

Keith

Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Martin,

You could try fitting new belts and just turning the engine over carefully by hand and see if it feels as if anything is touching - although it may already be too late for this as valves may be bent. In my experience the repair is more time consuming and potentially more expensive than fitting a replacement engine. If you can find a replacement engine with good believable history I personally would go that way. To my mind it is just easier. I do totally however understand what others say about repairing them. It is a little down to personal choise and working out from what is available which is the best way to go.

I you decide to part with the car I would definately be interested in it. I had one till last year and sold it for some silly reason! I would love to have another one - and collection would be no problem.

Best regards,

Edward.
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nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

sorry, been a while since ive been on here, car is still sitting behind endless other projects.....

Thanks for all the advice Cool

Think what ill do is replace the tensioner that fell off and fit a 2nd hand cam belt ive got onto the engine and then try turning over before i take the engine out, if its knackered ill probably go the 2nd hand engine route in preference to a rebuild - does anyone know of a decent 16 valve engine for sale in west scotland?

Edward, if i decide to get rid then ill let you know, body wise the cars pretty darn tidy and the interiors great - would you really collect from NW skye? You must be keen Laughing

Thanks again

martin Smile

Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Martin,

Well after all it is a real car and well worth putting back on the road. I do miss my P4 and would welcome the opportunity to have another. Yes Skye is a long way from Bristol, but I used to travel to that areas alot in the past for holidays.
If you did decide to part with it I would combine the journey with some other things I could do with doing in your neck of the woods. I would just collect it on my tailer.

Let me know if you decide one way or the other.

Best regards,

Edward.
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The faster the better.

nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

No worries edward,
will let you know within the next few days after ive talked with the little lady about it. Would be a shame to see it deteriorate cos ive so little time to work on the thing.

Will let you know

Martin Cool

nitram · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Location: skye

edward,

did you get my pm about the car?
Its not showing in my sent box.

cheers

martin Smile

Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Martin,

I have just logged in quickly - and will respond properly when I get a moment. Will be back shortly.

Edward.
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The faster the better.