Alfa Romeo thread - back from the dead!

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DougK1

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It's not just that the Zip cart is so low, it's the very short wheelbase and, relatively, wide track that makes them so agile. Even the little, simple and basic formula Ford cars have a minimum 2 metre wheelbase and 1.2metre track. They also weigh not less than 420kgs and, 500kgs including driver. https://brscc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-FF1600-TECHNICAL-PUBLISHED-13.03.2022.pdf
I fully understand this but my response was regarding bum to track clearance.
 
The fault codes should still be stored. I think they have to be cleared if they are to disappear.
It's possible. I know when I had an intermittent fault with the Alfa (occasionally stalled when warm) it wasn't showing. He guessed - correctly - it was the throttle body. He cleaned that and its been fine. He only charged me a packet of biscuits.

Intermittent faults are very unpredictable.
 
For some reason my Alfa is flying. Ever since the cold snap a couple of weeks ago, the accelerator feels more responsive than usual... it's as sweet as a nut. Not sure if the air quality has changed. Long may it continue.
In theory, colder air being denser means the engine management has more latitude to burn fuel - it's why some engines have intercoolers, and F1 engines (at least used to) employ a 'ramming' effect from the airboxes. How noticeable it is I don't know, but if it's the reason with yours, clearly noticeable enough.
 

DougK1

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In theory, colder air being denser means the engine management has more latitude to burn fuel - it's why some engines have intercoolers, and F1 engines (at least used to) employ a 'ramming' effect from the airboxes. How noticeable it is I don't know, but if it's the reason with yours, clearly noticeable enough.
Agreed. Intercoolers for turbo's and many motorbikes have a ram-air system, definitely works for turbo's not sure about the bike though as I'm no engineer.
 

Friesiansam

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In theory, colder air being denser means the engine management has more latitude to burn fuel - it's why some engines have intercoolers, and F1 engines (at least used to) employ a 'ramming' effect from the airboxes. How noticeable it is I don't know, but if it's the reason with yours, clearly noticeable enough.

Agreed. Intercoolers for turbo's and many motorbikes have a ram-air system, definitely works for turbo's not sure about the bike though as I'm no engineer.
I would think the ram effect at the air intake, on an F1 car must be significant, given they reach 180+mph on the straights. The turbocharged cars I have had, have all had the intercooler mounted in front of the radiator, to maximise it’s cooling efficiency.
 
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In theory, colder air being denser means the engine management has more latitude to burn fuel - it's why some engines have intercoolers, and F1 engines (at least used to) employ a 'ramming' effect from the airboxes. How noticeable it is I don't know, but if it's the reason with yours, clearly noticeable enough.
Yup, you could be right. Still use the same fuel E5 as before but some unexplicable reason it seems like it has 10 more ponies.
 
Took my daughter's Mini in for MOT -- IT failed on emissions.

One worrying advisory: blue smoke on acceleration.

It's going into a Mini/BMW specialist tomorrow. It could be something easy like a PCV which is a reasonable replacement or something more sinister. But it doesn't use any oil which is more encouraging.

🤞
 

DougK1

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Took my daughter's Mini in for MOT -- IT failed on emissions.

One worrying advisory: blue smoke on acceleration.

It's going into a Mini/BMW specialist tomorrow. It could be something easy like a PCV which is a reasonable replacement or something more sinister. But it doesn't use any oil which is more encouraging.

🤞
Bummer :confused_old:
 
Fingers crossed here too!
Bad news.

Valve stem oil seals are shot, cat converter needs replacing, cam shaft followers are worn, Lambda sensors aren't good. Total cost of 2k. More than the car is worth.

I'll sell the car for spares and repairs. Won't get anymore than £300-400 but it's better than scrapping it. The interior is immaculate, no signs of wear on the seats or carpets.

Bummer😪

I feel so guilty as I checked it over with her. She's not blaming me but it doesn't make me feel any better.
 

DougK1

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On top of your other issues that sucks PP. Definitely not your fault as secondhand cars can be lottery, your daughter's car has obviously had a very hard past, difficult to tell at time of purchase.
 
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I've ordered tickets for Brooklands Museum Italian Car Day on the 4th May. I'm going with my bro as my daughter is working and Mrs. P will struggle to get weekend transport. I'm going to park my cheapo Alfa alongside the likes of Maserati, Ferrari etc etc.

 

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