DougK1
Well-known member
I fully understand this but my response was regarding bum to track clearance.
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
The fault codes should still be stored. I think they have to be cleared if they are to disappear.
Friesiansam
Well-known member
Possibly right. But we're talking about affordable vehicles. I could upgrade a MK1 Escort to near rally spec for the price of a used Audi S-Line Avant.
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.
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
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.
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
Speaking of Alfas and your not having any great love for most Japanese cars, do you recall this:
en.wikipedia.org
The idea of Japanese engineering and Italian style sounds like a great one - but the idea of Italian engineering* and Japanese styling went down like the proverbial lead balloon.
*At least as it was in the early '80s...
Alfa Romeo Arna - Wikipedia
The idea of Japanese engineering and Italian style sounds like a great one - but the idea of Italian engineering* and Japanese styling went down like the proverbial lead balloon.
*At least as it was in the early '80s...
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DougK1
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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.
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.
🤞
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
Well-known member
My daughter is going to Portsmouth for the weekend with some friends. Let's hope it isn't piston rings, but normally if it's burning oil you'd be topping up more often than usual. It hasn't used oil which leads me to believe it's the PCV valve.Bummer
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
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
Well-known member
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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GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
Don't - unless you're a fully-trained mechanic with a touch of ESP.
My daughter has decided to spend the money on getting it through the MOT and drive it until it drops.
My daughter drove the Alfa again tonight. She never uses bad language, but while driving it: "Oh God, this is so fast. Really exciting."
She wasn't driving it any faster than her Mini, it feels more sporty and responsive. I can see her next car being a Mito or Giulietta, although she hasn't mentioned anything for a while.
She wasn't driving it any faster than her Mini, it feels more sporty and responsive. I can see her next car being a Mito or Giulietta, although she hasn't mentioned anything for a while.
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.
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Brooklands Museum :: Italian Car Day 2024
One of the biggest events of the year at Brooklands celebrating the UK’s obsession with all things Italian.
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Spent lunch and afternoon down my bros. Drove his Focus 1.0 Ecoboost. For such a tiny engine it packs a punch.
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
Only taken me from January 2007...
I have a fettish for dashboards and the dials. After all you spend all your time in front of them.
Love the Giulia, typical Alfa looking with deep binnacles and the sat nav is beautifully integrated into the dash, unlike most cars where they look like a tablet glued on top.
Love the Giulia, typical Alfa looking with deep binnacles and the sat nav is beautifully integrated into the dash, unlike most cars where they look like a tablet glued on top.
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