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-   -   Some more newbie questions (http://www.autobanter.com/showthread.php?t=208)

Ypnos June 22nd 04 09:06 PM

Some more newbie questions
 
Hello again

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm a complete newbie, not only to Alfas
but to cars in general (only owned a car for a year). So I have a few
questions.... They will probably seem daft, but here goes anyway.

For an Alfa 156 1.8TS 16v - UK version

1) Cleaning the engine. How would I go about washing it safely? It's
absolutely filthy (not oil, just what it has been picking up off the road)!
2) Oil. I know it's been asked before, but I'm confused by the amount of
answers. I don't particularly want to send off for Selenia oil but I also
don't mind spending good money on good oil.
3) Engine coolant. It's less than a third full, should I fill it? Can I
drain it first? If so, how? What make of coolant?
4) Redex - Yes or no? Are there other cheaper makes that are just as good?
5) Would it make sense to have an FAQ with dumb questions like these? :)
6) Any other tips for a new driver?

Thank you in advance!



Catman June 22nd 04 09:29 PM

Ypnos wrote:

> Hello again
>
> As mentioned in a previous post, I'm a complete newbie, not only to Alfas
> but to cars in general (only owned a car for a year). So I have a few
> questions.... They will probably seem daft, but here goes anyway.
>
> For an Alfa 156 1.8TS 16v - UK version
>
> 1) Cleaning the engine. How would I go about washing it safely? It's
> absolutely filthy (not oil, just what it has been picking up off the
> road)!


Wouldn't bother IIWY. If you *really* want to do it, get some Gunk and use
a hose. Steam cleaning is generally reagarded as bad for underbonnet
electronics, but I've never been 100% convinced.

> 2) Oil. I know it's been asked before, but I'm confused by the
> amount of answers. I don't particularly want to send off for Selenia oil
> but I also don't mind spending good money on good oil.


Castrol Magnatec is just fine IME. You really don't need Selenia.

> 3) Engine coolant. It's less than a third full, should I fill it? Can I
> drain it first? If so, how? What make of coolant?


Not sure about the 156, but there should be min and max marked on the
header. Check the manual. Any decent brand should be fine. You can drain
it if it is indicated by the service schedule, or you really want to.

> 4) Redex - Yes or no? Are there other cheaper makes that are just as good?


General consensus is they are all as pointless as each other. YMMV

> 5) Would it make sense to have an FAQ with dumb questions like these? :)


Possbily, but they're not actually that F. The FAQ was originally created
as a way for me to limit off topic and spam posts. We have polled for more
questions in the past, but there has been little response.

> 6) Any other tips for a new driver?


It's an Alfa, you've made a good start. Enjoy :)
Coming to Alfa day?
> Thank you in advance!


Pleasure
--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
Alfa 116 Giulietta 3.0l (Really) Sprint 1.7
Triumph Speed Triple: Black with extra black bits
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

Pete June 22nd 04 09:50 PM

On Tue, 22 Jun 2004 20:29:00 GMT, Catman >,
wrote:

>> 3) Engine coolant. It's less than a third full, should I fill it? Can I
>> drain it first? If so, how? What make of coolant?

>
>Not sure about the 156, but there should be min and max marked on the
>header. Check the manual. Any decent brand should be fine. You can drain
>it if it is indicated by the service schedule, or you really want to.


Periodic check to see the level is between min and max. If you stand at the
front of car facing the engine, the header tank is on your left, but the
markings are hard to see on the front right corner of the tank. Stand to
the right and look across the radiator at the tank and you will see easier.

Any decent make of anti-freeze mixed as per the label on the bottle.

Pete
--
>
156 2.0 TS (2001) - Proteo Rosso (his)
147 2.0 TS (2002) - Gem Green (her's)

SteveH June 22nd 04 11:27 PM

Catman > wrote:

> > 4) Redex - Yes or no? Are there other cheaper makes that are just as good?

>
> General consensus is they are all as pointless as each other. YMMV


Only worth trying on an older / higher mileage car, IMHO.

Works best if poured neat into the cylinders and left to soak for half
hour or so........ neighbours weren't impressed, though ;-)
--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300
VW Golf GL Cabrio - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 155 TS Lusso - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Ypnos June 22nd 04 11:27 PM

Thanks for your reply! :)

What's an Alfa day and where's it at? I'm in the North West of England...



Catman June 23rd 04 07:08 AM

Ypnos wrote:

> Thanks for your reply! :)
>
> What's an Alfa day and where's it at? I'm in the North West of England...


*The* national meeting of Alfa Romeo owners. This year is also the 40th
Anniversary of the owners club. Many *many* Alfas will be present.

This Sunday

Boughton House
Just outside Kettering, Northants
--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
Alfa 116 Giulietta 3.0l (Really) Sprint 1.7
Triumph Speed Triple: Black with extra black bits
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

David C June 23rd 04 10:35 AM

"Catman" >
> > What's an Alfa day and where's it at? I'm in the North West of

England...
>
> *The* national meeting of Alfa Romeo owners. This year is also the 40th
> Anniversary of the owners club. Many *many* Alfas will be present.
>
> This Sunday
>
> Boughton House
> Just outside Kettering, Northants
> --
> Catman


I hope the rain passes this area by and lets the sun shine over Boughton
House on Sunday.
I don't want a repeat of the flood at Spring Alfa Day 2004...!!
--
David C
156 Selespeed sp3 + Brembo conversion



David C June 23rd 04 10:35 AM

"Catman" >
> > What's an Alfa day and where's it at? I'm in the North West of

England...
>
> *The* national meeting of Alfa Romeo owners. This year is also the 40th
> Anniversary of the owners club. Many *many* Alfas will be present.
>
> This Sunday
>
> Boughton House
> Just outside Kettering, Northants
> --
> Catman


I hope the rain passes this area by and lets the sun shine over Boughton
House on Sunday.
I don't want a repeat of the flood at Spring Alfa Day 2004...!!
--
David C
156 Selespeed sp3 + Brembo conversion





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