Alfa had a heart attack

[Acewal01]

Hi all

My first post vanished so please excuse the abruptness of this one.
My 156 died on me. I thought I had run out of petrol. Turns out the cam belt is buggered and the valves are bent. I know nothing about engines. What does this mean? All I know is I might need a new engine!!

Thanks in advance.

[Blue Flame]

Not a good thing. Valves will be bent if the cam belt broke and on the 156 it usually means a holed piston as well. Start looking for 2nd hand engines in your area, cheapest way out.

[Blue Flame]

whoops forgot to ask, 4cyl or V6? If it is a 4 probably holed piston but if a V6 maybe just bent valves. Either way you'll have to open it up to have a look.

[Acewal01]

Thanks. It's a 156 2.0 Twinspark.

[Erik]

Have the cyl. head off and look at the pistons, it's rare that pistons suffer.
If engine otherwise is OK an exchange cyl.head or rebuild (probably same price) will do, but have new big end shells fitted, as often at big end bearing is shot sortly after a belt breackage.
If engine is very high mileage and/or consumes much oil, it maybe better to find af second hand engine. But remember to have belts changed and engine generally checked.
Erik

[green 69 gtv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Flame Not a good thing. Valves will be bent if the cam belt broke and on the 156 it usually means a holed piston as well. Start looking for 2nd hand engines in your area, cheapest way out.