Question Hi Stephen! I have an Alfa 147, which is almost 4 years old with 37,000 miles. It recently developed a massive engine oil leak. When I took it to a garage (not Alfa dealers), they identified that the oil leak was caused by the excessive crankshaft end float. They suggested that I take it to Alfa dealers, as this might have been a manufacturing fault. However, Alfa Romeo dealers and HQ refused to admit to it, claiming that it was the other way round and that the crankshaft problem was caused by the lack of oil.
I regularly check oil levels, as I do high mileage and I have had a car for 10 months now without this problem manifesting itself. Alfa advised that this might have been caused by the previous owner. But wouldn't I notice oil levels dropping before then in this case?
I since moved my car out of the dealers to the first garage, who are replacing the engine (ouch!), but it's still cheaper than Alfa. They took the engine apart and showed me the parts, where one of the caps was almost completely worn out and they described to me that if the crankshaft problem was caused by the lack of oil, other parts would be destroyed.
I was therefore wondering if you have come across anybody with similar problem on 147 (or any other Alfa for that matter) and whether this problem might have been caused by the manufacturing process?
Many thanks!
Alex
Answer Low or no oil pressure will first damage the rod bearings.
It is highly probable that the previous owner severly abused the engine and disguised it with additves that disappear with the next oil changes. I know of many ways to disguise motor damage for resale-- I look for them when I inspect for a potential buyer.
