Turbo Troubles...

[JH88]

I went into the local service centre yesterday for them to look at the ESP, Steering column and Hill holder warning messages..

In connecting the vehicle to the computer they found issues with cylinder 2 + 3 and also low bottom pressure in the turbo.

 

The words of the service manager were "Keep an eye on your performance, if the car starts to act sluggish then it'll need repairing"

 

Through a Facebook group I've connected with an Italian guy that works in an Alfa/Fiat/Lancia service centre. He tells me that he heard of someone replacing the Delta turbo with a Giulietta unit.  Anyone ever heard of something like this?

Has anyone had turbo issues previously?

 

I have a feeling the previous owner used to thrash the car and didn't idle the car for a few minutes before shutting down the engine. Previous owner said turbo was removed, repaired and reinstalled at around 90,000 kms (currently vehicle is at 112,000 kms).

 

Help..

Edited July 31, 2018 by JH88

[MikeyRules]

What issues did they find with cylinders 2&3 then? That sounds more worrying than the turbo to be honest!

 

I had a turbo flutter on my 1.6JTDM last year when coming off boost quickly. It gradually became more apparent as time went on, so I sent the turbo to a friend of mine who's the technical director at Turbo Technics here in the UK. They stripped it down, did an ultrasonic clean of all the internals and then replaced most of it, pressure tested it, and sent it back as new again.

 

To be honest I still can hear a slight flutter occasionally when I come off the loud pedal quickly, so I do wonder if something else is causing it? I've no boost leaks or split hoses as far as I can tell.

Plenty of Alfisti have gone hybrid with turbo's, so that's one option. When I had a 1750tbi 159 Sportwagon, I remember there being two different turbo's for that engine. Although I have a feeling they weren't a straight swap, but that was 7 years ago, so can't remember exactly?

 

Edited August 1, 2018 by MikeyRules

[JH88]

Thanks Mikey,

cylinders 2&3 have some knock in them. i'm in the process of sorting that out as well as replacing front discs and some other minor repair work... is it normal for a delta to need work done to it roughly every 3 weeks?!?!

[Cassino]

I would say that you have bought a Delta,that shall we say.......has been used hard....

My unmodified MA petrol 1.4 has not needed any work other than oil,filters etc at 50,000 plus miles.

 

I think you have been a little unlucky...

[MikeyRules]

No and not common for any FCA product . I've had mine for nearly four years and it's been a good car over the last 30k.Like any car, condition and history is everything! If you don't buy a car with your eyes open, and a thorough inspection of a cars cosmetic and mechanical condition as best you can, or by taking a Tech with you if you're unsure, then you leave yourself wide open. It sounds like you've bought an unloved one that's been ragged hard.

[JH88]

In my defense i can say that I had the previous owner travel over 100kms to bring the car to my trusted mechanic. Mechanic checked the car and told me that front discs need replacing so I was ready for that. But taking into consideration the 2+3 cylinders, leaking air conditioner (still isn't fixed 100%) and the turbo pressure issue, I'm certain that previous driver loved thrashing the car (probably reaching speeds in excess of 200kph) and never let the turbo idle after running it or letting the engine warm up properly when starting.

 

Annoying, but I still love my Delta

[MikeyRules]

Ah fair enough fella, it sounds like you did everything you could to mitigate any problems. Just unlucky by the sounds of it.

 

Hopefully you'll stick with it, and get it all sorted!

[JH88]

Man I am sticking with this car! Beautiful Delta has her fair share of dings and dents, also an ugly key scratch ( ) down her passenger side, but I love her. Already making plans to give her a good quality polish and wax and then see if i can afford a clear wrap.

 

Right now the only thing I'd replace Delta for is a proper sportswagon, but don't have the bank for that and doesn't look like those vehicles will be having good quality depreciation in the coming 2-3 years.

Fun Fact: Back in 2011, when my Delta was brand new and sparkling in the Israeli showroom, her spec cost the equivalent of 57,300 GBP. When I bought her less than 2 months ago she cost me 8,280 GBP. That is some very profitable depreciation on my behalf