KNOWN FAULT · Alfa Romeo

Phaser, oil consumption and timing belt on the Twin Spark engines

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

Engine / equipment: 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 Twin Spark petrol: Alfa Romeo 147 and 156
Period mentioned: Approx. 1997–2010
Symptoms: A diesel-like clatter at idle after a cold start and less power (cam phaser); high oil consumption; with an overdue belt, a risk of serious failure.
Possible cause described: The phaser that adjusts the camshaft wears; on early engines the piston design encouraged oil consumption (changed later). Owners recommend changing the belt every 5 years or 60,000 km.
Check for the garage: Listen on a cold start; measure oil consumption (over 300 ml per 1,000 km is abnormal); check when the belt and phaser were changed.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Anonymous answer, no personal data.

How much does it cost to repair this fault?

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.

A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

How is it checked?

Listen on a cold start; measure oil consumption (over 300 ml per 1,000 km is abnormal); check when the belt and phaser were changed.

What are the symptoms?

A diesel-like clatter at idle after a cold start and less power (cam phaser); high oil consumption; with an overdue belt, a risk of serious failure.

Which cars and years does it affect?

Brands: Alfa Romeo
Engine / equipment: 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 Twin Spark petrol: Alfa Romeo 147 and 156
Period mentioned: Approx. 1997–2010

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