Alfa Romeo 1.8 TS
The 1.8-litre Twin Spark produces 140 hp and sits between the mild 1.6 and the characterful 2.0 — a good all-round compromise. Same Twin Spark technology with twin spark plugs, same rev temperament to 6,500 rpm. In the GTV and Spider the engine sounds more characterful than in the closed 156 cabin. Phaser susceptibility lower than the 2.0, timing belt change identical at 60,000 km. Consumption moderate (8–10 l/100 km), power adequate for daily use.
Pure Open-Air Emotion
Convertible Alfa with 144 hp — not blindingly fast, but with the wind in your hair and the Twin Spark sound absolutely enchanting. Feeling over performance figures.
Engine Weaknesses 8
Alfa originally recommended 120,000 km and shortened the interval several times to 60,000 km or 5 years. Belt failure causes total engine destruction through piston-to-valve contact.
Symptoms: No warning — engine suddenly refuses to start or loud crack on belt failure
The O-rings of the oil galleries between head and block (perbunan) swell and deform when exposed to engine oil. Cylinder 4 is particularly affected: coolant enters the oil, visible as milky emulsion on the oil filler cap.
Symptoms: Milky residue on oil filler cap or dipstick, coolant consumption without external leak, white smoke from exhaust on a warm engine.
Insufficient oil supply (missed oil changes, oil loss) leads to con-rod bearing failure. The crankshaft then needs to be reground/polished. Repair costs €700–1,000 for machining plus bearings; severe damage requires engine replacement.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or hammering from engine (especially under load), oil pressure warning light, noticeable power loss.
The camshaft phaser tends to stick. Rough running and power loss result.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, harsh throttle response
Thermostat fails to open reliably, coolant loss through a leaking water pump. The pump's plastic impeller can break and interrupt coolant circulation. Recommendation: always replace water pump during timing belt change.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge fluctuates or rises above 110 °C, coolant level drops without visible external leak, cooling fan runs unusually often.
From approx. 150,000 km the valve stem seals harden. Oil consumption of 0.5–1 l/1,000 km and blue smoke on cold start are typical.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, increased oil consumption, faint oil smell
The throttle body potentiometer's contact tracks wear out and supply incorrect signals to the engine ECU. Result: unstable idle, poor throttle response. Cleaning helps; relearning via OBD is required.
Symptoms: Rough or fluctuating idle between 500–2,000 rpm, engine hunts after cold start, vehicle jerks on throttle lift-off.
Lambda sensors have a lifespan of approx. 100,000 km. A worn sensor delivers incorrect mixture control, the engine runs rich, and fuel consumption rises sharply. Often misdiagnosed as an ignition problem.
Symptoms: Significantly increased fuel consumption (15–20 l/100 km), rough idle, engine management light, fault code P0170/P0172 (mixture too rich).