[alfa] Re: V6 Belt Tensioners

["Michael P" <livebait1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard's blast is awesome...so many people have bought Alfa's, back-dooring
into the Italian car mystique, not realizing that though they can be
obtained cheaply, the cost and attention to maintenance is nothing like
American or Japanese cars.  If you want that set-it-and forget-it
maintenance-free relialibility, don't buy any Italian car, period.   I buy
OEM parts unless there is absolutely no other choice; it costs what it
costs.  I have an Alfa/Ferrari/Fiat mechanic that I trust to do the work
that I have neither the time or the tools to do.  I change the synthetic at
regular intervals, and I get the stuff done @ 30K that needs to be done, it
costs what it costs.  When things start wearing out, I replace it ASAP.  My
Alfa V6 engine is a rock-hard stud.

I knew all of this going in.   I love driving and owning my Alfa; I take
care of it, and it has taken care of me.

I still have the original hydraulic tensioner in my '87 Verde.  No problems
to date.

Mike in SD


----- Original Message ----- >
> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:06:03 +1300
> From: "Richard Jones" <stanley@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] V6 Belt Tensioners
>
> What is it with you guys in the States? All this talk of the hydraulic
> tensioners leaking and failing makes me wonder what the hell you guys do
to
> your cars over there. I have owned an Italian car workshop and owned Alfas
for
> years including 2 current V6 powered cars and have never encountered half
the
> problems you guys seem to have had. Both my current V6`s still run the
> original hydraulic tensioner with never a problem and not a drop of oil
> leaked. One car has 220000km`s on it , the other 155000. Neither has been
> touched. They are however maintained well, both run synthetic oil and
always
> have done , plus I keep my engines clean including the shaft protruding
from
> the tensioner (just by high pressure garden hose). The cars are not babied
> though with a regular thrash to 7000( rev cutout removed)
>    The one thing you can say about Alfa is they are not weak mechanically,
> they may have skipped on the trim and minor anciliary items re quality
control
> but never on the mechanicals. These cars were developed by great engineers
and
> were tested harshly. Do you really think the group of enthusiast engineers
> (with very little regard to cost) would have let out of the factory an
> inferior engine with a serious fault. How do you guys think the GTV6`s
> obtained so many victories in touring car racing in Europe etc? I know
having
> been involved in one enterprise that the belt tensioners were left alone
and
> considered ultra reliable in fact the engine and the balance were
considered
> prime assets of the car-weight being its major issue. It is common for us
here
> in New Zealand to also follow the factory recommendation regarding belt
change
> interval unless the belt is contaminated(Corrosion inhibitor or oil). One
> thing experience has taught me however is that the OE belts are definitely
> stronger and I would NEVER install anything else. Quality does cost but it
is
> cheaper in the long run. Maybe guys your penny pinching caught up with
you.
>
> Richard Jones
> Christchurch, New Zealand.
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