Re: [alfa] non Alfa issue (maybe not)

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Ted:

I'm answering this post on-Digest, because the problem might be something 
that could (and has) affect an Alfa engine, also.  All too often, I've seen 
the results of well-meaning, but amateur, mechanics using silicone sealants 
without good judgement.  Applied in too thick a bead, the sealant has no 
choice but to squeeze out of the gasket joint, ending up in the oil (or 
cooling) system of the engine.  I've seen it on Alfa cam covers, timing 
covers, water pumps, etc.  I pulled apart a Jaguar XKE V-12 engine once 
that had an oil pump screen almost totally blocked with errant strands of 
silicone.  That engine wasn't destroyed, but easily could have been.  If 
that were my vehicle, first thing I'd do is drop the pan and check the oil 
pump.  Might be a better idea to have an independent shop do that part of 
the job, and take a few pics, especially if matching excess sealant is 
visible on the cam cover joints.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's

At 07:44 PM 12/30/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 13:53:58 -0800
> From: "Ted Williams" <tedw@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] non Alfa issue
>
> Hello all, a friend has a 1992 Isuzu Rodeo with 178k miles on it. He recently
> took it to the shop to have it looked over, and they said it needed to have
> the cam cover gaskets and intake manifold seals replaced. It was leaking oil.
> He had the work done (to the tune of $2000), and 2 weeks later, he's driving
> the thing and notices the oil pressure 5 bar what it usually is. He keeps a
> watch on it, and it drops even lower. He pulls over to check it out, but
> seeing nothing wrong, goes on to a shop to have them look at it. Shop says
> things look ok, but to have the shop that did the work take a look if it 
> keeps up.
>
> He drives another 5 miles and the car starts knocking and running really
> rough. He has it towed to the shop...they take a look at it and tell him it
> needs a new motor. All they say is that it has a "low end knock" and that any
> more diagnostic would cost him more money. They want something like $3000 for
> a new engine.
>
> What could cause the oil pressure to drop and the the knocking noise? Any idea
> if it would have anything to do with the repair work they already did? Not
> looking for solid answers or anything...just trying to get some leads for him,
> so he is more educated when he goes in to talk to them.
>
> Also, a while back someone posted up a URL to a CA business bureau site where
> you could look up Repair shop complaints. Can someone give me that link again?
>
> Thank you, and happy new year!
>
> Ted
> the highs, CA
> 88 Milano Verde
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided