Wet weather ?

[chris4200GT]

OK, where to start ? My recent purchase of a 4200 CC started to cough and splutter so I took it to my long standing trusted mechanic (Lewis at Alfa Tecnico- top man ). After inspection it thankfully only turned out to be needing a new MAF sensor.
first question, where to go for one, hopefully not GrayPaul, but more of a concern was when my mechanic informed me to avoid wet weather driving due to the nature of the engine's air intake. Now I've heard the stories of avoiding puddles etc. but wet weather? Are these cars really that prone to the wet ? what if I'm halfway up the motorway with 100 miles to go and it p*sses down ?
PS why do they fit 'em with wipers ?

 

[2b1ask1]

Drove mine all winter and in some horrible rain & fog, not had any issues except trying to keep the screen clear with a blower designed for a left hand drive.... (used to have the same issues in Fiats).

Not met any deep puddles yet but there have been a few hydrolocked ones reported.

 

[chris4200GT]

That's reassuring-just want to drive her what ever the weather. Will avoid puddles tho !

 

[2b1ask1]

Could be a good excuse to fit that blower....

 

[BennyD]

Oh, very good! Almost as good as Urby's photoshop attempts!.

 

[Parisien]

Yes.....hydrolocking an issue as air intake.......sorta scrapes along road surface like a hoover nozzle.......any one modified by drilling a few big holes a few more inches up?!


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[dem maser]

Only italians would design a car that hydralocks when you go over a puddle!!

 

[conaero]

Seen a few and as the above stated, its from ploughing into standing water. You mechanic is right, it does not take a lot. This happened to our Simon and he swears that the water he hit was no more than 2 inches deep, but he does admit he hit it at speed.

As a result, hydrolock, new engine fitted. On a plus point, it is covered under your insurance, and if you are really lucky, you could probably sue the local council for not supplying adequate drainage or failing to keep the drains clear.

 

[dem maser]

Also dont try to turn on after you cause the damage, leave it off and get it towed.....

 

[Parisien]

Defo covered in all insurances Matt?

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[conaero]

Good advice Dem, but I fear the damage will already have been done, but cant hurt I suppose.

 

[dem maser]

Just thought the more you try to start it the more damage itll cause but i guess the majority has been damaged anyway....

 

[chris4200GT]

So, is the answer to just try to avoid wet weather, or can the air box be repositioned ?

 

[Parisien]

As per my suggestion Chris...if someone can answer....drill a few holes higher up the intake tube, reduce suction 2 inches from the ground.....


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[dm2]

I bought my 4200CC in November. It's my only car so been driving it every day (15k miles since November!!!) in any weather. Ok so when the snow came down hard it was completely useless, but rain doesn't stop me at all. I do avoid deep puddles, but have driven on motorways in torrential downpours with no issues. Having said all that, I do agree that the position of the air filter is a bit crazy, although thankfully it seems the incidents of damage due to hydrolock are relatively rare. I hope I haven't tempted fate by saying this lol.

 

[Parisien]

Winter tyres do work well dm2.......but who wants to invest or indeed use their car in such conditions?


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[dm2]

I had Vreds (Ultrac Sessanta) the previous winter (different car but still a 4200CC) and they seemed better than the Michelins that I contended with in December and January, which seemed very slippy in the snow and ice.

Due to this being my only car, I have to drive it whatever the weather, although I did stay indoors for a few days when snow was really bad. One thing I was pleased with was how the car mechanically didn't skip a beat - always started first time even at -5C when the car had been standing for a couple of days (not garaged, on the drive).

 

[dem maser]

i also have vreds on the rear with some recommendations i had from loz....love them, feels better than the pirellis before

 

[Parisien]

I had Vreds (Ultrac Sessanta) the previous winter (different car but still a 4200CC) and they seemed better than the Michelins that I contended with in December and January, which seemed very slippy in the snow and ice.

Due to this being my only car, I have to drive it whatever the weather, although I did stay indoors for a few days when snow was really bad. One thing I was pleased with was how the car mechanically didn't skip a beat - always started first time even at -5C when the car had been standing for a couple of days (not garaged, on the drive).

....-5........coulda swore it was -12 at times...same here, she stood outside, not moved for 2/3 weeks, started first time.....great.


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