Alfa 166 advice please

[alfaman]

I'm looking to buy a Twin Spark 166 to replace my 164 TS- and have looked at a couple of high mileage examples ( 85 - 95k). They seem quite clattery / tappety on start up - is this "normal" for the 16v TS engines - or is it indicative of potential top-end problems ( camshaft ? )on high mileage cars?

Are there any particular trouble spots worth looking out for with 166's ? Cheers.

[pdV6]

Try the Alfa forum as opposed to Readers' Cars - might get noticed a bit more quickly.

If a TS sounds a bit like a diesel on startup, I think it might be the idle variator at fault, but best ask somebody who actually knows what they're talking about