Re: 2 liter valve shimming/ clearence check

[Les Singh <Les.Singh@xxxxxxxxx>]

Rick Rodosta wrote:
>Hello all,
>What are some of the thoughts out there on when to adjust valve clearance on
>the Spider's 2 liter?  
>I'm somewhere in-between preventative maintenance and leave well enough
alone.
>I need to draw on the more experienced veterans knowledge on this issue.  
>The engine runs great, no valve clatter, excellent mileage figures, and its
>been about 30k mi. since the last shimming.  What about timing chain tension
>and replacement schedules?
>
>Thanks for your inputs,
>
>Rick Rodosta
>86 Veloce

I think it was the great Fred di M. who said more than once on this digest
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!". Taken out of context, this would be
undesirable advice for most modern Alfas:  horror stories of broken timing
belts etc, but for the 2 litre its good advice. Sounds like your engine is
sweet. Those valve clearances don't need resetting as routine maintenance
but its a simple matter to check those clearances. 

Stand near the front of the car and check the timing chain by blipping the
throttle with the hood open - you'll soon hear the rattle if the chain is
loose - the chain will hit the timing cover right near where the lock bolt
is for the tensioner. Chain replacement is a good idea when the cam timing
keeps going out. 

Les - hope Alfisti on the Gulf Coast - SE US are ok.

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