Re: More questions about Milano Verde

[Frank <fca@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sam Wrote:
>Are they really that different to work on?  I work at a garage.  Mostly
we
>get European cars but never a Alfa.  I consider my self very
mechanically
>inclined but wonder why people (especially in that book) act like the
Alfa
>is something only for specialist to work on.  I will definitely buy a
few

That's what I forgot to tell you!  I learned the hard way that Milanos
are different enough to require that you take care who you let near
them.  I had a local "foreign car" shop install a water pump for me
about a year ago.  They made a tiny error in timing the cams which
resulted in bent valves.  Without going into much detail, it took them 4
months, 7 head gaskets and various sets of valves, a lot of technical
support from the most knowledgeable members of this list, and threats of
a law suit to finally get the car to run, although very noisily.  Then I
took the car to an alfa-only shop, luckily only an hour and half away,
where it was fixed properly in a few hours.  That is the only serious
down-side I see to owning my Milano.  But I have been told that anyone
that takes the time to really study the workshop manual and understand
it can work on the car.

In my opinion, they are different enough for me to seek only experienced
Alfa Romeo mechanics.

- -Frank (of 'Cape Cod Milano Saga' fame)

------------------------------