Berlina in OZ

["Mark Battley" <m.battley@xxxxxxxxxx>]

<the clutch is probably stuck due to rust or corrosion.
<Suggest a bit of spray oil in via whatever opening you can
<find. Replace the clutch hydraulic fluid too...that might
<help the force to separate things. 

If a car is left for a while (weeks, months, years), particularly in a
slightly damp 
environment it's not at all uncommon for the clutch plate to stick to the
flywheel. I've had it happen at least 4 times on different cars. I'd be
hesitant to put oil in there: I doubt if it would help and you'd be risking
slipping troubles once it did break free.  I've always been able to free it
by being slightly brutal: never had a problem with the clutch subsequently:

1. Start car in neutral, let it warm up a bit, turn it off. Then put it in
gear (choose right gear to suit layout of garage!) and start the car while
in gear: it should shake 
and buck and hopefully the clutch will free as it starts to move.

2. If this doesn't work, try to drive away with the car still in gear
(perhaps 
stop and start again in second gear). Keep foot on the clutch while you
accelerate 
and brake vigorously: be brutal and hopefully it will release: watch the
revs if 
it lets go while you are accelerating!

I've only had to resort to #2 once. Hopefully you'll be lucky. I've been
told that putting the car in fifth gear and depressing the clutch while
someone else shakes the car back and forth can sometimes work.

<It's almost a 30 year old car, so depending on your definition of 'money
pit' it
<sounds like a decent deal. 

Realistically, cars of that age, particularly ones that have sat for a while
will need work of some sort: brakes in particular don't like not being used.
The cars are pretty simple to work on and mechanical parts are relatively
cheap and generally available. Body panels for the Berlinas are not so easy
to find however... although anything can be made at a price.  Have a very
close look at the body, preferably with someone who knows the problem areas.
The cost of body repairs is generally much higher than mechanical stuff. And
of course, the size of the money pit will depend on how much work you are
prepared/able to do for yourself!

But it should be used rather than just sitting in a garage. So do buy it,
just be realistic about what you are getting into.....

Mark Battley
Auckland, New Zealand.

1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce

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End of alfa-digest V7 #478
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