alfa-digest V7 #826 - Newbie looking for help

["Oscar Johnson" <otjohnson@domain.elided>]

Colin,

    There is an excellent article called "On Buying an Alfa" at
http://members.aol.com/AlfaSpyder/Page8.html which covers most of the areas
that you should consider. In addition to those areas that the author
suggests in looking for rust, you must remove the spare tire and check the
well; in my opinion, it starts there first. The geographic location of the
car may give you a clue as to the likelihood of rust, i.e. an area with lots
of snow or one close to the ocean might suggest rust caused by road salt or
sea air.  Any magnet will work in looking for body filler, but there are
some out there that are made for the job and will give you readings on the
depth of the repair or paint. The compression check is very important and
pay special attention to any cylinder(s) that vary widely from the others
(valve problems). Also check the compression wet if you can by squirting a
little oil in the spark plug hole after reading it dry. A significant change
in compression here might suggest bad rings. The 85-89 Spiders will all be
fuel-injected, so look for leaks in the hoses, especially the airflow meter
hose and the middle air hose (most likely to crack where the clamps are
attached). Look also to see if either the brake master cylinder,  the clutch
cylinder, or the brake power booster show any evidence of leaks. Another
very important check is looking for oil in the radiator or water in the oil
(evidence of a leaking head gasket or cracked head or block). Pat Braden
also has a section in the Alfa Bible on buying a car that covers most of
these points. I think that the most important point to consider in looking
at a used Alfa is: if it looks like it has been well cared for or abused, it
probably has. The test drive should also tell you a lot about the car as
well as a good question/answer session with the owner (and previous owner if
possible). Good Luck!

O.T. Johnson
Prattville, AL
86 Graduate

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