Cool Alfas

["C.M. Smith" <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

I'm with AlfaBill on the advice re hot running Alfa V6s. They are supposed
to run hot. Hotter actually improves the efficiency of the cooling system
because the rate of heat rejection is proportional to the temperature
difference between the radiator and the ambient airflow, i.e. hotter
radiators are actually more efficient. Unless your engine is actually
boiling over, it's not running too hot. Unless the gauge goes to max and
the little red light comes on (assuming they are working!!) it won't boil
over. Relax and drive faster, the car will thank you for it.

As for the AC, mine has worked fine except for the steppers (surprise
surprise) and the compressor pulley which had a bearing fail, wrecking the
compressor. Also, the 164 AC actually works, although not as well as NA
systems. That's one thing the North Americans have down pat is big,
effective, power robbing air conditioners. It's a little tougher to design
one that works reasonably well but doesn't need a small auxiliary engine to
run, Alfa's 164 is a reasonable effort.
Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner 

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