Re: alfa-digest V7 #1032 RE: Crankshaft plugs

[Bernie & Diana Bennett <bennetts@domain.elided>]

Digest Members:

I don't have spider experience; but can't understand why only Alfetta plugs
would fall out <g>.
See other comments below:

Ralph Moorhouse wrote:

> Fred:
>
> Hate to contradict BUT I had 2 plugs fall out of my '74 SPider crank when I
> lived in San Diego - this from a car that had spent its life in S. Cal &
> had about 60K miles on engine in 12 yrs.
>
> FWIW - I think they can come loose or fall out -easily checked (& fixed
> maybe!!) by removing bottom of oil pan.

All but one can  be fixed in the car by removing the lower pan. I can't recall
which one but there is no room.

>
> Regards
>
> Ralph
> Houston, TX
>
> At 09:13 AM 09/11/1999 +0300, ferdinando di matteo wrote:
> >     Neil, Silicon Valley Performance's mechanic may have X-ray eyes to
> >tell you the crank shaft plugs are out, but I doubt it very much.  Some
> >crank plugs in Alfettas for a while did drop out but I think mostly in
> >very cold climates. If you are getting 10psi per 1000rpms, it is quite
> >ok.  At idle you may see the gauge showing near zero psi but not to
> >worry as long as it goes up with speed over 1000rpms.  I have not seen
> >any Spider plugs fall out since my first Giulietta in 1958.  Fred Di
> >Matteo  AROC Technical Advisor in Fort Myers, Florida
> >And PLEASE y'all, add your home town name after yours or even the State
> >you live in!

I agree with Fred on the not to worry  (even with a couple of plugs out there
is a lot of oil pressure there, the 4 cyl oil pump has a high pressure by
pass).  Also the '70s and later 2000 engines have a nitrided crank that will
stand just about anything<g>. 35 psi at cruising rpm when hot (2-3000 rpm is a
good #) 35 psi at 5-6000 rpm probably means a plug or two in the sump. There
was a lot written in the Alfa Owner years ago about fixing this.  This may also
be posted on the web.
Best Wishes,
Bernie Bennett
Brenham, TX

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