164 lurcher

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

A lurcher is a type of hound, and a 164 that does this is also an annoying 
dog. There is one thing that might be happening. The throttle position 
switch can slip out of adjustment. This switch "tells" the ECU when you 
have closed the throttle so the ECU should switch off the main injection 
map and start the idle circuit, and also when you have opened the throttle 
far enough to warrant full enrichment. The switch (for 91 anyway) contains 
two micro switches tripped by the throttle spindle. When the switch is out 
of adjustment the idle circuit can stay "on" for a split second too long 
which can cause the stumble or lurch you are feeling. On mine the switch 
crept out of adjustment the other way so the idle circuit would 
unpredictably get switched off and the engine would then begin to rev up 
and down like a 60's GP car (don't you love the light flywheel effect these 
V6's show)! My mechanic was similarly stumped until he happened to lean on 
the throttle housing slightly while troubleshooting and the idle returned 
to normal, then revved up and down when he took the pressure off the 
housing! Five minutes with a bolt driver or screw driver (can't remember 
which) to loosen the clamping screws, and twist the switch ever so slightly 
so that it just clicks when the throttle starts to open , and it's fixed.

Before it was fixed I was stopped at a red light beside a riceburner and 
the engine started to do its throttle blipping thing. Needless to say I was 
forced by my car to blow his doors off, couldn't let him think I didn't 
have it in me. Great personalities these ALFA's have....



Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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