RE: 74 Spider running hot

["Ian Lomax" <sfalfisto@domain.elided>]

It might be running a touch lean, as shown by the plugs.  I believe they
should be a very light brown color when tuned properly.  Running lean with
increase engine temps a bit.

But honestly, it sounds like it's running right where it should!  It shoudl
be right around 180 at speed, and a bit hotter than that around town and at
idle.

Check the Oregon AROC website for a Spica primer, you should be able to
richen the mixture slightly by adjusting the barometric capsule, and get it
back where it was if things go wrong, but read the entire instructions
first.  You will need some special tools to do this.

Quick checks include testing the thermostat in a pot of water, and checking
that the fan is moving air the right direction.  A larger fan will help at
idle, not at speed.

Good luck!

Ian Lomax
71 Spider <== fan is in, engine is out.
94 164LS <== runs cool, looks cool, for sale!

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided]On Behalf Of
Mark Kunkel
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 6:36 AM
To: alfa-digest@domain.elided
Subject: 74 Spider running hot


Hi, folks.

Data, for the collective and considerable wisdom:

74 Spider with Crane electronic ignition, coil, and optical-trigger Marelli
distributor
Thermostatically (radiator surface-mounted bulb) switched pusher fan (i.e.,
in front of radiator) installed
  last winter after self-destruct of yellowed fan blades
160 degree thermostat and full and fresh and proper mix coolant
3/02 tune-up by nearby Alfa shop to the tune of $800 (ouch) with adjustment
of valves, Spica, etc.
  (I didn't want to replace the filters myself...lesson learned...and didn't
want to mess with
   the Spica...ditto...car was running cool but rough to start and poor
mileage)

Now the car gets much better mileage than before the tune-up (23-25mpg in
vigorous mixed driving), starts easily, good and smooth acceleration curves,
but:
  * some valve clatter when pulling hard, not varying with different brands
of gas
  * hot running...the needle (accurate, or at least reliable....) pushes 210
whenever I stop at a traffic
    light, worse with hot weather, and whether the fan is on or not, and
even on the highway it's at 180
  * rough idle
I _love_ the fan idea (much quieter non-Italian engine noises and yes,
additional power), but don't want to warp those beautiful heads if I can
help it.

Pulled the plugs (Autolites) this AM, and they are chalky white.

Replaced them with the Platinum +4s I had bought and not used when I did the
Crane stuff, and the car seems to idle better, but haven't tested heating
yet.

Suggestions?
  Timing (will check tomorrow)?
  Mixture (still afraid of the Spica, but I'm going to get over it)?
  Thermostat/fan/fan thermostat?
  Plugs?
  Something else?

Many TIA for any help/insights.

Mark
Carrollton, GA
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided