Bypass restrictor (was: Need Parts)

["John Hertzman" <johnhertzman@domain.elided>]

Several posts from 23 October through the most recent 10 November V.9 n.0012
have mentioned the coolant bypass hose and bypass restrictor, including a link
to an 'i Saluti' article about the device by Rich Hirsch based at least in
part on a tech note by Fred DiMatteo, both circa 1991:

http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/downs/3837/bypassco.html

The most recent mention in 0012 is by Tony Sims, writing "I love learning
something new!  My 74 GTV has no restrictor.  I had never heard of the thing
until this thread started, so obviously I didn't read the manual carefully
when reassembling my engine last winter. but there was no restrictor in the
old hose I replaced.    Is there no source for new restrictors?  I don't
recall seeing them listed by any of the usual suspects, but then I wasn't
really looking".

I am unfamiliar with the device, but found it in the Alfetta parts books with
the part number 115.00.07044.00. The 115 part number implies (but does not
prove) a first use prior to the 116 Alfettas, but it does not appear in the
numerical index of any of the 2000 Berlina/GTV/Spider parts books, Euro or US
version, that I have, including the June 1974 Catalogo Rapido for 105/115
cars.

So- the (or 'an') answer to Tony Martie's question ("Where to get such an odd
little part?") and Tony Sims' question ("Is there no source for new
restrictors?") would appear to be an Alfa dealer, possibly one of the
Eurodealers like Hurtienne or Highwood, using (I assume) the 115.00.07044.00
part number, but it also seems that the Alfa fours got along without them for
some twenty or more years. If I am reading the Rich Hirsch article correctly
they would be in play principally when the engine was cold, and might result
in a more rapid warmup of the engine. Can't say when they were first used, and
don't know anything more about them. Anyone?

Cheers

John H.
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