164 issues

["AlfaBill LLC /alfabill.com" <mail@domain.elided>]

Some opinions from AlfaBill, Caveat Emptor etc....

>Hi Everyone,
>
>
>Thought I'd spill some my auto problems onto the list to see what your
>bright minds come up with:
>
>
>1.Clunking sound (one clunk) when backing up and steering wheel is at, or
>close, to lock limit. There is nothing obviously wrong; has newer rack
>and rebuilt front end about 50K ago (currently 137K miles)

This is a characteristic, bearings "slide" in the hub in reverse, not 
pressed in. It's no big deal and harms nothing.



>2. Starting when warm/hot: stumbles for several secons and then catches.
>Residual fuel pressure not be maintained? Does this about 1 out of 50
>starts.

Diagnose this for pressure but if it's occasional, I doubt it's fuel pressure.



>3. Alignment: pulls to the right even more so with new wheels and tires
>(7.5x16 & 225/45's Yoko ES100). The right camber is about -2.5 to
>- -2.3 and left -2.1to -2.3. Variations from being on 2 Hunter aligmnent
>racks.  Any tricks to fudge this? All other specs are good. Car is
>lowered, too.

Lowering it did this. Also Tire size is wrong, should be 205 55 16 to match 
factory offerings. Put stock springs in and it will line up right. 
Otherwise, cob up the strut mount holes for an ugly solution (4 bolts at 
bottom)

It must ride like a truck, huh?



>4. Oil "pool up" between cyclinder heads. Car loses about 1/2 quart every
>1000-2000 +/- miles. Replaced oil pressure sender to no avail (it was
>broke).


Front head gasket is leaking oil, tough to see but it is. Ask how I 
know.... V fills and then drains at each end as you go around corners. 
Marks on stick are quarts not half, but this is very low consumption for an 
Alfa.



>5. Coolant loss at rear and passenger side of block. Minor dripping.
>Loses about 1 cup per month.  Alfa does recommend adding a special goop
>to cooling system (in manual) but I'd  prefer not to. Any common ailments
>that can be fixed?

Head gasket? See above. Goop = bigger troubles. Time to take out the money 
wrench and fix it right. Oil leak will mysteriously go away as well.. Watch 
for overheating and milk shake. Oil leak can contaminate the T-belt if it 
gets excessive, so be careful.



>6. Any good sources for go-fast items like: Chip, Koni/Bilstein shocks,
>brakes and exhaust? I'm not sure what to do first...a chip or exhaust for
>this car. Due to expensive gas my revs are often well under 3k/rpm, so
>maybe exhaust restriction is not an issue...?

Head gasket inspection sounds like the first order.... there's very little 
bolt on power for these cars, low torque is not their strong point. They 
like to rev.

Bill Harkell
AlfaBill LLC
Tampa Florida USA
http://alfabill.com
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