RE: [alfa] Alfa Newbie

["Peter Webb" <webb.p@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marie,

There's a book on the market called "The Alfa Romeo Owners Bible" by Pat
Braden.   In this he covers all the things that need to be done to a
new-to-you car.  Especially one that's been sitting a while.

Initially, change oil & filter, coolant &flush brake fluid, brake pads,
inspect the rotors and calipers they're probably frozen or rusty.  Retension
the timing chain and check/set valve clearances.   Change cap/rotor/plugs.
Fuel filters.  Clean the fuse box and replace the fuses.  Clean all the
ground connections.  Change the trans and diff oil.

When changing the oil, you want to get rid of the oil in the cam galleys and
pour new oil in when filling.  The Spica oil filter should be changed but
that's a difficult job for a home mechanic if not experienced.

Check the wheel bearings for play.  Check and adjust the steering box.

I highly recommend the Braden book as well as the Cardisc CD manual.  Both
can be bought on EBay.

-Peter


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided]On Behalf Of
> Anna M Bayles
> Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 3:52 PM
> To: alfa-digest@domain.elided
> Subject: [alfa] Alfa Newbie
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> I am the new owner of a '78 Spider and was wondering what should be the
> first things I should do now that it is home.  It was infrequently
> driven, so I figure changing all the fluids and a tune up would be a good
> start.  I read on the forum that 20w-50 Castrol would be an acceptable
> oil.  What other particulars would be appropriate and/or preferential
> (i.e. spark plugs, rotor, condenser, cap, oil filter, etc). The car is
> pretty complete, except for a cracked dashboard and console, and the pans
> for the seats are partially gone.  I am also missing one Niki Lauda
> insignia that goes between the door and front wheel well.  Any leads for
> the above mentioned pieces would be greatly appreciated.  Any advice for
> a newbie would also be greatly appreciated. I restored a '60 Ford F-100
> with a 292 y-block with a 3 deuce set up, but this is my first Alfa.
> Thanks for all the help.  I know this is a great forum and has great
> information exchanged between members as I have been lurking for the last
> couple of weeks (*grin*).
>
> Marie
> '78 Spider
> '60 Ford F-100
> '03 Honda Element
>
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