RE: [alfa] idle adjustment

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Andy -

First of all, you need to make sure that the FI linkages are set correctly
according to Wes' directions.

If the thermostatic actuator is not extending fully, the screw underneath it
not set properly, or the long rod is set incorrectly, any or all of these
could be causing the problem.

Next you need to make sure that the bell crank, and short rod is set
correctly. If the short rod is too long, the car will back fire on
deceleration and could also idle too quickly. Also, be sure that all the
idle air hoses are in good shape and that there are no leaks.

Check the ignition timing with a timing light (5,000 RPM at the 'M' mark),
but make sure that the timing returns to somewhere close to the 'F' mark at
idle. Remember, if the engine is idling too quickly this may not happen.
(vicious circle of which came first, the chicken or the egg)

Make sure that the advance weights in the distributor are working correctly
and not hanging up. FWIW, almost all the cars I see these days have worn
advance weights/mechanisms that don't work correctly.

Next check the fuel mixture my diddling the cold start solenoid on the pump,
to obtain the fastest engine speed while holding the bell crank at a STEADY
2500 rpm.

The last step, after everything is checked, is to replace the 'o' ring in
the idle air compensator and adjust it to bring the idle speed down to spec.

Get Wes' book and READ IT if you have not already, if you have, read it
AGAIN all this is covered in there.

If all this is beyond you, take the car to an Alfa specialist who
UNDERSTANDS the spica system and how to set it up. All of this only takes an
hour or two if you know what you are doing and have the right tools.

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of Andy
Menapace
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 9:45 AM
To: alfa-digest@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] idle adjustment

Hey folks.  I have completed what started as a head gasket replacement,
which progressed into head rebuild, SPICA rebuild (thank you Mr.
Ingram), etc., etc.  I was very nervous cranking it for the first time
in almost a year, but it fired right up!  Really cool!

I've put on about 250 miles, but am concerned about my idle.  It is
idling around 1000-1200 once warmed up. It runs rich.  Slight backfiring
(puffs).  I am no expert on ignition timing, but have heard that if the
timing is off slightly, it would effect the idle and also cause the car
to run rich. I have the procedure for adjusting the idle, but I wanted
to run these symptoms buy the Collective to see if anyone has had
similar experiences or advise.

Thanks for the help, and thanks to Richard for the effort of the digest.
It has been an invaluable resource. T.C.I.I.T.M.

Andy Menapace
Brandon, MS
79 Spider
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