Need Advice on Replacement Parts

[Alfisto Steve]

The 164 12v in reasonably good shape will/should return an honest 25 mpg most all the time.

I always suggest you give engine a good physical check up when you first get that 164 of your dreams.

No matter what the historical paperwork states it is always a good idea when you get a new to you 164 to pull distributor cap and inspect rotor and carbon button inside cap and check cam timing using the timing template you can print off from this web site. It is so easy for a cam to be out of time (usually rear one). I also usually change timing belt and tensioner as soon as possible for safety reasons.

I also like to do a compression check of all six cylinders to see they are matched within 10% and at least 150-200psi Usually get about 185.

I also like to verify fuel flow and pressure which takes a bit more work to hook up gauge with bleeder to measure flow volume and pressure rise and fall.

Many Alfa engines with Air Flow Meter like 164 do have slight hestatation around 2500-3500 RPM when engine comes up on the cams if under moderate acceleration. But with full throttle acceleration they usually do not lag down.

Full throttle can give you a puff of black smoke sometimes as there is a wide open switch (WOT) inside min max switch on throttle body that gives extra enrichment.

Fuel fumes in cockpit should be located and repaired. Usually fumes leaking around bolts in tank cover but can be vent pipes on top of tank.

Sometimes it is leaking hoses on engine fuel rail or hoses near bottom of firewall for pressure and return lines to and from engine bay.

If every thing in order and still engine lags down you may need to examine cam lobes for wear.

[jfreelix]

The smell is exhaust, not gas. I'll have a muffler shop check the converter this week and I have already purchased a new set of plugs to put in...I'm just a bit intimidated by the back plugs, it looks awfully tight.

[jfreelix]

Thanks, Steve. I'll perform those checks this week. I have been getting approximately 23.8mpg consistantly and I've been doing the numbers with each fill up. Some of my concerns are probably unfounded and just part of the process of getting used to a different car.

[Alfisto Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfreelix The smell is exhaust, not gas. I'll have a muffler shop check the converter this week and I have already purchased a new set of plugs to put in...I'm just a bit intimidated by the back plugs, it looks awfully tight.

[MarkZ]

If you have the original tool kit, it may contain the perfect wrench/socket for those back plugs. Otherwise, it is a real pain. The part has a swivel built in to the unit.

Mark

[AlfaTango1]

I always loosen the intake plenum and runners so I can get to the back plugs otherwise they are a pain. Heck if you remove the whole thing you'll have plenty of room.

[jfreelix]

I can do oil changes and replace plugs and distributor caps and such but messing with the intake makes me nervous. I do have the original tool kit so I'll check for that tool. I'll also check those flex hoses.

[jfreelix]

Steve-Is that link the correct size?