Long Time Gone

[GTVrehab]

Hello, as many of you can see, I am new to the site. Here's the story:

I was given what I believe to be a '71 GTV 1750 by my grandfather when I graduated high school in 2002. I now have tools and a garage to be able to start working on the car but dont know where to begin!

It has been sitting for 20 or so years. I have no idea what to do or where to begin! I was thinking about removing the spark plugs so there would be no compression and put something in that would maybe lube it up or break away some of the junk?? Just to see if I can get it to turn over, not start, but turn. I am not looking for a race car here but to be able to get it running just enough to make my grandpa happy before his time comes.

Sincerely,

In over his head

[BlpltGTV]

First of all, welcome to the board. Next, where are you? If you pull the spark plugs out, change the oil and spray the cylinders down with some WD40, thats a good start. Let the WD40 sit overnight, then put a little motor oil in and let that sit for a while. Then with fresh oil in the engine, you can either pull it through by hand, or try clicking it over with the starter. I'd go by had to start with.

Once you are ready to crank it with the starter you will find out if the fuel pump is good, (it will buzz.) If the gas tank is foul, pull it and get it redone. Replace both fuel filters, drain and fill the coolent (even if you just use reverse osmosis water) and then you should be ready to see if it will fire. A new set of plugs will go a long way, as will a new set of points and a dizzy cap.

Thats what I did with my car that sat for 30 years. It runs like a top.

Once you get it to start, just let it idle, don't rev it, just let it sit there and do its thing. Check for leaks, and after its fully warm, shut it down, check your fluid levels, and go from there. You can gently rev the engine from this point, slowly add throttle, and take it easy. Listen for any bad noises, if you hear something that sounds bad, stop.

Mine smoked and blew acorn pieces and rust out the tail pipe for a long time, eventually it quit doing all the above and is now happy. Yours will smoke like crazy as you have sprayed WD40 and oil into the combustion chamber and it will have to burn off. The smoke should have a blue color to it. White, you have a possible head gasket leak, black, you have a carb/ spica issue (its way rich.)

Post some pictures so we can see what you have.

Good luck,
Will

[GTVrehab]

Thank you! I will post pictures when I get over to the car, thinking this weekend. I cant wait to get started. Should be interesting.

Located in Columbus, OH. We know and are part of an Italian Car club but only a few Alfas! I will be looking into the local clubs around here, now. Again, thank you and I will post what my reply and pictures this weekend.

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTVrehab I have no idea what to do or where to begin!

[JeffM]

Congratulation and enjoy! I acquired my '74 GTV in much the same way. An uncle had owned it through the mid-80's, and it was passed on to my grandfather who drove it little (but showed it occasionally) through the '90's. He gave it to me while I was in college, in running condition but needing a little neglected maintenance to make it a safe weekend driver. I have enjoyed the hell out of it for the past 10 years! I had help from a very good Alfa mechanic to put it back into reliable shape, and have learned a lot on my own as well. You will not regret having this car, even more since it has family ties with it.

[marcjh]

Got a question... how would one turn the motor over without using the starter? This assumes that the battery is shot and who knows about the other systems. What would one get a big wrench on and then try to turn it?

[Pat Braden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowmileage A good start IMO would be reading: Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible - Yahoo! Shopping Alfa Romeo All-Alloy Twin Cam Companion, 1954-1994, Four-Cylinder History, Care, and Restoration Giulietta, Giulia, and Alfetta Families - Yahoo! Shopping and of course, using the SEARCH function on the Alfa BB.

[Zunige]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTVrehab Located in Columbus, OH. We know and are part of an Italian Car club but only a few Alfas! I will be looking into the local clubs around here, now. Again, thank you and I will post what my reply and pictures this weekend.