This is the first time I've submitted any pics of my car (my 2nd Alfa), it's an 89 164 3.0 automatic, build date is november 1988 so it is one of the first lot imported into Australia. I believe it may have been owned by cycling champion Nino Borsari at one stage. It has a grey suede and dark blue leather interior. The suede on the drivers seat is not wearing terribly well but it's very nice to sit on!
The car has now done around 250,000kms although it has probably only covered a 100-200kms or so in the last 2 years. I went overseas for about 15mths and left it with my parents. They drove it only a few times and when I got home there was a little moisture in the oil. I realised later on that the thermostat was sticking and the temp getting quite hot. The head gasket wasn't sealing properly either (probably due to the overheating problem), this caused exhaust gasses to presurise the cooling system meaning coolant would seep out of the coolant reservoir - this had been a problem before I left for my trip as well and at the time I didn't know what was causing it.
Anyway, I thought I'd try one of those 'stop leak' products - seemed cheaper than getting someone to do the head gasket but that didn't solve the problem. I'd never use a stop-leak product again as I've now seen first-hand the gunk it leaves floating in the coolant paths.
So at the moment (as you can see below) the car is awating the return of its front head. The number 4 cylinder had a bad head-gasket leak and was also getting coolant in the cylinder. The head had two cracks in it which are currently being welded up, plus the valve seats re-ground and new seals.
The pressure in the cooling system also caused the ageing plastic in the heater core to start leaking, so that has been replaced (worst job I've EVER had to do as I decided to do it with the gas still in the AC system!). I've also just fitted a new water pump and tensioner belt, idler bearing and seal kit. It still has an oil fed tensioner which seems to be in decent condition although I will block the oil path up if it continues to drip with the new seals fitted. I've also replaced as many coolant hoses as I can get my hands on, some were getting quite shabby.
Anyway, heres some pictures I took this afternoon after pushing the car out of the garage (and washing!).
ABOVE: The car after a wash. Paintwork is in very good condition for a car of this age and it polishes up nicely.
ABOVE: Engine bay. I've crinkle coated the cam-covers and plenum while waiting for the head to come back! Rags are to keeping dirt out of front cylinders until head comes back. Fuel rails got painted too while I was bored.
ABOVE: Passenger seat covered in dark blue leather and grey suede. Leather is still soft but is showing its age with some surface cracks in high wear areas. The aussie sun takes it's toll too...
ABOVE: Grey suede is also present on the doors and in the side pockets.
ABOVE: Back seat as usual is in VGC and never sees much use.
ABOVE: Back end of the car. Badges on front and back recently replaced due to local badge theives... Grr!! Notice how the very early cars didn't include an eye-level stop light.
So thats my car for now. I'd initially thought about parting the car out via eBay when I realised the head needed attention but to be honest it would have been a sad thing to do. Plus it's such an amazingly comfortable car to drive on long journeys. Financially maybe parting it out would have been smarter but honestly, people own Alfas more for what they feel in their hearts than their heads (most of the time anyway!).
Once the head is refitted and I get some new tyres it will be back on the road (fingers crossed!). I have some new OEM bushes to fit to the front lower suspension arms, am will eventually do the remaining suspension bushings in polyurethane.
The steppers and air distibution drum also need attention (another weekend gone!). Plus ultimately I want to replace all struts and springs with new product although thats going to have to wait for now. The AC system was converted to R134a a few years ago but the condensor wasn't enlarged so it's not terribly cool on a really hot day - will have to investigate alternatives here. The gearbox was also swapped for a unit reconditioned by ZF Sydney a few years ago and since then hasn't done a lot of kms although I'm still not 100% happy with its shift patterns...
Ahhh, the list of 'to dos' is neverending eh?? Anyway, thats my car as it is now. Will post some more pics when the engine is back together.
Aussie Alfa 164 - work in progress!
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