Diagnosing weird starting sound

**cgalardi** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 06:59 PM

Occasionally I get a strange whirring type sound when starting my Spider. It occurs after it has started, kinda stumbles a bit as it makes this brief noise then idles fine and runs fine. This sound occurs whether I start with clutch depressed or not, but not every time I start the car.

I have tried to record the sound in a youtube video. If anyone could please listen and give me an idea what the sound might be I would be grateful. Thank you.

The video is here:

YouTube - 1986 Alfa Spider starting

Need4speed · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 07:20 PM

Hard to tell...muffled.
Tappets/lifters?
A/C or alternator belt(s)?
Spray some 'belt conditioner' on them for about - seconds with engine running and see if it stops.

**cgalardi** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 07:26 PM

Thank you for listening. Sorry the sound is not too good.

The noise is that weird little noise that lasts only like 1 second then it stops. Maybe whirring sound is not the best description. There is no A/C on the car.

**radamm** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 09:01 PM

It kind of sounds like a starter drive which is not disengaging immediately. The over running of the drive raster clutch will make a noise like that when it overspeeds.

**cgalardi** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 01:40 PM

Thank you for the diagnosis

**radamm** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:07 PM

Looks like a fun combo in your profile pic...........Alfa and a taildragger!

**cgalardi** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:09 PM

I wish the Champ was mine! Belongs to a buddy of mine, but I do get to go up in it quite often. What a blast it is!

**radamm** · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:18 PM

I spent many an hour at the stick in a Cub while my father leaned out with a camera... good memories!