This time for real I bought it '84 Spider! - Page 3

**AlfaTango1** · #31 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 10:32 AM

Are you taking interstate 8 east to Phoenix or the 10 from L.A.? If it is I8 I might take the GTV6 out to Phoenix at the same time.

sgtpeper · #32 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 10:53 AM

Im going to be taking I10 it looks like - Ill be going to Phoenix from my friends place in Santa Barbara - wouldve been fun to have someone to drive with!

Jeff

sgtpeper · #33 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:08 AM

Another question for everyone - the motor mounts and trans mount are def original - Im wondering if I should pull the fan shroud for the trip just in case to avoid the possibility of the fan shattering??

Jeff

**ghnl** · #34 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:19 AM

Check if the space between the outer edges of the fan blades and the shroud is approximately equal all around - especially top & bottom. (BTW, do this with the engine OFF...) If so, I'd not bother trying to remove the shroud. It is not as easy as it sounds - there isn't enough room to actually remove the shroud unless you also remove either the radiator or the fan blades. Likely more work than it's worth.

sgtpeper · #35 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:21 AM

I just know something is sagging a bit bc he said if you dont hold it in reverse itll pop out of reverse - he was also told this is normal of Alfas - which I have NEVER heard. Shouldnt be a big deal though.

Jeff

**ghnl** · #36 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:26 AM

It might mean the motor mounts &/or the transmission mounts are sagging. Or it might just need to have either the position of the center console adjusted (loosed its screws and wiggle it a bit until you find a position where the shift lever doesn't foul against the opening in the console) or the boot around the shift lever needs similar fiddling. If the boot gets too taut when the shift lever is moved towards reverse then that will prevent the shift forks from going completely into the proper location.

So, no - they don't all do that.

P.S. - don't "fix" it until AFTER the deal is done! (assuming it is really something simple...)

sgtpeper · #37 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:28 AM

Yep exactly what I thought. He said if he gently keeps his hand on the shifter it wont do that - again its only in reverse. So my guess is itll need new motor and trans mounts - again they are original! I really dont think itll be anything major.

Jeff

**Peter** · #38 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:36 AM

Jeff, looks like you did really well. congrats! That is a beautiful color combination. I bet you can't wait to get in en drive!!

sgtpeper · #39 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:47 AM

Holy crap forgot how expensive amsoil is! 10 bucks a quart haha - Anyone against the 20w50 Amsoil racing formula? Its what my dad uses in his Quad and hes always sworn by it...

Also what size is the drain plug Im going to change oil before hitting the road...

Jeff

**Tifosi** · #40 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:36 PM

Should be 27mm, which will also fit the steering wheel center nut if you ever have the need.

12mm allen wrench will likely be your freind for the trans and diff plugs.

**ghnl** · #41 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:41 PM

I use 1 1/16" for the sump drain.

**Tifosi** · #42 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:45 PM

Makes sense:
1 1/16" = 1.062" = 26.97mm

**Tifosi** · #43 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:48 PM

While sgtpeper is considering the oil change, what do you use to get your filter off as there's not a whole lotta room down there?

I've got 4 different kinds of filter wrench and the only one that works with even remote success is the 'jaw' type, and if I'm really desperate, I've got an old spring steel piston ring compressor w/ratchet lock on it that I work on there.

sgtpeper · #44 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:50 PM

Theres always the half *** way of getting the filter out - screwdriver and hammer - just shoot that screw driver through the filter and unscrew haha

**Tifosi** · #45 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:54 PM

You'll find out right quick like that you can get the screwdriver pounded through, but actually having room to turn it without hitting everything* is a different story.

*Alternator, oil sending unit, dipstick tube, oil sump, fan belt. They are all pretty much in the road.