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  • 1969 Alfa Romeo: Engine and Transmission Reinstallation
  • From "Classic Car Restoration"
    episode DCR-106
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    Engine restoration specialist Kenny Boatman provides expert advice and assists with the reinstallation of the rebuilt Alfa engine.

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    Using an engine hoist, Kenny and Ron lower the engine and transmission into the repainted engine compartment. Two people are required for easing and guiding the assembly into position.

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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

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    Figure G

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    Figure H

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    One unusual feature of the Alfa Spider is the orientation of the motor mounts. Unlike most motor mounts, these are angled slightly. This feature tilts the engine slightly to accommodate some of the advanced induction systems and is another specialized design feature arising from the Alfa's racing heritage. If the Spider's engine is sitting perfectly level, this actually may indicate that the engine mounts have sagged, and should be replaced to restore the slight tilt of the engine.

    Reinstallation of the Engine and Transmission

    With the engine fully restored and married back to the transmission, the next phase in the restoration of the 1969 Alfa is to reinstall and mount the engine into the car's engine compartment. Following that, the driveshaft assembly will be installed, as well as engine accessories such as the starter, alternator and restored radiator.

    Following is a summary of the major steps in the engine reinstallation as shown in the episode.


    • Prior to installation of the engine, while the engine and other under-the-hood components were out of the vehicle, the engine compartment was thoroughly cleaned, degreased and then primed and repainted (figure A), part of the complete restoration intended to bring this vehicle back to like-new condition. The painting was done at a professional paint shop.

    • In order to get the engine and transmission assembly back into the engine compartment, the steering center-link must be disassembled. The steering link was removed earlier so that the oil pan would clear during engine removal. It was then reconnected in the vehicle body so that the vehicle could be steered and positioned in the garage, even with the engine out. To get the engine back in, the steering link must be loosened using a 17-mm socket wrench (figure B), and then knocked free with a solid blow from a mallet.

    • Using an engine hoist, the engine and transmission assembly can be safely lifted up so that the assembly can be guided and dropped into position (figure C). Engine hoists provide the necessary control of the heavy assembly for installation, and they are available from rental centers.

    • Reinstallation requires at least two people. One person guides the lift while the other carefully positions and angles the engine and transmission into the compartment (figure D). Take your time, as the installation requires carefully working the engine around a few obstacles. You'll want to avoid damaging or scratching the freshly painted engine compartment.

    • With the engine positioned so that it will clear obstacles in the engine compartment, but still suspended from the hoist, a floor jack is placed under the transmission (figure E) to provide additional control as the engine is lowered into its resting position.

    • The floor jack helps level the engine (figure F) as it is lowered into the mount.

    • It provides the ability to push the transmission assembly up while the front of the engine is lowered and adjusted (figure G) so that the engine mounts are properly aligned.

    • With the engine in place, and resting with the mounts aligned, the motor-mount bolts are tightened (figure H), completing the installation.

    In the segment that follows, the driveshaft assembly and some of the engine accessories are installed.


    RESOURCES :

    Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
    Model: 0837607078
    Author: Pat Braden
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Bentley Publishers

    Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
    Model: 1861261225
    Author: John Tipler
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Crowood Press

    Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
    Model: 0760311625
    Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)

    Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
    Model: 1870979591
    Author: David Hodges
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)

    Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
    Model: 0750919582
    Author: David G. Styles
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Sutton Publishing

    Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
    Model: 1557881944
    Author: Jim Richardson
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    H.P. Books

    Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
    Model: 1850108900
    Author: Lindsay Porter
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Haynes Publishing

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