Grooved crank Journal on Alfa 164 3.0 24v

[Gussiegtv]

Hi,
I have just dismantled an Alfa 3.0 24ve engine from a 164 with the intention of rebuilding it and fitting it to my Alfetta GTV6. The mileage is unknown and by looking at what was supposed to be oil in the sump (more like black treacle) I don't think the oil had been changed very often! Mostly it looked O.K but has yet to be measured. My greatest concern was finding a deep groove running part of the way around the Crank journal for cylinder number 4 (at the front of the engine) which extends about half way around the journal. The other half looks fine and the bearing looked a bit worn but had no obvious damage. I'm struggling to find images of this journal to see if this deep groove is there to aid the flow of oil or if it is in fact damaged. Please can someone let me know?
Thanks very much.

[Gussiegtv]

Thanks for your reply and yes I am not holding out much hope! I know sometimes there is a groove cut in the journals on some cranks so I thought I must check for sure having got this far! I did find one photo on the web showing a similar groove on an Alfa v6 crank but it also said it was knackered! Didn't mention why this was the case unfortunately.

[Gussiegtv]

Hi, Thanks very much for your view on this which is much appreciated. I intend to rebuild it to standard specification so it won't be stressed like a race engine. In a GTV6 this should be enough power! The head gaskets are the original ones with 1993 stamped on them but the sump had definitely been removed at some stage. Provided everything measures up O.K I am going to fit new bearing shells and piston rings, idler pulleys etc. Thanks again for your opinion which gives me some comfort!

[Gussiegtv]

That is a good question and I can see yellow marks on the edge which shows which one of the three options was used. I really need to do some measurements to check to see if they are standard or undersize. Sorry I don't know.

[Gussiegtv]

Thanks again and I will check tonight. Sorry about my ignorance!

[Gussiegtv]

Hi,
I've finally checked the bearing shells and I cannot find anything in the workshop manual explaining the markings which doesn't make it easy! The backs of the main bearings are stamped with "CL 154" "-3A" on the other end is "MB 2638 AL". I did see something online with the same codes but no explanation unfortunately! As soon as my mike stand arrives I will be able to measure the journals but it would be great to know if the -3A means undersize for example.
Any help is welcome! Thanks very much.

[Gussiegtv]

Hi That's great thank you! I was worried that perhaps the journals had already been reground. Relief! Wily Coyote was right you are an invaluable help! My mike stand arrived today so I can start doing the proper measurements and see how it checks out.

[Gussiegtv]

Sorry,
Yes of course! I must wake up today!
These have the code "CL 154 and then either "3G" or it could be "8G" it's hard to tell. The other end had the number 11754. Please see photos attached.

[Gussiegtv]

Thanks to you both for your views. It is weird that the gouge only extends half way around the journal with no sign of any problems on the other side. The bearing didn't look to bad either. I do have another engine (the seller claimed it had a very low mileage) so it might make sense for me to open it up and take a look when I get time. This engine was incomplete which is why I started with a (just about) running engine with all it's ancillaries.

[Gussiegtv]

Thanks 227BHP,
I see what you mean but it is so small I can't really tell if the tab has been rounded off. I will check when I get home. Thanks for the information about the bearing references too. I didn't get a chance to do any measurements of the journals last night but will soon. Not sure quite what it will achieve unfortunately as the view generally appears to be not to use the crank. It will be interesting to find out anyway.

[Gussiegtv]

Thanks again 227BHP,I'm learning a lot here so asking the forum has been brilliant even if it wasn't all good news! The more information the better. Hopefully my other engine will be better. Finger's crossed!