Alfa Romeo 164 Twinspark Super

[Spinakerr]

kapiteinlangzaam said:

When I replaced the top mounts and gearbox mounts on my 916 TS, it showed up the lower mounts to be completely ruined. So much so, it was allowing part of the engine block to contact the driveshafts during heavy acceleration!!

Unfortunately changing the easy stuff is often like opening Pandora's box!

Indeed - initial investigations have revealed the shortlist for 'immediate items' being...everything suspension related. Pretty much everything pliable within a foot radius of each wheel. Accumulation has begun, but I'm not going to get there quickly!

I had a stroke of luck while searching for a spare wheel to match my four Speedlines - the seller not only had a complete set, in better condition than mine, but an untapped trove of useful parts. I excitedly loaded the haul this Sunday and will carefully unpack it after the week's work, but there look to be some truly tremendous finds - including a rear crossmember!

20170422_185315_zpsosn7tclv by James Vincent, on Flickr

The 164 is currently on a nearby lift undergoing surgery for such flippant items as 'brakes', so I hope to get as much done on a Friday out of work before Brooklands Auto Italia on Saturday... it's going to be a close run thing to get all four wheel back on the ground.

Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 22 July 13:29

[Spinakerr]

rxe said:

I would suspect the rear engine mount is the source of clonking and any sensation that the engine has become somewhat detached from the rest of the car. They're pretty inadequate in the first place, and 2 decades of being cooked by the exhaust and battered by the gearbox tends to kill them.

Your dent man is most impressive - what did a day's attention cost (roughly), and which side of London is he on?

He is Dentman in Twickenham, turns out to be walking distance from me and a great chap. Circa £200 for several hours work - three big dents and a fair number of other blemishes around the car. If you're going to be in the area let me know, would be great to see the GTA!

Wolveswill - The 146 doesn't look to be taxed so sadly might have gone the way of 95% of its brethren. Only on 146 on the Bay in a cool black, but why not treat yourself to this exceptionally priced 145?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C838415

On the 164 - Brake pipes replaced where possible, disc finally sourced of the right size and mounted, NOS pads luckily deduced from a bad listing, clutch slave replaced due to perished seals, correct LUK clutch also changes, gearbox drained and refilled with 1.8 litres of the closest match to Selenia 75w80 possible. According to Alfacraft it even smells the same.

That was the expected work. The unexpected included front drop links, rear brake flexi hoses (luckily the 75 is a match - Alfa, not Rover) and a gearbox split seal, sourced tonight and being delivered on Friday. The drop links induced mild heart skippage - whilst the bushes are available in polybush and rubber options, the actual metal portions needed replacement and reverse enquiries from Lancia Thema, via a Fiat database and finally article numbers 82398688 and 82443635 have hopefully resulted in the right item that can be shipped tomorrow.

I carefully pleaded my case to take Friday off work and will assisting with the reassembly and final bleeding, then at the very least a wash will be in order - hopefully also a trip to mount the new set of Speedlines and a spare tyre.

Next year, of course, I'll choose to do the work way in advance of Auto Italia. Definitely. I absolutely will. Next year.

[Spinakerr]

Whilst I nervously await the delivery of new ARB drop links, I thought I would unfurl the recent haul of parts.

Cue the poorest exploded diagram ever. With apologies to Terry Davey:

20170428_124742_zpss4gsblii by James Vincent, on Flickr

The four Speedlines are in excellent conditition - I'm going to swap these with those on the car. Time is dwindling for this today, unfortunately.

20170428_124753_zps32ngtqlw by James Vincent, on Flickr

The unused front subframe is the most fortuitous discovery, as while mine is serviceable it give me an excuse to build up an entire front end, including engine mounts, sealed and waxoyled, ready for fitting. It even has the dessicated Fiat sticker:

20170428_124759_zpsdxxugxna by James Vincent, on Flickr

20170428_124848_zps0qnnxdi7 by James Vincent, on Flickr

The rear crossmember is in standard crusty condition, but again give me the opportunity to strip, prep and weld it ready for mounting to minimise time off the road:

20170428_124939_zpsqjdylkuw by James Vincent, on Flickr

Everything else is a bonus, but it includes:

3x rear brake calipers.
Front wishbones (that unnerving sound like a box of cornflakes when moved)
Rear tie(?) bars and suspension components, in poor condition.
Handbrake and handbrake cables.
Hub and some wheel bearings.
Many suspension turret seal, plates, bolts and nuts. Some parts may be salvageable.
V6 Radiator fan (I may aim to use this as it is more substantial than the twinspark item).
Slam panel and rubber seal.

Plus some immediately binnable items, such as engine mounts:

20170428_125000_zpshlnwbj0g by James Vincent, on Flickr

Finally (cue inaudible fanfare) - a complete set of 164 mats, in great condition:

20170423_143608_zpsaqidsriv by James Vincent, on Flickr

These make me very happy indeed.

Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 22 July 13:33

[Spinakerr]

I'm overdue an update on the 164, so I'll resume where we left off - awaiting some ARBs and correct front discs on the Friday before Auto Italia at Brooklands...

Luckily the parts turned up, and were correct, thank the Alfa gods, though there was no time to bed in the brakes or perform the lengthy clutch bleeding process as the sun set. The next morning, I rose with the birds, applied a quick coat of polish and purged some air from the system. The twinspark burst into life with the merest hint of a keyturn, DOT4 on the passenger seat and a newfound respect for low clutch biting points we were off to Auto Italia.

Having attended Brooklands’Auto Italia event in the 164 for three years now I knew the drill – get there early as the traffic is miserable, don’t park on the banking if you have a weak handbrake and ensure your car is healthy & clean well in advance. Every year my carefully laid plans have been partially frustrated, but the 164 always made it, giving the thermostat and fan a good workout in the traffic and scowling at the rocks placed under its tyres to hold it securely.

I made it through the early morning traffic a lot quicker than most, but as usual the marshalling at the entrance was dire. A fast lane for ticket holders needs to be established, and the confused BMW in the queue should have been removed.

20170429_091142_zpsagcs50im by James Vincent, on Flickr

It was great to meet Richard and the AROC community in person at Brooklands, and whilst I believe I might have had the only Twinspark present, some of the other 164s on show were truly magnificent. It’s truly inspiring to see the 164 being regarded as a true classic and not just an old saloon!

Some fantastic 164s were present, including a Q4:

20170429_093452_zpspv1yjx57 by James Vincent, on Flickr



Plus some of my bucket list vehicles. A RHD 456 in black with a manual gearbox? I think that is the natural target for me, as I had a model as child and it was designed by Pininfarina after the 164:

20170429_102157_zps0hyp9rxr by James Vincent, on Flickr

Montreals:

20170429_094035_zpswscvyok1 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Miuras:

20170429_094539_zpstc08qlqd by James Vincent, on Flickr

A delight to meet all the owners as they arrived and hear the engines/smell the petrol during the arrival. Probably the highlight, as once it got busy I slunk off for another event. The 164 wasn't the only Alfa to make it to Newport Pagnell that afternoon:

20170429_175133_zpsbyg3q3qr by James Vincent, on Flickr

With the temperature dropping I headed back to London, the clutch developing an extra-low biting point that necessitated the removal of the mats - clearly more bleeding required.

I made it home with a combination of luck and guile, and examined the new/old parts collated.

With brake pipes like these, who needs enemies? I'm very glad to have these all removed:

20170507_184951_zps5d9ldf0b by James Vincent, on Flickr

Careful check of the new system to be completed, but I feel much safer on the road. Discs and pads require bedding in.

20170507_190855_zpszobizt8m by James Vincent, on Flickr

Rear flexi also collapsed, all since changed:

20170507_185206_zpspkipl8f2 by James Vincent, on Flickr

ARBs were the source of the front clonking:

20170507_185324_zpstjaylimc by James Vincent, on Flickr

You can see through this one:

20170507_185317_zpsqulf5xnx by James Vincent, on Flickr

And the new Thema parts on, showing the rest of the suspension needs to be refreshed:
20170507_190916_zpsydjgjssm by James Vincent, on Flickr

Clutch cylinder was also on its last legs, with a collapsed bleed nipple:

20170507_185412_zpsnlv55ar0 by James Vincent, on Flickr

New item on, ready for bleeding and with added dust cap from my stores:

20170507_190840_zpsh9vtm4on by James Vincent, on Flickr

Clutch itself was ok, some wear in the central splines:

20170507_185507_zpsf4ctcrbk by James Vincent, on Flickr
20170507_185521_zps5jq1ybb3 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Changed as we had the right kit, and new Selenia equivalent fluid put in.

With the car finally to a relatively safe standard, I cleaned up my recently-acquired mats, much better! Although as previously intoned, the clutch needs fettling before these can actually go in.

20170507_191010_zpswknjbiw9 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Phew. Getting there.

Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 22 July 13:41

[Spinakerr]

Yes indeed, usually the last item on the schedule so this year I missed it. The event is one of my annual highlights, and I enjoyed all the more for leaving even earlier, bringing my own bacon sandwich and leaving before the traffic jam. I have to track down the owner of that black 456, if anyone one can help, please PM me.

Clutch bleeding yesterday improved matters greatly. Fair bit of air expelled in the traditional fashion, girlfriend confirmed the pedal was firmer but still something is off, with pedal having a few cm of free travel at the top. Relatively good access plus wedging ledge for a plastic bottle:

20170521_182621_zps2igavtyy by James Vincent, on Flickr

Likely needs the brakes bled too given the combined system. For another day, and perhaps a return to Alfacraft to use the lift.

As the sun set tonight on the first day of summer, it's always reassuring to see your car look vaguely acceptable once the light level lowers:

20170522_211818_zpsfkipy9ga by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 22 July 13:43

[Spinakerr]

Mark Benson said:

What an enjoyable read. I caught the first few posts when the thread was started but somehow missed it again until now, so had a good few pages to go through to while away a very long and very tedious call.

Thanks - PH is generally the perfect environ to place to fend off boredom, glad the 164 thread helped.

The interior lights have never worked in my ownership, with the rears non-operable and only a single one of the two fronts coming on if upward pressure was applied to the holder. Rectification was in order.

First off, the front. The plastic cover detaches with ease:

20170430_111139_zpskc4ey0oj by James Vincent, on Flickr

The left hand unit was the semi-working item, though was clearly an incorrect bulb. The right bulb fell to pieces when I took it out, ready for the LED replacements I ordered.

Burn mark from the larger bulb a bad sign:
20170430_111149_zpsvt8kgwm2 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Two LED replacements of the correct size later (38mm, C5w 12V), still intermittent. So, I unscrewed the entire unit, which led to this terrifying tangle:
20170430_111651_zpsiifhc45s by James Vincent, on Flickr

The sunroof switches had been sliced and diced previously - one for later investigation:

20170430_111700_zpsor9q4uji by James Vincent, on Flickr

After some experimentation, a few loose screws explained the issue - part of the circuit fell out of contact unless pressure was applied:

20170430_111929_zpspjegpna9 by James Vincent, on Flickr

I also too the opportunity to install the mic for my handsfree kit in a spare alcove:

20170430_112734_zpsultvyjih by James Vincent, on Flickr

Voila! Front courtesy lights, operating perfectly, in the correct 'warm' hue:

20170519_203201_zpslnbnjbmd by James Vincent, on Flickr

20170519_203319_zpsdifflqsm by James Vincent, on Flickr

The rears took a few minutes. Similarly lopsided old bulbs:

20170519_203350_zpsaxqhz5o1 by James Vincent, on Flickr

A quick clean of the contacts and replacement bulbs provided a fully illuminated interior:

20170519_203537_zpsqtecjtda by James Vincent, on Flickr

Right, back to the suspension investigation.

Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 22 July 13:50

[Spinakerr]

dasigty said:

Look forward to the continuing write ups, and please get in touch if you are looking for parts, I might just have it.

Thanks, and yes please! Will send you a message.

helix402 said:

Photobucket broke your photos.

Indeed, a pox on them and all who sail in Photobucket.

I've rehoused all the photos, and the first two pages of this thread should be working. Just summoning up the willpower to finish the rest of it.

I thought fixing that idle was a tedious task, but rehoming all the photos and updating all the links on the topic is somehow meta-worse.

More to follow shortly - including exciting DOT 4 news.

[Spinakerr]

"We now return to your regular broadcast."

Photos fixed, and I never want to see another picture of a yawning kitten from photobucket ever, ever again.

You may recall the rear brakes were an advisory on the MOT, and the handbrake has never been 100%, so it was time to update the calipers. I didn't fancy taking the car off the road while calipers were sent for a refurb, but in the 'May Haul' I had counted three rears - excellent! Nope - three rear left examples, in various states of disrepair:

20170611_154243_zpssewrpqhz by James Vincent, on Flickr

The 164 Cadre yielded a willing partner from a V6 in the midlands, fortunately, so the happy couple were packed off for the Bigg Red spa:

2017-07-22_01-56-07 by James Vincent, on Flickr

As the original clutch line has decided it cannot stand the new slave cylinder, it started to leak and so it also needs replacement shortly. DOT4 aplenty.


There are a number of unnerving noises for humans - a nearby twig snapping in the woods, a wolf's howl in the distance and (now) the sound of a low battery on a mobile phone. I can add to this - the muted crunch of unknown rust. I was leaning on the driver's door and it was unmistakeable. I peeled back the thorough seals and uncovered a nastily nibbled patch.

2017-07-22_02-07-30 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Fortunately, this is merely a separately riveted strip for holding the seals down, so after removing what I could, and taking out any sharp edges, it was treated and painted.

2017-07-22_02-07-53 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Hopefully that will hold it back for a while yet.

[Spinakerr]

Some interior admin today.

Rear blinds add a sense of mystery to any car, and also stop the new leather from drying out in the summer. Unfortunately every time I looked in the rear view mirror I saw this:

2017-07-23_02-34-14 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Luckily there was not complicated headliner issue - there was enough give to unscrew the loose clips and align them correctly:

2017-07-23_02-34-31 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Voila! OCD compliant rear blinds.

2017-07-23_02-34-50 by James Vincent, on Flickr

The headlining needs renewal, but whilst I await a significant amount of willpower and time it was due a clean.

2017-07-23_05-16-03 by James Vincent, on Flickr

The edges of the sunroof were particularly awful - I hadn't realised how oily and disgusting they could be. A thorough upholstery clean and several clinancally-disposed of cloths later, it was looking respectable:

2017-07-23_05-16-38 by James Vincent, on Flickr

The rear calipers have been completed and I'm now awaiting time at a local lift. Onwards.

[Spinakerr]

Oh happy day, more functionality achieved!

This arrived:

2017-07-24_09-54-44 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

That's right folks - a central locking remote fob. Infrared. Time to take this car from 1989 all the way to 1991...

The fobs are a straightforward affair, but I just had to have the original Alfa Romeo logo emblazoned on mine.

I knew the seller supplied them in the original box, so they should come with the four digit code for reprogramming. They did, but it transpires you need the code for the receiver unit, in the car itself. Ah.

I put myself in the 1996 brain of the first buyer. Where would I keep the code as a backup... perhaps the burgandy 'master key'? No joy. Nor in the service handbook, and it seems the 'credit card' that should hold the codes has long since disappeared.

Long shot - the owner's manual? Not in the inside cover, but... huzzah! On the page for the remote instructions, in faded biro:

2017-07-24_09-56-11 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Suitably smirking, I sat in the car with a biro and a laptop with the reprogramming procedure. Many biro presses later:

2017-07-24_09-52-07 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

The HAL9000-like receiver stood down its defences, welcomed the little Trojan fob's infrared bleetings and success! The central locking worked, for the first time in my ownership, remotely:

2017-07-24_09-52-46 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

I have a pathological disdain for bongs, beeps, chirrups and horns/whistles associated with modern cars, and I was once again reassured as the steely, aloof 164 simply blinked its indicators twice and stood silent. Waiting.

[Spinakerr]

Thanks for all the positive comments, great to hear from other Alfa owners and I promise some more mechanical work is coming, just need the time and a proper lift.

RicksAlfas said:

I couldn't help but read this in a Richard Burton, War of the Worlds voice.

Ha! In that case my previous post should have read "Slowly, surely, they drew their rear blinds against us."

[Spinakerr]

Finally, I have a straight braking car, and a working handbrake!

The new calipers I had refurbished at Bigg Red returned, in good working order. Unfortunately still some speck of rust and nastiness that needed to be chased out. Not entirely impressed:

2017-08-06_03-47-19 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

However, time was pressing so these had to go on at Alfacraft. All went well, the new handbrake cable previously fitted was adjusted and the new discs and pads from earlier are more settled bedfellows with these carriers.

2017-08-06_03-43-08 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

The old calipers look salvageable:

2017-08-06_03-43-53 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

The troublesome clutch line was the main leak, as suspected - it has become porous and recent jostling has exacerbated the leak:

2017-08-06_03-44-10 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

I new braided hose was made up at Alfacraft's Hounslow contacts, and (so far) it is leak free.

2017-08-06_03-42-47 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Unfortunately this hasn't cured the clutch 100% - it has free play at the top and likely needs the clevis pin redrilled. Oh and did I mention the other leak at the master cylinder? No? Right. Well, back to it.

[Spinakerr]

To bring this thread up to date, the clutch saga was finally resolved with the replacement of the master cylinder and comprehensive bleeding.

Following the slave, plate and various hose upgrades the master cylinder completed the tontine and expired gently, letting the pedal go completely limp. It is relatively easy to purchase part number 60511530, but this is the LHD unit. For RHD, Alfa gave up trying to rearrange the area and just rooted around the parts bin for something that would fit.

A quick survey of my cross reference spreadsheet provided part number 60809183, which was predictably used on the Lancia Thema (RHD) but also, strangely, the Delta Integrale (82451850), which of course was only supplied in LHD...

Luckily Phil at Alfacraft was determined to resolve the issue and took on this fiddly job, so I don't have picture apart from the dead unit:

2017-09-30_09-28-15 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

The clevis pin hole was also redrilled to reset the pedal, a standard mod at the time and, my goodness, for the first time in my ownership I had a firm, accurate, silent clutch with no play.

Of course, I immediately purchased another car (see my Triumph GT6 thread) and have not used the car since, but this weekend Somerset beckons so it's time to fire up the twinspark.

[Spinakerr]

Konrad1963 said:

HI EVERYONE,

just bought a 1996 164 twin spark 2.0

and after the car sat 2 weeks now it is very difficult to start from cold,
takes about 5 minutes most of the time.
Once warm starts immediately.


and very occassionally starts as normal first time from cold.

Does any 2.0 twin spark driver any experience with this problem???

Lots to check here - blocked/disintegrated fuel filter on the offside rear, starter motor slightly off or even the MAF being dud - whle load of stuff, but check the battery first!

[Spinakerr]

You know how it is with cars - they are working perfectly, you want to treat them to a Christmas present and they throw a tantrum.

I decided to get the very well behaved 164 a new battery, as the recent cold weather made starting slightly sluggish and the battery was 6 years old.

It's in the boot under some trim:

2017-12-26_03-06-26 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Loosen the 10mm terminals, 13mm for the bracket (which also holds a load of random fuses, see earlier in the thread, and it's out.

I have always used Varta batteries. No problems thus far.

Same size, more amps:

2017-12-26_03-06-49 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Bolted in, with fresh electrical compound:

2017-12-26_03-07-05 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

A hundred miles down to Somerset in the grey weather laden with festive supplies, no problem.

2017-12-26_03-08-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Of course, today in the pouring rain there was no sign of life. A dim boot light is always a bad sign...

2017-12-26_05-22-09 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

A quick jump from a nearby Micra yielded turnover, but also a plethora of flickering lights and strange behavior.

2017-12-26_05-22-27 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Something is awry - it will likely be something I disturbed when replacing the battery, so my Dad (as always) was on hand to dig out the battery charger and begin investigations. Pouring rain always helps the mood. Note the 80s GP4 battery charger from the archives.

2017-12-26_05-23-08 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Some of the wires on the terminals were loose, but it looks like the main terminal bolts are past their best, so we have added some washers in an attempt to get a tighter fit.

2017-12-26_05-23-33 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Battery charging, I'm drying out with tea. Another mince pie beckons. Blast.

[Spinakerr]

Thanks for your messages - I made it back in one piece, in fact the alternator seems to have perked up and was charging normally, though it has a number of intermittent squeaks, rattles and unsettling noises so I'm going to replace it. Definitely a job for a lift and a warm workshop, so I'll tackle it in the new year.

It's not shared with the V6 as it's rated at 80A, for reference Bosch number 0120485025, or 0123310026. There's all sorts of used ones available over Europe but it seems difficult to get hold of a good new (or trusted refurbed) one here in the UK. Anyone know of a good source of Bosch refurbed alternators below 100 pounds?

rxe said:

Excellent progress. Alfas have a love hate relationship with their batteries, those jump leads look a bit skinny. I’ve learned (through bitter experience) that the only jump leads worth having are ones approved for use by lorry drivers or farmers.

On brake caliper refurbs, I’ve had excellent results from Brake Caliper Specialists - they’ve done the Alfetta, GT, GTA and diesel estate with no problems at all.

Yes that jumping experiment didn't last long, and don't worry they weren't my leads! The calipers are all working, I'm just surprised when these placed let items go back to customers with such obvious cosmetic issues. If they can't even get a bath and a spray right, what else hasn't been done to standard? Annoying.

[Spinakerr]

It's been a while since I posted in Alfa-land, mainly because I haven't been using the Alfa too much over the winter and hadn't had the motivation to chase the battery parasite that has taken up residence. I did pass it every day, an unblinking Pininfarina stare reminding me of its presence...

20180228_070932 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

20180228_070946 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

As I shirked my responsibilities for winter maintenance and the weather worsened, it was with a grim sense of foreboding that I gave it a cursory once over, replaced the wiper blades and took it for an MOT. After changing the battery (random parasite cackling audibly from the bowels of the car) it begrudgingly started, and as a winter bonus the heated wing mirrors had responded to my fiddling:

20180217_082401 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

MOT pass with no advisories, through I was reminded that most of the bottom was getting crusty and will need refurbishment. Also, the seatbelt holder plastic disintegrated as he reversed it out. Thankfully this was after I had the certificate.

20180217_092508 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

So, onto spring and after a good hose down of the winter salt:

20180325_123616 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

I have been driving it more, tasks taking me further afield and this weekend a 250 mile round trip to Somerset in a day was covered with aplomb. Suitably rustic photos:

20180414_105517 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

20180414_105503 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

I'm still flummoxed by the battery parasite. Nothing for two weeks, then if I leave it any longer it's dead a doornail, with a number of chargers whinging 'BATTERY NEEDS REPLACEMENT' and I must resort to the 80s trickle versions. With a multimeter nothing over 2 milliamps it active. I checked the alarm is off, the glovebox light and boot switches were working but no luck. Bah.

It could be the alternator, which grumbles and squeaks anyway, leaking through and draining the battery when parked a certain way.

Any suggestions welcome!

[Spinakerr]

RicksAlfas said:

I had a 145 which suffered from a sticking boot lid light sensor, so even if the bootlid was closed properly, the light would stay on.
I ended up taking the bulb out...

Thanks - this is an infuriating quirk, but I do think it's the alternator leaking out as everything else seems to be off completely when checked with a multimeter.

Long term readers (eh?) may recall my attempted to humpty-dumpty my seatbelt holder as it disintegrated over the years. Well, the fact that the sharp edges were marking my new seats, and a glare from my MOT man prompted me to track down another in the Alfa graveyards. Skeletonised unit as it had existed:

RicksAlfas said:

I had a 145 which suffered from a sticking boot lid light sensor, so even if the bootlid was closed properly, the light would stay on.
I ended up taking the bulb out...

It's a 17mm bolt but actually getting it out require unscrewing the centre console:

20180422_191529 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Ashtray is removed with a gentle pull, and two screws give enough movement to get the bolt out. I'm doing my best Renaissance hand here, with a screwdriver:

20180422_191904 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

That's easier.

20180422_192313 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Et voila! Another annoyance of the list.

20180422_193314 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

[Spinakerr]

The 164 has been gathering leaves and sap under a particularly awful tree the past month, and when it's fan stopped I feared the dreaded 'dash out' scenario to replace the motor. Still, best to check the basics first.

Fuse in the cabin looks good, so time to check the underbonnet fuse and relay. Oh...

20180617_171141 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

20180617_171209 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

The springtime has been cruel to the Alfa. Aside from a lot of leaves and moisture there is a surprising amount of actual soil, so I 'mucked it out' and mentally attempted to construct a suitable cover from my spare parts for the future. The relay was dangling free, submerged in muck but the fuse (40a orange) was all ok:

20180617_171222 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

20180617_171716 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

I borrowed a A727 50A from the boot (rear window demist cycler I think) and the fans blew triumphantly. Phew! AN easy fix to averse evaporation in traffic this summer.

20180617_173111 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

A quick scrummage with a torch revealed the correct wall hanging appratus where it should be clipped:

20180617_173544 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr

Hopefully that keeps it happy for the moment.

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 17th June 22:53

[Spinakerr]

Nope - UK spec, where we were unaware of the existence of A/C until the year 2000.