Alfa Romeo 164 Twinspark Super

[Spinakerr]

Madjoiner said:

Have you seen the article in classic car magazine this month?
Very complimentary about the 164.

Thanks for the tip - I'll pick it up tomorrow.

rxe said:

Good job on the wing!

Just noticed the jam jar lids - ingenious. I got a bag of stainless "repair washers" for about £1.50 on eBay - they're about the size of a small jar lid, and you don't need to eat a pot of marmalade to fix the heat shield. Actually I got several different sizes - so there are small ones for a tight corner, and whoppers where I have the space to get them in.

Thanks, first real piece of body repair on the car!

Ordinarily I would have raided my washer store, but unfortunately the heatshield has the consistency of dry toast and previous repair washer have worn through - I wanted to experiment with a washer that had a curved edge and saved these from a recent Eurostar breakfast. So far so good, and free!

[Spinakerr]

Thanks guys - I definitely didn't set out to restore this, but the combination of a challenge and cache of obscurity has become enjoyable. I think the fact that even in its 'tired' state it is so involving to drive helps. Plus the exhaust note is wonderful!

Several people pointed out that in the 80s some laughed at owners restoring the four door Giulias from the 60s, but they are now coveted. As MadJoiner highlighted - a buyer's guide in Classic Cars this month is always good to see, even if everyone obsesses over the 3ltr version.

Bigkeeko - I think now is a good time to pick up a late 80s/early 90s Alfa. There's never a bad time, but given the recent classic 'boom' these are still good value for something that you may be able to get parts and servicing for at a specialist.

My battery cover was one of the final rattles from the back of the car - loose, rusted bracket and torn carpet:

IMAG2767_zpsea6bwa5f by James Vincent, on Flickr

Luckily the donor car above had a perfect match. Now the only rattles are at the front of the car!

IMAG2783_zpsdkgalxdk by James Vincent, on Flickr

My brake master cylinder is being temperamental and needs seals changed - hopefully this can be done today in time for Brooklands tomorrow. No time to wash and polish. Blast.

Then it is on to replacement brake lines (cunifer), suspension bushes, gearbox, clutch and that perpetual idle issue...

Edited by Spinakerr on Friday 29th April 11:56

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:02

[Spinakerr]

Reg Local said:

I ran a 1990 164 2 litre twin spark "lusso" in the mid 1990s. I loved it - it had the comfiest seats I've ever experienced to this day.

If it makes you feel any better, it was almost as difficult to get parts for these when they were actually still in production. A hydraulic clutch pipe which ran from the master cylinder to the clutch (a complicated solution for the left hand to right hand drive conversion) corroded and failed. It took Alfa UK 8 weeks to source me a replacement, by which time I'd had a local engineering firm make me an original for 1/4 the price out of non-corroding stainless steel.

I remember it fondly though - I brought my (now 19 year old) daughter home from hospital in it when she was a day old.

Didn't put me off Alfas either - I swapped it for a 2 litre 156.

I think some pipes are goign to have to be made up - I have been prodding and muttering at various pipes that have clearly been exposed for two decades. We'll burn that bridge when we get to it...

The last owner similarly reminisced taking their newborn son home in it. Smart mafia transport for the next generation!

beautifulbusso said:

I saw your motor today at Brooklands, it looks absolutely superb and is a real credit to your hard work

You're too kind - it looked shabby and rushed, as it was that day unfortunately! Can't believe I missed the 90...

rxe said:

Brake lines are a horrible job. I've done it on the 155 and 156, at the back you need to drop the fuel tank and remove all the rear suspension, and the front involves removing most of the engine. Might be different on a 164....I hope it is for your sake....

No unfortunately not, it looks to be full weekend-of-swearings-worth- but I have to get the rear crossmember to my friendly blacksmith shortly so that might be right time to attempt it. I'm not happy with the state of the pipes around the ABS module:

IMAG2873_zpsayam08rc by James Vincent, on Flickr

Sooner rather than later...

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:04

[Spinakerr]

This weekend's plan was to have Friday off work to clean and primp the 164 ready for Auto Italia at Brooklands. Unfortunately, the brake master cylinder developed a leak and left it with a local Alfa mechanic (and 164 tolerator) for the day. In true Alfa fashion, we couldn't replicate the leak, and the 164 lifted its nose at our attempts to detect which part was faulty. With the light dimming, I admitted defeat, just having time to cut the new wing and rear bumper fade to match the rest of the car. Before:

IMAG2814_zpsjnvo9vzq by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG2815_zpsp1dstciv by James Vincent, on Flickr

After, of course, was at Brooklands, without a wash and most definitely not even vaguely cleaned. Apologies to everyone who saw it, next year will be different I promise.

IMAG2819_zpsvxmutcfa by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:05

[Spinakerr]

After Brooklands, on Saturday I decided to address a long standing issue since purchase - mismatched tyres. I had put two part worn Kumho Solus' (Solusi? Sox?) on the front and retained the least murderous of the original wheels, a newish Nankang and an aged Firestone for the rears. Best not to mention the state of the spare wheel. Forgive the overexposure on these photos, twas a bright sunny Saturday.

IMAG2840_zpsww8qdk3b by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG2841_zpsk8vjdz3d by James Vincent, on Flickr

My favourite tyre warehouse allowed me a good poke around while the wheels were off. If only it had been used instead of the DeLorean...

IMAG2848_zpsd3znwaw5 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Further evidence of brake line attention required:

IMAG2853_zpsnr2civfx by James Vincent, on Flickr

But ultimately these make me feel a lot safer. Slightly wider but still a factory option (205 Goodyear Efficient Grips vs 195s):

IMAG2862_zpsd7kcfreb by James Vincent, on Flickr

If tyre manufacturers could insert a coloured pinstripe all the way through with the italian flag, that would be most appealing. I can't remember the last time I bought four new tyres from a good brand, but the smell alone it worth it for the first miles.

Today I replaced two melted fuses in the boot:

IMAG2865_zpsdcwenrge by James Vincent, on Flickr

Fairly common issue as the rear screen demister does not cycle on/off correctly, even when new, so owners do so manually. It's part of the 'driving experience'.

IMAG2866_zpsboyjoxw0 by James Vincent, on Flickr

For those of you following the uneven idle saga, I have been playing with some carb cleaner to track it down. One of the main seals on the idle control valve has aged to give a slight gap:

IMAG2869_zpsrj6nitzl by James Vincent, on Flickr

I put a supplementary O ring on the unit to see if this makes a difference. I doubt it.

IMAG2874_zps4hguq4wq by James Vincent, on Flickr


Also, the driver's foot rest was missing a retaining bolt and so flexed annoyingly.

IMAG2867_zpsg0on9xsi by James Vincent, on Flickr

M6 long bolt and nuts later, solidity attained:

IMAG2868_zps3cf0xpyg by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:10

[Spinakerr]

beautifulbusso said:

Well the next event is NAD on 10th July, so might see you there

Ah you caught me while attempting to stop the 164 creep down the Brooklands banking! Definitely see you on the 10th July.

Since fitting the new boot struts the car has unfortunately developed a common 164 issue:

IMAG2879_zpsg1w8aurw by James Vincent, on Flickr

Not really clear? Well, these little blighters are stress marks in the panel:

IMAG2877_zps2ywfnh69 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Sadly the 'correct' new struts just push the panel out ever so slightly more than the old units.

One fix owners have used over the years is bungee cord to pull the struts in ever so slightly:

IMAG2880_zps7okdttic by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG2881_zpsfgdjqdyw by James Vincent, on Flickr

Hopefully that will stop the issue, otherwise I'll be looking at retro-fitting springs from the phase 1 cars.

Apologies for the admin update.

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:12

[Spinakerr]

rxe said:

Rear brake lines should have a union somewhere between the front and the back. On the 155 it is at the back, on the 156 it is under the passenger footwell. If you split the pipes here, you can do the back independently of the front. Doing front and back in one weekend would be a challenge.

Thanks - you are right. Given some of the labour quotes I've received for the brake lines I think I'll be pursuing it myself once I have a garage and a drive - hopefully by the end of June.

Recently I have been preoccupied with the aforementioned house move and rescuing a Nissan Micra (see my other thread). With that MOTed I turned my attention back to the Alfa.

The idle issue has been annoying me greatly - the above idle control valve fettling didn't yield results so I decided to inspect, clean and renew the plenum-forward intakes.

Firstly, I noted various mismatched rusty jubilee clips and those annoying spring clips:

IMAG2882_zps4u7l5win by James Vincent, on Flickr

Also one missing clip on the breather on the left:

IMAG2886_zpsrtyuj7lj by James Vincent, on Flickr

Some liberal carb cleaner and rags to tidy everything up:

IMAG2890_zpszybsqxsv by James Vincent, on Flickr

Split spotted by the idle control hose:

IMAG2893_zpsqlxvjemf by James Vincent, on Flickr

So I trimmed it a little to ensure a better seal given the new clips:

IMAG2993_zpsk3fxxohn by James Vincent, on Flickr

All other hoses and joints were intact, so everything was reassembled with satisfyingly shiny and uniform clips:

IMAG2887_zpst2az70vg by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG2994_zpsjzwgromf by James Vincent, on Flickr

Did this cure the idle issue?

...

No.

In annoyance I went back to cosmetics - the rear boot badge has faded badly:



New badges from the right era still turned out to be plastic rather than the original metal, which is an annoyance. I'm going to keep the original metal disc and see if I can repaint it myself in the lonely winter months.

IMAG2997_zpsh6bqqliu by James Vincent, on Flickr

This is a really easy job - peel away bootlid interior trim, carefully remove the tiny circlip (bottom left) and catch the spring, then carefully pull the badge, very slowly, from the outside, and ensure the spring (like a headlamp bulb retainer) is not bent.

IMAG2996_zpsbq0m9xav by James Vincent, on Flickr

Satisfying:

IMAG2995_zpsixwwjbwq by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG2998_zpsuz5lxgqg by James Vincent, on Flickr

Right, back to the idle issue this afternoon - I thought I would replace the fuel filter as couldn't find it in any of the history. A quick inspection revealed it was safely encrusted with debris in the offside rear wheel.

Oh, for reference, while heavily advertised as such, this is not the right filter:

IMAG3089_zps0bn83ezq by James Vincent, on Flickr

This is the right filter, despite the spelling, with screw thread fittings, 0 450 905 087:

IMAG3092_zpsotsmnoro by James Vincent, on Flickr

Wheel off, two 8mm spanners and plenty of penetrating fluid release the holder:

IMAG3093_zpswa4vmx3y by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3094_zpsom5vo90s by James Vincent, on Flickr

Then it was 17mm, 19mm and 21mm spanners (depending on the level of surface rust) for the banjo bolts:

IMAG3097_zpsc2jg6j55 by James Vincent, on Flickr

A tray underneath to collect the petrol (no hose clamps required, just a small amount in the filter) is a good idea, and with some persuasion it was freed:

Old and new. Might be the original factory item:
IMAG3098_zpsnpy23tdu by James Vincent, on Flickr

Luckily all the bolts cleaned up nicely with a wire brush and some washers were reused as their desiccation tessellated uniquely. I decided to fire it up just to ensure everything was working before full reassembly, and waited for it to properly warm to test the joints for leaks.
IMAG3099_zpsrh8rfeny by James Vincent, on Flickr

I didn't have time to get it properly warm to test the idle issue. At least the list is getting smaller!

An autopsy on the old filter revealed it to be cruddy but intact. Cause of death: hacksaw.
IMAG3100_zpsvxjjgwlh by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:20

[Spinakerr]

Paul S4 said:

Transforms the way the car drives IMO, as the original facelift wheel ( same as the Alfa GT) is too thick and 'lumpy' .

That looks much better on the 156 - did they do a matching gearknob? The differences are the same with the 164 wheel - slimmer, smarter and a much nicer place to rest thumbs.

My Italian work colleague is helping me uncover the secrets of italian auction sites - hopefully to much needed parts incoming over the summer.

rxe said:

On the idle issue - does the ECU have that 3 pin diagnostic socket on 164s? My (older) 155 has it, and you can get an adapter to connect it to Multiecuscan for about £15. It might be chucking some fault codes at idle if it is the lambdas.

My money is still on an air leak - I think the only bit you haven't looked at is the rubber bits between the intake plenum and manifold proper. If they are anything like the ones on the 155, they will be cracked to glory and pretty porous.

Thanks (again!) rxe - I am assembling the parts required, and have some refurbished injectors, just need the correct rubber 'necks'*4 for that stage of the rebuild. Let me know if you have the part number - can't work out if they are the same as the 3ltr as they changed when the plenum changed to plastic!

_Nathan_ said:

For future reference; try infopart.org - it is very useful

It has the MANN-FILTER WK8306 listed as a compatible part

http://infopart.org/bosch-0450905087-part

Thanks - bookmarked to use in future to double check, much appreciated.

[Spinakerr]

Paul S4 said:

Regarding this Heated Rear Window issue, does anyone know if it affects the 156 saloon ?

Mine has stopped working so it may be a similar fix.

Different circuits I believe - I think the 156 rear screen issue is relay-related. Are the wing mirror heaters working too? If not, likely a fuse/relay - if just the rear screen it may be a join or connector to the rear glass. Good luck!

rxe said:

My 155 is a V6, same design principle (plenum connected to manifold with dodgy bits of rubber), but different parts. From the day I got it, it had a rough idle, enough to be irritating but not enough to be a problem. Turned out that one of the rubber connectors had failed on the back of the tube, completely invisible. I found it with a stethoscope made out of a bit of underfloor heating tube, a clear whistle by the offending item. Replacements costed an absurd amount of money and I needed 6 of the things!

Thanks, various italian sites have much cheaper original parts in stock, just need to get the diameters right as there are conflicting reports. 'Manicotto' is the search term that proved useful!

RicksAlfas said:

Great thread. Really enjoyed reading it.


I recently cured a lumpy idle on my Range Rover by adjusting the throttle potentiometer. When the car is idling the throttle pot should be showing a certain voltage. If it's not, you can twist it slightly until you get the correct reading. Sometimes the mounting holes need to be filed out slightly to achieve this. If you can find this value it would be worth a look. It's a five minute job and a movement the width of a KitKat wrapper made a huge difference to the running of the car. How you find out the voltage for yours... I don't know.

Thanks - the TPS and main MAF have been checked on the voltage side, but may need further cleaning and adjustment to narrow down the problem. I have all the technical manuals for the electrical system, just need to get a 3 pin fiat adapter to read the faults codes as mentioned earlier.

Onward, to a stable idle!

[Spinakerr]

A house move is taking up the time/finances for the more serious work required on the 164, but I've managed to tick off two tasks:

The boot floor had completely disintegrated so my local timber merchant helped out with some damp-proof MDF. Not a perfect fit for the irregular octagon Alfa designed, but a vast improvement for me. Luckily the staff had old Alfa stories and were keen to help out with a 'one-off':

IMAG3349_zpsuqvtui6i by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3350_zpsgfpf2rdn by James Vincent, on Flickr

Now all I have to do is get round to cleaning the interior. Perhaps after the house move...

IMAG3347_zpsifa3mflj by James Vincent, on Flickr

Next, my Italian work colleagues helped me out searching .it websites, and we finally tracked down a NOS wooden 164 gearknox to match the wheel.

IMAG3358_zpsl4au90s7 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Given the state of the old leather knob, this has come just in time.

IMAG3361_zpskfwpua3o by James Vincent, on Flickr

Finally in place!

IMAG3373_zpsoroz683q by James Vincent, on Flickr

Now all I need is a fully refurbished gearbox and drivetrain on the end of it.

This definitely adds 10bhp.

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:26

[Spinakerr]

I'd love to take something (anything!) Alfa-shaped on to a track but alas not at the lifestage yet that makes it possible.

After a long-winded house move, the 164 enjoyed a brief spell in the new garage before being relegated to the street as we begin tearing apart the house. Funds and time may be seriously lacking, but I am keen to solve the idle issue before the winter and have begun amalgamating various parts.

Recently I was enamoured with the idea of a metal intake plenum (see earlier in the thread), and a £15 to Slovenia later, this arrived:

IMAG3706_zpsq0qi1brd by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3708_zpsnjsswulh by James Vincent, on Flickr

Unfortunately the angles and dimensions are all wrong, it must be for a much earlier 164 or even a 155. Never mind - I'm sure I can find it a loving home in the Alfa community.

The most unobtainable part thus far are the inlet to cylinder rubber 'sleeves' that are one of the primary suspects of the idle issue. Seemingly specific to the late 164 and (perhaps) the S4 Spider, no Alfa spare suppliers, breakers or ebay sellers can provide what I need. 55mm internal one end, 45mm internal the other and 45mm in height. I've been speaking to some silicone hose producers but so far all options seem rather expensive.

IMAG3716_zpszgjvu8r6 by James Vincent, on Flickr

Can anyone help me?

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:36

[Spinakerr]

Thanks, much appreciated - I think I've narrowed it down to 60593553, which was produced for only a few years for both the 155 and 164. I can find the grand total of one online!

Various silicone suppliers have been helpful, but the short length and cost to mould it seems steep. I'm going to keep phoning around for quotes and just giving the dimensions too - there may be some obscure match from a Fiat/Lancia something-or other.

Took it for a run today - surprisingly eager, even and quick to start. Love this car.

[Spinakerr]

Actually I'm in London, but my German isn't too shabby and four are now on their way! Thank you Vitorio, much appreciated. Let's see what turns up!

The ebay.it is my usual haunt but no retailers had the number required after asking my Italian colleagues to help me with correspondence.

I now have most of the kit for a rebuild, clamps, new injectors (more on that later) and some other parts. I am tempted to changed the rumbling alternator while it's all off, but I don't think I have the time before the 10th July Southern Alfa Day.

[Spinakerr]

finlo said:

11 months to swap an alternator!

Edited by finlo on Monday 29th August 18:09

Ha! I deserved that - I meant September. Though given it's been two years already, 11 months is likely accurate.

Vitorio said:

There is actually an old man living round the corner from me with a 164 TS, just say the word and ill go and nick his rubber jobbies

Just let me know if it looks like giving up - we need as many on the road as possible, and definitely parted out to the 164 register if they properly go kaput!

[Spinakerr]

Unfortunately the German company refunded my money as it turns out they're not available - search continues...

As I had the weekend to myself, and now have a driveway and a working water supply, I decided to clean the car properly. I tried to keep it presentable in my ownership but this time I went much deeper into the nooks and crannies. This snail was the last straw (he's been relocated to the Micra, don't worry):

IMAG3770_zpscz3ogizp by James Vincent, on Flickr

The car is covered in light marks, swirls and chips from a tough life in London but for the Southern Alfa day next Saturday I decided to see how much it could be lifted, and also cut the new wing and bumper to try and match the rest of the car.

Before:

IMAG3758_zpslcft8fqf by James Vincent, on Flickr

Notice the 'matt effect' spoiler:

IMAG3759_zps1piosqhs by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3759_zps1piosqhs by James Vincent, on Flickr

Wing difference - milky:

IMAG3763_zpsmqidzjlx by James Vincent, on Flickr

The 164 is sealed very well - overlapping rubber, intelligent run-offs and joins, tight clips and overlaps. Unfortunately, these had never been cleaned, and it appears the car might have once been used to de-silt Dagobah:

IMAG3766_zpsweqkvza2 by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3768_zps5yvqvnac by James Vincent, on Flickr

During, had a new pressure washer, some expensive shampoos and about four buckets to get rid of as much matter as possible. The new clay bar shrieked like toenails down an ironing board. I really thought I was doing some damage, but the amount of embedded nonsense that was excavated convinced me to plod on:

IMAG3781_zpslesckeml by James Vincent, on Flickr

The next day (after a rain shower, of course), I dried the car again and pulled every piece of garbage out of all the seals, then got to work cutting the panels that needed it. Various layers of polish helped, finished off with some suitable wax. I am extremely happy the result!

IMAG3804_zpstmd4bkyo by James Vincent, on Flickr

Boot matches spoiler for first time ever:

IMAG3809_zpstqkiztjf by James Vincent, on Flickr

New rear bumper matches the rest of the rear:

IMAG3812_zpsjl3p8pat by James Vincent, on Flickr

Presentable:

IMAG3808_zpshioxpmfz by James Vincent, on Flickr
IMAG3810_zpsifqtcnxu by James Vincent, on Flickr

I may even have got the wing mirrors to match too, which is a first.

Luckily it's under cover now for next Saturday. Now about the interior...

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:43

[Spinakerr]

Thank you both - I ran out of time for the alloys, glass and interior. Hopefully Saturday will afford me a moment.

My front slam panel was an eyesore every time I opened the bonnet, so finally got round to swapping it for a newer item.

Past it's best:

IMAG3785_zpskzeg2bce by James Vincent, on Flickr

Preventative on the new item:

IMAG3795_zpsp2wzsgpz by James Vincent, on Flickr

Old and new:

IMAG3788_zpsq888mfmw by James Vincent, on Flickr

Gently nudging this car towards respectability...

IMAG3796_zpsxu7exjxi by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:46

[Spinakerr]

rxe said:

That radiator is letting the side down now! :-)

On the rubber things - probably worth stripping them out and seeing if they are actually cracked - they might be folded over, or have the sort of cracks that can be botched togeher with a dab of silicone or similar.

I don't think it's the right radiator - some of the fitting and angles just don't look right. It might be a phase 1 item on a phase 2 car.

I'm determined to find the rubber sleeves! Sooner or later this planet must yield a quadron of manicottos from a dusty corner or Europe...

MarkwG said:

I recall mine had a rubber cover over the radiator, clipped to that panel - that covered up the rad so you couldn't see the top tank, hence cosmetic rattyness didn't matter so much.

Yes! I knew I had seen something in the house move amongst the piles of 'unknown but likely useful' - here it is!

IMAG3816_zps1gh2ldyp by James Vincent, on Flickr

B&W shot with the wrong colour balance/contrast:

IMAG3815_zpsskofmqsm by James Vincent, on Flickr

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:47

[Spinakerr]

LarJammer said:

Regarding the rubbers - its a long shot but the Vectra V6 used a very similar item on the inlet manifold. Its well worth googling/buying.

Yes there are various possibilities from other models, but most have the same inlet and outlt dimensions, like the Vectra. 45mm inlet diameter, 55mm outlet, 45mm tall - that's the target. All contributions welcome!

[Spinakerr]

Hever Castle today was great fun - Southern Alfa Day with a castle, grounds and garden for my girlfriend - I am now only attending car shows that has a setting that can ameliorate any raised eyebrows from an early start at a weekend.

I think I would be happy with the gatehouse, let along the actual castle:

IMAG3828_zpsqwqjtbwr by James Vincent, on Flickr

Parking was by colour, so we ended up in the sinister section:

IMAG3855_zpszp2nbp96 by James Vincent, on Flickr

At the moat a 'tricolor' had been organised, with the only other 164 (24V, no less) in a rather fetching shade of green:

IMAG3834_zpskhcra0ow by James Vincent, on Flickr

Definitely a show of Alfas of all ages, with the overiding theme seeming to be that each one had been buffed and coiffured for the day:

IMAG3857_zpsavtlj9si by James Vincent, on Flickr
IMAG3859_zpsafmyyj83 by James Vincent, on Flickr

IMAG3856_zpshuyj8sqw by James Vincent, on Flickr

We also tried some archery in the grounds - recommended as a mid-morning wake up, then left before the afternoon rains.

I now have some other leads on various parts for the car. Hopefully some positive news to follow next week.

Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 16th July 15:50

[Spinakerr]

AlanV6 said:

Wow, loving this topic!
From who did you buy that manifold in Slovenia? I have some alfisti friends here and few of them are 164 owners, do you maybe have FB and i can connect you with some of them for parts?

Thanks! It was from a seller named 'kuzminbruno', who packed, posted and described it all to a good standard, it's just a shame it's for the phase 1 164s.

Happy to pass on at cost to someone who can make use of it.

shalmaneser said:

Re. Your erratic idle:

Much appreciated - all thoughts are welcome on this point - when I finally sort it I'll hold a barbecue for all those that helped out!

In the early days of investigation I unplugged the AFM and ran it, to no noticeable improvement so I had discounted it as the fault. However this fix likely needs to be completed in any case. I have recently acquired some dental tools that should allow me to prise off the flimsy black rectangular without swearing.

The car is currently parked on the new driveway glaring at me each night. I just need this rubber sleeves (60593553 is scored in my memory) to commence the rebuild. Oh, and the correct alternator, if anyone knows where to get a rebuilt/brand new one!