If you are here to complain about the videography in this video, please understand that it is almost 3 years old, I agree the style is awful, and I'd recommend you check out some newer videos like this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aHtshoUVhEU.html
I'm here to tell you that the videography is fine. I enjoyed the entire video, and your passion as a mechanic. When you nicked the flywheel for example
I had a seized engine with rusty cylinder liners, and what worked for me was pushing the Piston further down in the bore and then using some honing stones to make short work of the rust. After that the pistons came right out. Like those guys are saying, the video is fine, ignore the choosing beggars.
I worked for Alfa Romeo GB from 1968 to 1973, and had many of these engines apart. (There isn't a GTV engine on the planet that hasn't had a head gasket replacement at least once). This engine has definitely been apart before and reassembled as the heads do not come off that easily. Alfa supply a vast array of special tools including the tool to separate head from block to break the adhesive seal. Whomever took the engine apart saw what he was up against and quit.
Nice video. Have worked on Alfas in 1977 at a dealership in Greatneck, NY, USA, Performance Imports when the Alfetta GTVs were new and was impressed with the performance and simple straight foreward mechanicals. We did a lot of head gasket work and repaired/replaced many damaged lower oil pans even ones with crash guards. I live in Florida now and am amazed how rare these cars have become. Saw one at the beach with a kayak strapped to the roof and spoke to the young owner who was unimpressed with my awe. Got it from his grandpa like it was some burden!
Anywhere where there are steel fasteners in aluminum, heat the aluminum around the bolt with a propane or butane torch first....you don’t need to melt it, just uncomfortable to the touch. Then a few drops of ATF or candle wax. Has worked for me for 40 years...and BTW I don’t see a problem with the videography....
In 1987 I had this engine in a 1979 Alpha Romeo Sports Sedan. The dipstick never registered oil. Even after 5+ quarts..dry dip stick. The engine finally through a rod that could be seen pushing through the block. Great work on the dismantling.
If you need to unseize another engine try this method: *Boil* some engine oil (preferably low(er) viscosity) and pour down through to the pistons and leave for a while. Drain repeat if stubborn. *Then* use gentle tapping with block of wood. Alternatively 50/50 mix auto trans fluid and acetone. (could try first) The idea is to have a fluid that will lubricate but is also thin enough (viscosity) to seep past the rings to do its unseizing magic. The heat from the boiling oil causes the block/pistons to expand - releasing the corrosion - reducing the need for excessive force. Rarely do I see people using the above method. Should always be gentle not use brute force. (as you know) Good video and pleased the head and block is serviceable.
Thank you SO MUCH for not using that AWFUL utube "music". I actually have to mute most of the footage I watch from other 'follow my build/repair channels' I watch. Like Pistons and Petrol. Excellent series about modifying the new 124 spider, but the background/incidental music actually gives me a headache. 😣
Jethro, please keep up the great work. Most enjoyable and clear to view. As a collector of Italian and French sports cars, I applaud your wonderful efforts in bringing both simple and straight forward visuals and explanations, to the every day auto enthusiast. Well done and keep up the good work. Malalfa.
Back in the 1970 I worked at a Triumph motorcycle mechanic. Maybe twice a year we would have a customer bring in a bike with a stuck piston. This was usually due to rust in the cylinder on the side this the exhaust or intake valve open.We developed a system to save a lot of work and banging in piston crowns. We would remove the rocker box to take the pressure off of the valve spring closing that cylinder. Then we would squirt some light grade oil down the bore and replace the spark plug with a tool. The tool was made from an old spark plug with the porcine insulator broken out and an air chuck nipple brazed on. We would put 100 PSI on that cylinder and it would drive the oil past the rings. We would let it sit until you would here a satisfying thud as the piston went to the bottom.
That engine is an impressive example of engineering for the 1960's. I had an '84 Spider Veloce years ago, and I remember how smooth revving the engine was. Lightweight, high revving, very reliable. The block didn't have any webbing to support the upper end of the cylinder liners yet there was no problem with cylinder-walking. Everything stayed in perfect alignment.
And here I am... can't even strip a bicycle and put it together again. Excellent video, no gimmicks, silly music and we have a knowledgeable guy. Well done Jethro!
My first 4 cars were Alfas. The 1st one I got @ age 17 was a 69 Giulia Super with a 1750 motor (dealer homologation special). When trying to replace a blown head gasket, try what I might the head wouldn't budge. Using a chain block I eventually had the front wheels off the ground, while furiously hammering on it with a copper mallet. In desperation I re-assembled everything and started it. Revved it a few times, still no movement until the inlet cam jumped time (I had left a little slack). As the valves bent it finally came free.
Greg Culverwell I had that exact experience with a 67 Spider motor a couple of years ago. I made a video about trying to separate the head, it’s on my channel here under the Spider playlist.
I have my 3rd Alfa Romeo, the one I drive is the new Giulietta CloverLeaf , bought from new almost 6 years ago. But I was very unlucky, was doing 50 mph on the A27 when the engine died. Called the AA and was told the camshaft went and with it the engine.Never canned the car, always looked after in time, but very surprised had to replace the engine with a new one, with less than 30k miles on the clock. The good thing was I contacted Alfa Romeo in Italy, they knew everything about the car and they agreed to pay 65% of the price of the engine and labour. I still have the car lol.
Awesome episode! Can't wait for the rest. I'm restoring a 74 Berlina and I'm planning to dig into the engine soon. Keep your videos coming...get into the details...I'm loving it! Thanks.
On the internet you always get some infos on how to do it, but honestly, you usually don t see it being done. This video was of great quality (others were too) but i guess lots of us learned more with this video! Can t wait to see the upcoming ones! Great job and a big thanks for sharing with the community!
Octave Leroux Hey thanks! That's exactly what I aim to do with my videos. I want to have a vlog that teaches others to work on cars, and inspires people to get their hands dirty. I've learned so much from other people putting their work online, now it's my turn to contribute!
A big respect to this! We missed a channel like this for alfas. (Vintagecustoms and all are giving good advices, but we miss the detail we get from your videos)
Awesome video's, keeps me glued to the screen! For now I only have experience with a "modern" 147, but I can't wait to get my hands on a classic Alfa in a couple of years!
Brought back memories. 1960's I had a Ford with a six-cylinder that was screwed up. With my friend in tow, I went to where a person had said he had a low mileage engine, Unlike the marvelous equipment you have, after I paid the man and he went inside to put the money away, I looked at my friend and he understood, we picked up the engine and put it in his trunk. The seller came out and look very puzzled, he could not believe that we picked up the engine. I can't do it now as I am 80!
Dear Jethro I am loving your videos. How did you become so talented and confident? Very impressive. My mother had 3 alfas a 1300 junior, 1600 junior and a 33. The 1600 my parents drove to Antibes from nottingham for a summer holiday. We loved that car and my father would drive very quickly . My mothers also but she was told by the Alfa dealer she needed to use the brakes more when she drove. She loved accelerating and in the early 70's was one of the quickest cars and most expensive cars on the road. Happy memories. About to buy a Mito for my daughter to learn to drive so it will be good to have an Alfa back. However we love your fleet much more! Best wishes Mark
Man your videos are great. Very good teachs. Thank you. And congratulations for your passion to restore the soul of great engineering. Carry on your success.
Enjoyed your video. I did this to a Hillman Imp (Sunbeam Stilletto) engine in the mid 90's that had been mechnaically siezed for years- Not to dissimilar contraction- all alloy block but SOHC. Pistons were like yours and it took a 2T press to remove 2 of them. I tried all the tricks to remove them- including coca-cola soak, hot oil, socked in plus-gas and a block/mallet- But none of the sympathetic ideas worked- The press did it. Re- honed, cleaned pistons- new shells and rings and that engine ran!
I love the 1750 engine. I rebuilt one a long time ago, and it was a joy. I put it in a kit car. I was privileged to learn to drive in a 1750 Berlina. A great car for the time, more sophisticated in engine and running gear than any equivalents I know of. Shame they did so little to prevent corrosion. RHD in the uk from the early 1970s are really rare, having converted to ferrous oxide!
the good thing about bullet proof engines, when they are well designed, a little bit of rust breaker, and some pressure washing wont hurt them, hydraulic press when needed..... they can be revived with part sources and dedication....
Brett B. I suppose they are strange if you’ve never worked on them, but for me it’s all I’ve ever known, and anything else feels very strange to work on. Thanks for watching!
Jethro Bronner yeah it’s pretty cool to see different engine designs. I grew up around classic cars such as our 1911 Overland which has a VERY strange engine in it. Most of my experience is in working on American made engines but love all things mechanical. Thanks again for sharing.
Just watching this tonight ... I thought it was great video. Since I discovered your channel a couple of days ago, I have become thoroughly addicted! I even started researching Alfa Romeos here in the Los Angeles area. A GTV seems to be in the neighborhood of $40,000!
I stumbled across this video and got a lot of intense flashback from my first car in the 1980s, a 1971 Alfa Romeo 1750A Berlina. Yes, it had a factory-sanctioned automatic gearbox and was one of 253 built, making 1750A even rarer. I remember lot of times, having to adjust the dreadful Solex carburettors every week, dealing with its temper tantrums during the hot weather, figuring out the sweet spot with its De Dion rear axle when negotiating the twisty roads, etc. My 1750A was only car to be best car and worst car at the same time. Great video, by the way. Excellent job of keeping the camera focused.
Heads up, the oil/coolant milkshake situation occurs if the engine has been run with a BHG recently. If you let the engine sit for a good while, the oil and coolant will separate out again so keep that in mind when shopping for old crusty motors!
I have never been inside an Alfa Romeo engine so this was quite fascinating to me. It seems that each builder has their own style of design, studs vs head bolts, wet vs dry sleeves and even the design of the timing chain case all point to racing heritage.
They were built in the same style as their grand prix engines of the 1950s, including sodium cooled valves and forged, nitrided (2l) crank. They are very strong.... I used to race them in hillclimbs in the unmodified 3l class. I sometimes accidentally revved them to 8000. Never broke anything except lots of fan belts.
Another awesome video JB, I couldn't imagine why anyone would complain sir, you do excellent work. Thank you for sharing, and looking forward to more video's, ie, Weber DCOE, hint, hint....thx Jethro.
These engines are such a joy to work on my first alfa was a 73 1300 junior frost damaged block ,had it welded profesionaly but oil gallery was compromised so i fitted external copper oil pipes to the cam box ,looked real cool . Greatly underestimated engine the 1300 very free reving willing engine mine would do 90 all day buzing like a wasp .god bless alfa
I dont care about the videography, that is irrelevant! I really enjoyed all the details, the pace and all the thoughts behind it. You are a very honest person, that shows in your work. More of this!
Jethro, this video is awesome, it is just what I love to watch on RU-vid. Very interesting and well explained. And for God's sake, those Alfas... Mmmmm. Sub!
@Jethro Bronner, for stuck screws, consider modifying an air hammer, grind the end down to fit a 3/8" drive, weld a large nut onto the shaft for a wrench of your choice. The hammering motion dislodges even the most rust/stubborn bolts. It's what the diesel guys use to change out glow plugs w/out snapping them off and it's incredible how effective it is. I made one, it's never disappointed me yet. Love your videos.
Just awesome Jethro! I am just getting my 1969 1750 GTV back on the road. I am so pleased I never sold it. I got it in 1986 so it's very special. It has a 2 litre engine, but I am not complaining. I am not doing the mechanical work, unfortunately or fortunately for so many reasons. This video was just great and it reminded me of working on Alfa engines with my late dad back in the 80's. Watching you pull out that big end bearing took me right back. You make it look way too easy & it's great to see such a young guy into Alfas who is able to work on them and clearly talk their way through that. Thank you so much.
Very interesting video! I have never worked on an Alfa engine and was surprised to see wet liners in the block! How cool! I guess this explains one reason why they are so loved! Being here in the US we hardly ever even see Alfa's let alone work on them,, lol. Good show man!!
Taking stuck bolts out of aluminum is an art. You need patience and a mapp gas torch with a breaker bar. Sometimes an excellent pair of visegrips. You can put a nut on and hit them with a 3 pound brass hammer. It can aid in crushing the white powder (filiform corrosion) on one side of the threads. Use your breaker bar and work the fasteners back and forth. Heat it often and use penetrating oil. You will get a feel for when bolts will break in time. If they are accessible, you will never break another one unless it's rusted through. Tap everything twice afterwards.
Great videos Jethro, I'm a big fan of the 105/115 series coupes and I have been looking for something like this for a while. Really looking forward to the rest of this series.
As Richard Hammond once said on top gear... Alpha is so proud of their new car. They drove it around the Nuremberg ring for 24 hours and for for 22 of those hours... it didnt break down once.
Put penetrating Oil on the threads,Take a wide flat blade screwdriver, insert it in the threaded spark plug part and screw it out (counter-clockwise). 216 cid Chevy sixes had this problem a lot. As did Honda 50, 65, 70 and 90 motorcycles. They all used 10mm plug threads.
Well done. I have a corroded 1600 block and no idea how to salvage it. Someone said anaerobic sealer and the stock o-rings around the barrel seats will suffice. These engines are getting rare to find anymore.
This just needed the mustie1 treatment. Pour some atf down the plug holes, let it sit for a while then start cranking back and forth until it lets loose. Ac Delco injector cleaner is great too. I've brought back a few engines from the dead with that technique. I don't know if I would have put the effort in for one of these engines though. I'd rather take my chances with a "pick a part" engine.
Very good video work and showing the way the Alpha is made - I have a friend who has been an Alpha fan for years. I was a career motorcycle mechanic back in the '70s and it is remarkable how similar the top end of the Alpha engine is to the original Kawasaki Z1 of '73 - must have been some tech "sharing" with that, lol.
We have a/the Alfa specialist in our area. Although you seldom if ever see ARs' on the road where I live (Upstate New York), I'm always amazed at how many different ones he has come and go. They definitely have a following and thats cool!
LaPabst I follow the Alfa Scene in the USA quite closely and it’s one of the most passionate and active scenes in the world. The American Alfisti are great 👍
Light torch heat , penetration oil such as PB Blaster or Kroil , and time , are always your friends when working on old motors. Also with that stud that snapped off. It’s always best to soak them first and then go slow and work back and fourth in small increments to help clear the thread paths on the way out. Stuff I’ve learned from my 80yr old mechanic who still repairs cars and started in 1955
I'm no mechanic, but the reason there was water in the oil pan and the engine was probably due to the antifreeze or water in the radiator leaking (for some reason) in the engine. By the way you shoot great videos. I am glad i found them.
Lovely Job Young Man...never seen An ALFA ENGINE BEFORE APART!!! I REALLY LIKE TGE CRANK SHAFT IN IT...COUNTER WEIGHTED AND 5 MAIN BEARINGS...One of the 1st 4 bangers I remember seeing...was the MG A...1500cc...the 1600cc with twin overhead cams was nice looking...3 main bearings ..weak to say the least...like the Porches early 57 race engines with roller bearing cranks...bearing failure was common...sad to say...ALL TGE BEST!!!
Yeah the 1750 cc Twin Cam was really a fantastic design, my favorite of all the Alfa Twin Cams. The fully counterweighted crank really let it rev out smoothly.
A good video, although for anyone wanting to find the cause for a seized engine it's almost always faster to start at the bottom end. As far as the cams being loosened and the chain already being off, that means that someone else has already tried to find why it's seized (checking for seized/damaged camshaft bearings, common in engines that were run low of oil). If I saw that I'd have immediately flipped the engine over and started on the bottom end. As it turns out, the head did need to come off before the bottom end was taken apart so it works out well here. This is a great learning experience in 'exploratory diagnosis' for us viewers! Thanks for this!
I wish that I could find a stash of Alfa engines in my area. I've rebuilt a couple, but it would be great fun to bring a couple forgotten ones back to life...
Eeeewwwwwww, that piston was so bad. Awesome work on the engine. Your workshop is so pristine and clean, and you obviously take a lot of pride in your work. Look forward to future videos. :)
