Thanks for the info on the knob. I've always like my '79's shift knob which was the same. Now that I know it's a "push-on" I'm going to track one down for my '74 resto-mod. I had to have the thermostatic actuator once on my 79 and I'm not looking forward to checking my '74 TA. Thanks for the Sure Start, this gives me a fall back replacement for the TA.
Just when you North Americans were enjoying avoiding the Lucas mechanical PI system on your TR 5/6s…. Italy gives you the SPICA mechanical engine computator ! Quite cool though, nice that they are still supported and usable.
well done Chef half the job is sussing out the problem, the other half is finding the solution with the last half fitting it all back together- (hope you appreciate my fraction Math :-) ) we went decimal whilst i was at skool
I had a '76 Alfa that I installed the sure start on. It worked pretty much just like a manual choke. You didn't need it once the engine got going. Those actuators were very expensive years ago. I don't think its a wrong decision either way you go. The actuator will go bad again some time in the future. Keep up the good work, Paul
I believe my '87 Quad has an issue somewhere along these lines - either in the CSS as in your previous video or with the sensor/activator in this vid. Thanks for showing the process here!
If it is the TA, the original Bosh PN is no longer made, but you can find 'good working' used ones on Ebay. The alternative is to use a FIAT unit that cross references with the same cold/hot values. It's shape is a little different but it works just fine. I think you can buy them from Vick Auto, where I got mine.
I was saving this for Sunday morning, my first day off of work. Great to see you in the Alfa comunity, if only for a little while. I hope that your videos spark similar from other Alfisti. There is a great pool of knowledge on the forums, and a few do make videos, but nothing like the way you present things. On this video...my 86 has L-Jet and sensors, but I ended up in my kitchen doing hot/cold water tests on my TA also, noting down resistance readings at different temps. It's cool to see you, a 'newbie', dive into the SPICA unit like this; a lot of folks over the years seem to be reluctant to touch the system. What does the company that refurbishes them do, do you know?
Hi John, happy Sunday! Yes, there doesn’t seem to be too many other videos done on these cars unlike Triumphs as you know. I wish there were more as I always like to research before diving into any job. The Spica definitely has some mystery to it that’s for sure. With this 81, I’m finding it quite challenging to get into that area of the engine due to the large plenum chamber. Once I reinstall the TA, I know I’m going to have to check the “reference gap” on the rear of the pump with feeler gauges…that in itself will be a real challenge. I think I’m going to have to invest in a good set of inspection mirrors 😉. I have no idea what the rebuilders do when refurbing these units…my understanding is that they are fluid filled but apparently what they are filled with is quite a guarded mystery…..I’ve ordered a new TA and it should be delivered by the end of next week. I’m looking forward to getting it fitted and adjusted. As an FYI, I will be installing a new carpet kit so stay tuned for that if that is of any interest. Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush Looking forward to the carpet kit. The sun does a number on the lighter colored carpets. They don't make the molded carpets anymore, but you''ve been there, done that. Good luck stuffing your hands under the plenum...I hope it's not 'death by 1000 cuts' LOL!
Always interesting to see different gizmos from other manufacturers. Tush, did you give any thought to maybe taking it apart and trying to clean/refurbish it yourself? Cheers.
Hi Kevin, well the core value is actually $150 dollars so I’m not sure I want to mess around with it. From what I’ve read, there are only a couple of guys that rebuild these…even the fluid that is inside seems to be somewhat of a guarded secret…Cheers, Tush
Thanks for the information, Chef. Ooooh, I don't like things that have a known limited lifetime like that. In fact, the whole Spica system does not ring well for me. I really liked my Dellorto DHLA40H (iirc) carburetors. Great, however, that you are doing it correctly, as you always are wont to do. Thanks for the update.
Too bad it failed the test... I think how the system works is the solenoid is what actually enriches the AFR every time you crank the engine, as it is permanently connected to the starter. What this thermostatic actuator does is canceling the solenoid mechanically if the engine is warm. So the solenoid still actuates, but whatever it does mechanically inside the SPICA is canceled by the thermostatic actuator. If it was my car and it wasn't going to a new owner I would simply add a switch to disconnect the solenoid from the starter motor when the engine is warm. It is not a perfect solution as it will be either on or off, while the TA is making the enrichment/leaning process more gradual I guess. A new one is the best option unfortunately
From what I’m reading, the css is only momentary as you mentioned it operates when the starter is cranked. I’m not sure that the TA will actually interrupt the CSS on a hot start up but at least you won’t have the TA trying to add an additional rich start condition (as it will have leaned the fuel mixture when it’s warm) .
Hi there! for me it's too fragile and complex to fix it...I just waiting to send mine to Wes. It's an a bad shape so I figure that it's worth to send it to professionals and they are the only one in the world to do so...it's pricy but I'm sure is worth every dollar I will spend...anyway don't switch to carburetors like most of the owners did it in the 80's please...keep your SPICA
Hi Michele, thank you for watching and commenting. I am going to send it out to the professionals to get rebuilt. The SPICA will be staying on this car. Cheers, Tush
Always up for a little T&A. Hey, I’m thinking thermal actuator!
Thanks for the info on the knob. I've always like my '79's shift knob which was the same. Now that I know it's a "push-on" I'm going to track one down for my '74 resto-mod. I had to have the thermostatic actuator once on my 79 and I'm not looking forward to checking my '74 TA. Thanks for the Sure Start, this gives me a fall back replacement for the TA.
Just when you North Americans were enjoying avoiding the Lucas mechanical PI system on your TR 5/6s…. Italy gives you the SPICA mechanical engine computator ! Quite cool though, nice that they are still supported and usable.
well done Chef half the job is sussing out the problem, the other half is finding the solution with the last half fitting it all back together- (hope you appreciate my fraction Math :-) ) we went decimal whilst i was at skool
missed your weather report Chef don't forget the temps !!
@@HamishRacing -29 with the wind chill this morning ….brrrr 🥶
These are the times i miss working on the TR3 😉
@@cheftush lovely alpha tho
@@cheftush 😮
Always helps to have good tools, that is a mouthful to say for sure….
I had a '76 Alfa that I installed the sure start on. It worked pretty much just like a manual choke. You didn't need it once the engine got going. Those actuators were very expensive years ago. I don't think its a wrong decision either way you go. The actuator will go bad again some time in the future.
Keep up the good work,
Paul
Hi Paul, thank you for sharing your experience. Cheers, Tush
Nice video Chef! Please do a demo on the new TA when you get it!
I know the TR6 is a relatively primitive car, but the tech and features in this Alfa feel a lot more than a 5 year leap from the end of the TR6 run.
Big time! I own both. The (my) TR6 is like a sexy tractor compared to the Alfa.
I believe my '87 Quad has an issue somewhere along these lines - either in the CSS as in your previous video or with the sensor/activator in this vid. Thanks for showing the process here!
My pleasure Tom. Thanks for following along.
If it is the TA, the original Bosh PN is no longer made, but you can find 'good working' used ones on Ebay. The alternative is to use a FIAT unit that cross references with the same cold/hot values. It's shape is a little different but it works just fine. I think you can buy them from Vick Auto, where I got mine.
that thermo system was the Acklies heal of that injection.
I was saving this for Sunday morning, my first day off of work. Great to see you in the Alfa comunity, if only for a little while. I hope that your videos spark similar from other Alfisti. There is a great pool of knowledge on the forums, and a few do make videos, but nothing like the way you present things. On this video...my 86 has L-Jet and sensors, but I ended up in my kitchen doing hot/cold water tests on my TA also, noting down resistance readings at different temps. It's cool to see you, a 'newbie', dive into the SPICA unit like this; a lot of folks over the years seem to be reluctant to touch the system. What does the company that refurbishes them do, do you know?
Hi John, happy Sunday! Yes, there doesn’t seem to be too many other videos done on these cars unlike Triumphs as you know. I wish there were more as I always like to research before diving into any job. The Spica definitely has some mystery to it that’s for sure. With this 81, I’m finding it quite challenging to get into that area of the engine due to the large plenum chamber. Once I reinstall the TA, I know I’m going to have to check the “reference gap” on the rear of the pump with feeler gauges…that in itself will be a real challenge. I think I’m going to have to invest in a good set of inspection mirrors 😉. I have no idea what the rebuilders do when refurbing these units…my understanding is that they are fluid filled but apparently what they are filled with is quite a guarded mystery…..I’ve ordered a new TA and it should be delivered by the end of next week. I’m looking forward to getting it fitted and adjusted. As an FYI, I will be installing a new carpet kit so stay tuned for that if that is of any interest. Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush Looking forward to the carpet kit. The sun does a number on the lighter colored carpets. They don't make the molded carpets anymore, but you''ve been there, done that. Good luck stuffing your hands under the plenum...I hope it's not 'death by 1000 cuts' LOL!
Always interesting to see different gizmos from other manufacturers. Tush, did you give any thought to maybe taking it apart and trying to clean/refurbish it yourself? Cheers.
Hi Kevin, well the core value is actually $150 dollars so I’m not sure I want to mess around with it. From what I’ve read, there are only a couple of guys that rebuild these…even the fluid that is inside seems to be somewhat of a guarded secret…Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush I hear that the recipe for the fluid is stored in the same vault as the list of 11 herbs and spices found in Kentucky Fried Chicken😊
Thanks for the information, Chef. Ooooh, I don't like things that have a known limited lifetime like that. In fact, the whole Spica system does not ring well for me. I really liked my Dellorto DHLA40H (iirc) carburetors. Great, however, that you are doing it correctly, as you always are wont to do. Thanks for the update.
Maybe he should treat the knobs like wristwatches -- a different one every day.
Good idea…he could have a little glass case set up in the garage 😉
Too bad it failed the test... I think how the system works is the solenoid is what actually enriches the AFR every time you crank the engine, as it is permanently connected to the starter. What this thermostatic actuator does is canceling the solenoid mechanically if the engine is warm. So the solenoid still actuates, but whatever it does mechanically inside the SPICA is canceled by the thermostatic actuator. If it was my car and it wasn't going to a new owner I would simply add a switch to disconnect the solenoid from the starter motor when the engine is warm. It is not a perfect solution as it will be either on or off, while the TA is making the enrichment/leaning process more gradual I guess. A new one is the best option unfortunately
From what I’m reading, the css is only momentary as you mentioned it operates when the starter is cranked. I’m not sure that the TA will actually interrupt the CSS on a hot start up but at least you won’t have the TA trying to add an additional rich start condition (as it will have leaned the fuel mixture when it’s warm) .
Hi there! for me it's too fragile and complex to fix it...I just waiting to send mine to Wes. It's an a bad shape so I figure that it's worth to send it to professionals and they are the only one in the world to do so...it's pricy but I'm sure is worth every dollar I will spend...anyway don't switch to carburetors like most of the owners did it in the 80's please...keep your SPICA
Hi Michele, thank you for watching and commenting. I am going to send it out to the professionals to get rebuilt. The SPICA will be staying on this car. Cheers, Tush
@@cheftush niiice good luck
spica is societa pompe iniezione Cassani & Affini
Thermostatic Actuator? Sounds too expensive to touch and a nightmare to repair. Have a slice of steak and mushroom pie and think it over, lol.
That might be tonight’s dinner! Stay tuned.
@@cheftush I believe you should be preparing Italian cuisine while toiling on the Alfa.
@@dennisbranam3847 pasta amatriciana!
👌 P"R"O"M"O"S"M!!!
I would rather have a manual choke than a dubious piece of 80's technology!
Always good to have options!