So, a small update. Unfortunately, yet more issues. We’ve had the lead plugs replaced (Bart did an excellent job;
https://nl-nl.facebook.com/Nose2TailCCE/). While the carbs were there Bart asked whether we would like them wet blasted, since he was going there anyway. Well, we couldn’t say no to that. They really look like new (in- and outside), maybe even better than new. Bart also skimmed them, as often the ‘ears’ of the carbs are bent due to overtightening (which was the case), which can cause false air to enter.
With that all done, we put them back together. We were all ready to put them back on the car, only to find a quite severe coolant leak. It turns out the pipe running under the carburetors to the heater is cracked on the underside. We noticed coolant when removing the carbs, thought it could be either a spill (unlikely) or and old leak (possible, since the thermostat housing was replaced, without taking the carbs of). We cleaned it up, forgot about it and then some swearing occurred when we wanted to install the carburetors.
The conclusion is we have to replace the pipe. Fortunately, both Dinoparts and Superformance sell them. However, Dinoparts asks nearly two hundred euros for the one needed and Superformance currently doesn’t have them available. We will pull the line when we have the time and see whether we either make it ourselves or have it remade, because I simply refuse to pay two hundred euros for a – quite simple – coolant pipe. Maybe I’m being optimistic about the R&D/manufacturing costs, but two hundred euros?! Sorry, bit of frustration
While looking at how we are going to remove the line, we noticed the radiator drain is above the chassis beam and electrical wires. Who the hell designed that? Or the location isn’t original, but I think it is the original radiator, just with a new core.
I’ll update when we have the line of, hopefully this weekend. I had planned to do some work on my Alfa, but alas I want this done first. It has taken way too much time already.
At least the carbs look even better now!