Driveshaft and Engine Accessories
In this segment, the drive line -- i.e., the driveshaft assembly -- is installed under the 1969 Alfa. After that, the starter and alternator are installed. Following are highlights from the process as shown in the episode.
- With the car on the lift, the transmission cross-member is lowered exposing the transmission mount (figure A) where the driveshaft will be installed.
- For safety and extra stability, the transmission is supported from underneath using a "third hand," or floor jack (figure B). A folded piece of shop towel prevents the bottom of the transmission from being scratched by the jack.
- A little spray lubricant on the back rubber bushing (figure C) will help the driveshaft installation go into the rear of the transmission easier.
- Two people are required to support the driveshaft as it is positioned for mounting (figure D). The bushing centers the driveshaft and helps locate it on the studs where the flange mounts to front U-joint. The nuts are placed on the mounting bolts one at a time, then tightened down individually.
- With the driveshaft attached at the end, the center of the driveshaft is pushed up into position (figure E) where it is held in place by a center-support bearing.
- Washers and lock-washers are used when bolting the center-support bearing in place (figure F).
- Using the under-hoist lift (or a floor jack), the rear of the transmission is now lifted, which raises the transmission cross-member into place (figure G).
- Once in position, the cross-member is bolted in place (figure H).
- Once these steps are complete, the rear of the drive shaft is attached to the rear axle (figure I).
- Important: Be sure to use the correct type and grade of fastener hardware for each of the steps in installation of engine parts.
- With the driveshaft successfully installed, move on to installation of some of the major engine accessories, such as the starter and alternator (figure J). In our restoration, these parts were the vehicle's original components. Bench testing revealed that they were in fairly good shape to begin with, so there was no need to replace them. Being able to use original components such as these, when possible, helps lower the cost of the restoration.
- The original cooling fan, however, was found to have stress cracks in the plastic, so it was replaced with a new fan (figure K).
- To install the starter, align the starter mount with the hole in the transmission bell housing. Once in position, bolt the starter in place using the appropriate socket wrench. As with many steps in this process, a second set of hands proves helpful. One person holds the starter in place, while another tightens the nuts onto the bolts (figure L).
- For the alternator, position the alternator and fasten the bottom mounting bolt first (figure M). This will support the weight of the alternator as adjustments are made to complete the installation.
- With the part hanging from the bottom support, the upper mounting bracket can be installed (figure N) to support the alternator from above. Washers are used as the part is bolted into position to help prevent galling of the metal surfaces.
- Once the bracket is in place, the alternator can be swung up into proper alignment, and fastened to the bracket (figure O) using a bolt, nut and washers.
- With the alternator installed, the cooling fan is installed is installed at the front of the water pump (figure P). The fan blade is held in position with small bolts. Thread-lock is used on the bolts to prevent the bolts from ever backing out during engine operation.
- Important: It's critical that the cooling fan be installed in the proper orientation so that it pulls cool air through the radiator rather than pushing it forward. If the fan is installed backwards, the car's engine will overheat, especially during hot weather.
In the segment that follows, the Alfa's restored radiator is installed.
RESOURCES :
Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
Model: 0837607078
Author: Pat Braden
Order this book from Amazon.com
Bentley Publishers
Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
Model: 1861261225
Author: John Tipler
Order this book from Amazon.com
Crowood Press
Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760311625
Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
Model: 1870979591
Author: David Hodges
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
Model: 0750919582
Author: David G. Styles
Order this book from Amazon.com
Sutton Publishing
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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