[alfa] 164 Hard Starting

[Bob2100@xxxxxxx]

I know I'm way late contributing to this thread, but let me throw something  
out to the group that I didn't see mentioned in the last go-round. Please  
excuse me if I just missed it and am repeating something already posted.
 
The idle air solenoid is connected to the back of the intake plenum by  means 
of a grommet-like rubber gasket which is pressed over the end of the air  
valve's outlet and prevents extraneous outside air from entering the plenum and  
upsetting the mixture. I'm pretty sure late spiders have the same  arrangement.
 
Over time, heat and age cause the grommet to shrink. Before long, a gap  
forms between the grommet and the plenum, allowing extra air into the plenum. In  
my experience, the car seemed to tolerate this extra air okay when running,  
but hot starts became a problem. Replacing the grommet seemed to make  a big 
difference. YMMV.
 
In any event, I now consider the grommet a semi-regular maintenance item  
that at least should be checked every year or so. They are cheap to replace and  
should be available from your favorite Alfa parts  dealer.   
 
Bob Abhalter
Paducah KY
'95 164LS - with a fresh grommet
'69 Spider - no grommet required -- but if you have one for where the  heater 
hose passes through the firewall, drop me a  line.
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