Alpha Romeo 1974 Spider Veloci - Alternator?

ALLEYGATA

MEMBER
1974 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

I'm slowly restoring my Alpha and learning as I go. It had been sitting for many years and has a few problems I could use some diagnostic advise on, please.

1. New battery, but still won't start after sitting a couple of days. Nothing electrical will work. If I charge the batter it will start.

2. Runs rough with carbon buildup that leasves black residue in driveway when I rev it up. Possibly needs gas and filter change? What is the best way to blow out the carbon without damaging the engine.

The spark plugs and an oil change was done recently.

3. Are altenators interchangeable or do I need to buy a reconditioned one. If that is the problem.

Thanks in advance.

Allie

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

1. You need to narrow down what is drawing the juice. It could be internal to the alternator or you can go by fuse (taking them one at a time to find out what is drawing more current than it should.

2. Sounds like a timing issue first and then I would be concerned that the richness of the carb is set too high.

Techically they can be interchangeable, but one must know what connections go where, etc and the fitting of the alternator on the mounts would be tough and pulley, etc. For a novice, stick with a rebuilt, new, or a direct conversion to another alternator.