Alfa Pages

[Rob (Perth)]

Does anyone else have problems with distributor caps not lasting long? I have been through 4 caps in the 180,000 km life of my 33. I've never had to replace a cap before on any other vehicle because of bad running. But with the 33 I get really bad running before the engine has warmed up (even in Australian summer temps!) if the cap has done anything more than about 50K, especially if there is the slightest hint of dampness in the air.
The 'used' caps always look perfect apart from some fairly minor (ex[ected) corrosion on the plug terminals - never any cracks, or tracks or dirt, yet there is something the 33 doesn't like. Cleaning up the cap & terminals might help for a short while, but it is never a permanent fix.
If only Bosch distributor caps for the 33 were easier (and cheaper!) to get here in Perth. A new cap always makes the motor run like new again.
Do Suds have the same problem? Or any other Alfas?

Would be interested to hear comments.

Cheers,

Rob

[Ben_nz]

How many times have you had to replace your distributor rotor and adjust/replace your spark plugs during the same period?
I had the distributor cap and rotor and plugs replaced a month or so ago (not long after I bought the car, cos it had problems missing and stalling and stuff). The mechanics replaced the normal style rotor (like a fat needle on a dial, with three (worn) metal prongs on one end) with this funny circular one.
Now that you've said your distributor caps haven't lasted long, I'll try to remember to check how many kms it is before mine needs replacing again.

[Admin]

[Rob (Perth)]

Yes, I didn't have too much difficulty getting the Bosch cap ($45 !) - it is also used by the Ford Escort, among other cars.

Thr rotor too, is shared with the Escort, but I had to go the the local Alfa dealer for it, and even he struggled to find the right part number. Seems like no-one else ever bothers to replace their rotor, hence the short supply. This one is my fourth in the same car. It cost $95 - ouch!

Maybe next time I'll try the Ford dealers...

Cheers,

Rob

[Guest]

Hi

Check VW beetle and Alfetta rotors too. They seem to be similar..

TimoJ

[loui]

The red Bosh rotor and distributor cap from theVW Golf/Rabbit and ford Fiesta fit on the Alfa. Think they have different parts numbers at the motor factors. My MK 2 TI eats a cap and rotor arm at about 10,000 miles.

[Admin]

Hi

You are getting really done for those parts. A cap and rotor arm would probably cost around £10~£15 here (say Aus$30~Aus$40).

The fork rotor arm is slightly different. The rev limiter is set lower. From memory the Escort one was at 6300rpm while the 8V 1.7 rotor arm has the limiter at 6800rpm. Using the Ford rotor arm I used to hit the limiter occasionally.

All the best

Keith

[John]

Bought a new Bosch cap for a 1.7 EI from Supercheap for $30 (AUS) in QLD. They didn't have a rotor but I got one for $13 + shipping cost from Turin Imports in Adelaide. At the risk of giving them a plug, they have on the two occasions that I've used them been very good both with price and delivery (next day). Some examples of prices were: rear shocker (BOGE) for an '87 1.7 QV was $80 (quoted price from supplier in QLD was $132); Clutch kit was $220 (vs $330 fromn Brisbane supplier).

[sudman]

I'm running a 1.7 hydraulic tappet motor in my S3 Sud TiQ and have replaced the cap and rotor about 2000km ago, when I was searching for my mysterious misfire.

Cap cost about 26 dollars NZ from Repco, and I used a Mk4 Cortina rotor which cost about 13 bucks... as opposed to the one listed as an Alfa rotor which cost 118 dollars!

Otherwise, the old cap and rotor lasted 40,000km with no problems since I had owned the car, and they appeared to have been on there for much longer than that!
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