Lubrication and MaintenanceThese are suggestions for routine lubrication from a 2000 Berlina 1973 model year owner's manual:
For the engine, the manual calls for SAE 20W/50. Most owners nowadays seem to use 20W/50, with some favoring straight 30, and others preferring a more modern, lighter 10W/30. Also, many owners prefer modern synthetic lubricants. For the transmission, steering box, and differential, SAE 90 EP is called for (80W/90 is the modern substitute), and many now use synthetic oil, usually Redline. The driveshaft spline coupling calls for SAE NLGI 1 grease, and the front wheel bearings use SAE NLGI 2/3 grease. The brake and clutch hydraulic systems both call for DOT 3 (specifically Alfa Romeo or ATE Blau) brake fluid.
Frequent lubrication is suggested. Every 300 miles, the book calls for checking the level of engine oil and topping it up if necessary.
Every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first, the book calls for changing the engine oil, changing the engine oil filter, lubricating the ignition distributor, and checking the level of the transmission and differential lubricants.
Every 6,000 miles, the steering box oil should be checked and filled, and the driveshaft spline coupling should be greased.
Every 12,000 miles, the transmission oil, differential oil, and SPICA injection pump oil filter to be changed.
For carbureted cars, a fuel pressure regulator is integrated in the glass bowl filter on the right hand side of the engine compartment near fuel pump. The 1971 Italian owner's manual states that the fuel filter should be checked, not necessarily replaced, every 15,000 miles.
Most of the moving parts of the car should be periodically lubricated. This includes linkage joints or hinges of the throttles, clutch and brake pedals and components, parking brake, doors, and lids. The cables for the mechanical tach and speedo, the handbrake cable, heater valve and vent control cables, and hood latch release cable should also be greased.
For injected cars, there are two fuel system filters that need regular replacement. The rear filter, near the fuel tank, should be replaced every 12,000 miles. The main canister filter, in the engine compartment, should be changed every 6,000 miles.
The air filters should be changed every 6,000 miles.
Copyright © 1997 by Andrew D. Watry
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