Alfa 164 Technical Service Bulletin 01.94.07

Information: Checking & Adjusting Cam Timing

Models: All 164 24 Valve Engines

Date: 12/15/94

Please disregard any information pertaining to Cam Timing on 24 Valve engines published prior to 10/31/94.

Within this Technical Service Bulletin you will have the new information needed to properly check and adjust the cam timing The information should be followed precisely with no steps ignored.

NOTE: Before adjusting cam timing the timing belt tension must be within specifications. See Technical Bulletin # 01.94.05.

1. Remove the timing belt covers and both of the cam covers. (See Workshop Manual Section 00 under "Timing Belt Replacement" for specifics on removing the cam and timing belt covers).
2. Mount a T.D.C. gauge (1825-013) in cylinder #1.

   Rotate the engine clockwise and bring the engine to 0 degrees T.D.C., cylinder #1, on the compression stroke.

   NOTE: The cam timing procedure's accuracy is totally dependant on correctly positioning the crankshaft at EXACTLY 0 degrees T.D.C., cylinder #1, on the compression stroke. 0 degrees T.D.C. is realized the instant that the dial indicator first reaches its maximum reading and the cam lobes for cylinder #1 are both angled in towards the middle of the head.

   The engine must be brought to this position by rotating the crankshaft in a clockwise direction and very carefully stopping at the EXACT POINT THAT THE DIAL INDICATOR FIRST REACHES ITS MAXIMUM READING (cam lobes pointing inward).

   The crankshaft can be rotated several degrees past O degrees T.D.C. before the dial indicator begins to drop, therefore, you must stop the instant the indicator first reaches its maximum. If you do go past O degrees T.D.C., even slightly, you must back the crankshaft up (counter-clockwise) at least 1/4 turn and then bring it back (clockwise) to the O degrees T.D.C.point. It may be necessary to repeat this several times until you are absolutely certain that you have found the exact point that the dial indicator first reaches its maximum reading. Do not proceed to the next step until you are confident that the crank is correctly positioned.

   CHECKING CAMSHAFT TIMING
3. Remove cam caps #4 and #7 from the left (front) head.
4. Remove cam caps "B" and "G" from the right (rear) head.

   Note:The cam caps on the right (rear) head are marked with progressive letters from "A" through "H". The caps on the left (front) head are marked progressively with numbers from #1 through #8. When re-installing cam caps position the letter or number so that it is facing the camshaft pulleys.

5. Install the appropriate cam timing die on the camshaft journals as follows:
   • Position "G" Die "1825040/2 DX S iCIL" for #1 Cyl. Ex. Cam Cap - Rear Head.
   • Position "B" Die "1825040/1 DX A iCIL" for #1 Cyl. Int. Cam Cap - Rear Head.
   • Position "7" Die "1825040/3 sX 5 4CIL" for #4 Cyl. Ex. Cam Cap - Front Head.
   • Position "4" Die "1825040/4 SX A 6CIL" for #6 Cyl. Int. Cam Cap - Front Head.

   NOTE: It is a good idea to engrave the top of the dies with their appropriate letter or number designation (B,G,4 or 7) to simplify their future use.

   ADJUSTING CAMSHAFT TIMING

   If the cam timing dies do not fit perfectly, then the cams must be re-timed as follows:

6. Using special torque wrench extension tool #1822-150, loosen the pulley of the cam that needs re-timing. Use tool 1822-146 (8 hole pulley) or tool 1820-272 (6 hole pulley) to hold pulley while you break loose the pulley retaining bolt. Do not remove the cam pulley bolt. Only loosen it enough so that the pulley can be broken free from the camshaft taper.
7. Break loose cone/taper joint of the cam pulley from the camshaft by striking the back edge of the pulley with a plastic mallet. 9) Turn the cams, as necessary, so that the cam timing dies fit perfectly. Use a 26mm wrench on the flat spots in the middle of the cam.
8. After the cam is positioned so that the ie fits perfectly, bolt the cam timing die to the head using the cam cap bolts. Torque the bolts to 7.2 ft lbs (l0Nm).
9. Repeat the operation, as necessary, for the other cams. RETORQUING CAM PULLEY BOLTS
10. If special torque wrench extension tool #1822-150 is used, torque the cam pulley bolt to 48 ft.Ibs. (65 Nm).

    NOTE: 48 ft.ibs. is only valid for torque wrenches with a length of 18 to 20 inches. For wrenches out of this range, call 1 800-445-ALFA
    OR If you are torquing the cam bolt directly with a socket (special torque wrench extension tool #1822-150 is NOT USED) torque the cam pulley bolts to a torque of 59 ft.lbs (80 Nm). In either case, hold the cam pulley from moving using tool 1820- 272 (6 hole) or 1822-146 (8 hole).

11. Remove the cam timing dies from the camshafts and reinstall the cam caps in their appropriate positions. Be sure to install cam caps the so that letter or number is facing the camshaft pulleys. Lubricate the cam cap bolts with engine oil and torque them to 11.8 to 13.2 ft. lbs (16 - 18 Nm).
12. Reassemble all components in the reverse order of their removal.

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