Lancia Gamma Technical
Data
Lubrication
All Gammas need a good quality
oil and it is recommended that synthetic oil is used. However, after a
full engine rebuild, with new bearings etc, regular high grade mineral
oil should be used in the engine for the first 1000 kms, and then
changed to synthetic.
Most engine parts do not wear
prematurely, but one exception is the camshaft lobes. When the engine
is stationary, oil will drain from the camshaft into the sump, and
there is a delay when re-starting the engine before lubrication
returns. Synthetic oil has a greater film strength, but it should be
changed every 10,000 kms.
A full oil change, including the
filter, will need 6/1 litres of oil. It is preferable to use the dip
stick rather than rely upon the dashboard gauge to check the level.
After changing the oil it is a good idea to build up a little oil
pressure by turning the engine over on the starter with the low
tension lead to the coil pulled off (the lower one on the coil), as
this fills the new oil filter, and saves a few microns wear from your
camshaft lobes.
Cooling System
Another common Gamma ailment
lies in the cooling system, as overheating and head gasket failures
can recur frequently. The use of caste iron liners with an alloy block
is not uncommon, but in the case of the Gamma, the liners tend to
'sink' into the alloy of the block causing gasket failure. This can
occur not only at the head/block joint but also at the paper gasket
joint at the base of the cylinder liners, allowing water into the
sump. The usual signs are loss of water, often gradual at first, and a
milky residue on the oil filler cap, and the oil in the sump looking
like chocolate milkshake.
The Gamma takes 9 litres of
coolant and it should be mixed 50/50, water/antifreeze. A good quality
antifreeze containing corrosion inhibitors should be used. Remember
before flushing and refilling to put the heater on beforehand with the
engine running (to allow the vacuum-servo controls to work). After
refilling, run the engine and top-up the expansion bottle as necessary
as air is expelled from the system.
Note that all Gammas should have
a T-Piece connector at the top of the radiator with small diameter
hoses going to the top of the inlet manifold and to the expansion
bottle, to allow air to escape. This was not fitted to early cars and
air within the radiator became trapped. Blockages in the small
diameter hoses can cause the same problem, leading to a build up of
vapour in the system.
Also check the condition of the
water pump, as these have a lire of around 10-12 years. Parts are
available to overhaul these pumps. although they are difficult to get
apart and take time and patience.
Ignition
The ignition timing should be 29
deg BTDC at 3000 rpm and 31 deg BTDC at 4500 rpm with the vacuum hose
disconnected. The timing marks are stamped on the flywheel teeth and
are visible (just) from the nearside of the car through a small
aperture in the bell housing.
Spark Plugs : NGK BPR6ES
Bosch WDSC
Champion N6YC
Correct gap width is 0.6-0.7mm
The Bosch distributor and
electronic ignition rarely give trouble, but rotor arms sometimes
breakdown. Plug leads should be the original if possible, but if they
have to be changed don't use heavily suppressed leads as this is
measured as resistance per metre length.
The plugs should be always
covered by the caps, as these prevent water and foreign bodies falling
into the plug holes.
More articles
|
