History
Alfa Romeo Flat-4 engine
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
Production | 1971–1997 |
Combustion chamber | |
Configuration | DOHC 2/4-valve F4 |
Displacement | 1,186 cc 1,286 cc 1,351 cc 1,490 cc 1,596 cc 1,712 cc |
Cylinder block alloy | cast-iron |
Cylinder head alloy | aluminium alloy |
Combustion | |
Fuel system | 1 or 2 carburetor Bosch LE 3.1 Jetronic |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Oil system | 4-4,5 L |
Cooling system | Watercooled |
Output | |
Power output | 63 PS (46 kW)-137 PS (101 kW) |
Alfa Romeo developed a water-cooled flat-4 engine for their new Alfasud, introduced in 1971 at the Turin Motor Show.
This Liquid-cooled, four cylinder, boxer (horizontally opposed) engine had a belt-driven water pump. Its integrated cast iron cylinder block and crankcase had three main bearings. The two aluminum alloy crossflow cylinder heads had one overhead camshaft in each, driven by individual timing belts, and two valves per cylinder (four valves per cylinder in the 1700 16V version). Wet sump lubrication.
The fuel delivery system depended on version: a single-barrel downdraft carburetor; one or two double-barrel downdraft carburetors; or Bosch LE 3.1 Jetronic fuel injection.
Alfa Romeo Flat-4 engine Applications
1200
The original engine displaced 1.2 L (1,186 cc) with an 80 mm bore and 59 mm stroke and produced between 63 and 77 PS (46 and 57 kW).
- 1971-1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud
- 1984-1986 Alfa Romeo Arna
- 1984-1986 Nissan Cherry Europe (rebadged Alfa Romeo Arna, sold also as Nissan Pulsar Milano in Japan)
- 1983-1986 Alfa Romeo 33 (late versions for export only)
1300
The engine was stroked (to 64 mm) to create the 1.3 L (1,286 cc) version. This engine produced 68–75 PS (50–55 kW).
- 1977-1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud
- 1977-1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint
1400
The 1.4 L (1,351 cc) was usually labelled a "1.3" in spite of its displacement. It produced 75–86 PS (55–63 kW) with one or two double-barrel carburettors. It retained the 80 mm bore but used the 1500's 67.2 mm crankshaft.
- 1978-1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud
- 1978-1989 Alfa Romeo Sprint
- 1983-1995 Alfa Romeo 33
- 1994-1997 Alfa Romeo 145
- 1995-1997 Alfa Romeo 146
1500
From 1978 until October 1986, the largest member of the family was the 1.5 L (1,490 cc) "1500" (84.0 x 67.2 mm bore and stroke). It was built until 1995 and produced 84 to 105 PS (62 to 77 kW). This is the largest engine to have been installed in Alfasuds.
- 1978-1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud
- 1978-1989 Alfa Romeo Sprint
- 1984-1986 Alfa Romeo Arna
- 1983-1995 Alfa Romeo 33
- 1985-1986 Clan Clover
- 1984-1986 Nissan Cherry Europe
1600
The 1.6 L (1,596 cc) produced 103 PS (76 kW). Bore and stroke is 84.0 x 72.0 mm.
- 1994-1997 Alfa Romeo 145
- 1995-1997 Alfa Romeo 146
1700
In October 1986 the engine was increased in size to 1.7 L (1,712 cc), it was used in the 33 and later Sprints, power was between 105 and 118 PS (77 and 87 kW). Bore and stroke is 87.0 x 72.0 mm.
- 1986.10-1995 Alfa Romeo 33
- 1986.10–1989 Alfa Romeo Sprint
1700 16V
In January 1990 a quad-cam 16-valve version of the venerable boxer was produced; it was the most powerful to date, with 129–137 PS (95–101 kW) with or without catalytic converters. Only available in fuel-injected form, the 1.7 16V was equipped with the Bosch ML 4.1 Motronic system.
The last Alfa Romeo flat-4 was produced in 1997, after a run of 26 years.
- 1990.01-1995 Alfa Romeo 33 (2nd generation)
- 1994-1997 Alfa Romeo 145
- 1995-1997 Alfa Romeo 146
The Alfa Romeo Flat-4 boxer engine
Technical
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Alfa Romeo Flat 4 engine Technical details and specifications (1971–1997)
Alfa Romeo 1.5
No. of cylinders 4/OHC
Capacity 1490 cc
Firing order 1-3-2-4
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Fuel system Make Weber 36 IDF Carb-2V
Diagnostic socket No
Ignition coil Make Bosch 0 221 600 002
Distributor Make Bosch 0 237 005 004
Starter motor Make Bosch 0 001 211 215
Minimum starting voltage 10.0V
Maximum cranking amps 119-145A
Alternator Make Bosch 0 120 489 798
Thermostat opens 81-85°C
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Service
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Alfa Romeo Flat 4 engine Service Guide (1971–1997)
Alfa Romeo 1.5
Spark plugs Electrode gap 0.6-0.7mm
Spark plugs Original equipment Lodge Type 25HL
Spark plugs Make Autolite 63
Spark plugs Make Bosch W7DC
Spark plugs Make Champion RN6YC
Spark plugs Make NGK BP6ES
Valve clearance -INLET 0.40 mm check cold
Valve clearance -EXHAUST 0.50 mm check cold
Drive belt size - alternator 9.5x888mm
Engine oil grade - moderate climate 10W/40 SAE or 10W/40 SAE Synthetic
Engine oil grade - cold climate 10W/30 SAE
Engine oil grade - hot climate 20W/50 SAE
Engine oil change 4.0 litres
Manual gearbox oil grade 75W/90 SAE
Manual gearbox oil 2.6 litres
Cooling system 7.3 litres
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