How to Start a Stored Alfa Romeo

Starting up your previously stored Alfa Romeo for the first time can be an exciting event

Storing your Alfa Romeo, whether it be for the winter or for an extended period of time, requires that you make certain preparations to ensure that the car will function properly when removed from storage. Assuming that you have taken these steps, getting your car running again requires only the most basic maintenance procedures.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8 drive ratchet with sockets
• Torque wrench
• 10W30 oil
• Electric drill with oil pump drive attachment
• Spark plug socket

Instructions

1. Put the tires back onto the car. Tighten the lug nuts with your hands. Clear any debris out from underneath and note any fluid puddles. Remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground. Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommendations. On some newer models of Alfa Romeo, the torque requirements are on a sticker on the driver's door jamb.

2. Check the V-belts or serpentine belt for correct tension. Whether your Alfa has V-belts or a serpentine belt depends on the model year, engine type, and whether the car was sold in the U.S. or Europe. V-belts must be tightened individually. A serpentine belt has a tensioner that must be adjusted. Reinstall the battery, and connect the cables, attaching the positive cable before the negative. Tighten both cables down.

3. Check the car's fluid levels and top off any that need it. Open the air box and check the air filter for debris. If the car has been sitting for an extended period of time, they may be animal nests in the box. If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.

4. Using the ratchet and spark plug socket, carefully remove the spark plugs from the heads. Remove one plug at a time, so you don't mix up the spark plug wires. Squirt a teaspoon of 10W30 oil into each cylinder and reinstall the plugs. Do not over-tighten the spark plugs. For a proper fit, it is best to tighten them down until snug, and tighten another quarter turn.

5. Disable your ignition system to keep the motor from running. If you have an electronic ignition, remove the primary connector from the distributor or the power leads from the coil packs. If not, then remove the coil wire from the distributor Remove the plug from your exhaust pipe. Crank the engine for around 30 seconds. This will allow the engine oil to circulate. Reconnect your ignition system.

6. Start the car up, and cycle the transmission through all the gears. If it is a manual transmission, ensure that the clutch functions, and shift into every gear. Pump the brake pedal to ensure that you have pressure. Finally, check all of your lights, such as brake lights and turn signals.

7. Shift the car into gear, and let it idle forward at first, testing the brakes to ensure that they have sufficient power to stop the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way to each side to ensure that there is no debris obstructing them.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting fresh gas into the car can be extremely beneficial, even if you did not remove the gas prior to storage. This will ensure that the gas has not settled and no sediment has formed.

• If your Alfa uses the SPICA fuel injection system and you encounter problems, you can check the resources section for SPICA system diagnostics.

• If you find any fluids underneath the car, identify them. They may point to an issue with the car that might not be diagnosed by simply looking under the hood.

References

• University of Calgary: Starting a Stored Car
• Carfolio: Alfa Romeo Car Specs

Resources

• SPICA Fuel System Diagnostic Guide