1982 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER

Typical onset: all mileages (age-related)

Symptoms: rough idle or won't idle, hard starting when warm, severe hesitation under load, black smoke from exhaust

Fix: SPICA pumps are no longer rebuildable with proper parts. Most shops convert to Weber carburetors (2x dual-throat) which requires new manifold, linkage, and tuning. Conversion takes 12-16 hours including sorting.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: every 30,000-40,000 mi or 5 years

Symptoms: sudden no-start with engine cranking freely, coolant leaks from front of engine, squealing from front of engine

Fix: Interference engine — belt failure destroys valves and often damages pistons. Always replace water pump, tensioner, and front seals together. 6-8 hours labor, add 4-6 hours for valve work if it already failed.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 preventive, $2,500-4,000 after failure

Typical onset: 60,000+ mi

Symptoms: oil drips on garage floor, oil coating underside of engine and transmission, burning oil smell after highway drives

Fix: Rear main seal requires transmission removal (8-10 hours total). Oil pan gasket is 4 hours with crossmember drop. Cam cover is 2 hours but cork gaskets leak again within a year; use modern silicone. Often all three leak simultaneously on high-mileage examples.

Estimated cost: $600-900 cam cover, $1,200-1,800 rear main seal

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive drivetrain clunk on throttle lift, vibration at idle in gear, shifter buzz or rattle, visible engine movement when revved

Fix: Rubber mounts collapse and separate. Replace all four mounts (two engine, two transmission) as a set. Front engine mount requires partial exhaust removal. 3-4 hours labor total.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: overheating in traffic or on hills, rust-colored coolant, coolant leaks from radiator tanks, heater produces lukewarm air

Fix: Original brass radiators rot from inside out, especially if not flushed regularly. Aftermarket aluminum replacements are common but require minor bracket work. Replace all hoses and thermostat at same time. 4-5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $700-1,200

Symptoms: intermittent gauge operation, no-start with clicking, lights dimming or flickering, alternator not charging

Fix: Italian electrics corrode at every junction. Main ground straps from engine to chassis and battery to body rot through. Fusebox terminals oxidize. Bosch alternators fail at 80,000-120,000 mi. Diagnosis is time-intensive; budget 2-4 hours troubleshooting plus parts.

Estimated cost: $200-800 depending on scope

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: slipping under acceleration, difficult shifting into first or reverse, clutch pedal stays on floor, chatter when engaging

Fix: Clutch replacement requires transmission removal. Always resurface or replace flywheel and replace throwout bearing and pilot bushing. Hydraulics (master/slave cylinder) often leak simultaneously. 8-10 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800