🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

Alfetta

Year:

1987

Body Style:

Sedan / Coupe (specific variants covered by manual TBD)

Chassis Codes:

116 Series (specific sub-models and chassis variants covered by manual TBD)

Engine Codes:

Various inline-4 and V6 engines (specific engine codes covered by manual TBD, likely Nord and Busso families)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, advanced DIY mechanics, Alfa Romeo Alfetta owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.

Advantage:

Provides factory-level repair information directly accessible via instant download, offering a cost-effective and convenient alternative to physical manuals or dealership services.

Content Scope:

Covers the breadth of repairs and maintenance, mirroring factory service manuals and owner's manuals.

Learning Curve:

Designed to educate users on proper repair techniques, aiming to impart factory-trained technician knowledge through step-by-step guidance.

Access:

Instant Download

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair, maintenance, and service procedures for the 1987 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, specifications, diagnostics, diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level repair manuals)

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (inline-4, V6), fuel system (carbureted and fuel-injected variants), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, rear axle and differential.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable to 1987 models), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, power windows, wipers, horn, heating and ventilation controls, electronic control units (ECUs) if applicable.

Body:

Body construction, body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, lubrication.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing components.

Cleaning Reinstalling:

Procedures for cleaning parts before reassembly.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering factory-level diagnostics and repair procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Searchable text (highly likely for a well-produced PDF manual)

Printability:

Full printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Zoom:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT functionality for detailed inspection of diagrams and text)

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital download, no physical binding)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, no physical paper type)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

PDF Reader:

Adobe PDF Reader

Unzipping Utility:

WinZip (or similar unzipping utility)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Likely various inline-4 cylinder (Nord engine family) and potentially V6 (Busso engine family) configurations for the 1987 model year. Specific engine variants covered depend on the manual's scope.

Displacement Range:

Expected displacements include 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L (inline-4) and potentially 2.5L (V6) for the 1987 Alfetta variants.

Horsepower Range:

Varies significantly by engine variant, typically ranging from approximately 105 HP to 150 HP for the 4-cylinder and 150-170 HP for the V6.

Torque Range:

Varies by engine variant, typically ranging from 130 Nm to 200+ Nm.

Fuel Delivery:

Likely includes both carbureted (e.g., Weber, Solex) and fuel-injected (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic) systems depending on the specific model variant and market.

Timing Drive:

Likely a timing chain for the inline-4 Nord engines and a timing belt for the V6 Busso engines. Specifics to be detailed in the manual.

Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan (mechanical or electric), water pump, thermostat, and expansion tank.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Likely a 5-speed manual transaxle (a signature feature of the Alfetta, with the gearbox mounted at the rear for better weight distribution).

Type:

An automatic transmission (e.g., from ZF) may have been available on certain variants, though less common for the Alfetta's performance-oriented positioning.

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with the transaxle configuration.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Likely a GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid, specific viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90) to be confirmed by the manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

If an automatic is covered, it would likely require a specific ATF type such as Dexron II or equivalent, to be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2510 mm (98.8 inches) for sedan models.

Length:

Varies by body style (sedan/coupe), approx. 4230-4350 mm (166.5-171.3 inches).

Width:

Approx. 1680-1700 mm (66.1-66.9 inches).

Height:

Approx. 1370-1420 mm (53.9-55.9 inches).

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and equipment, generally between 1100-1300 kg (2425-2866 lbs).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

To be specified in the manual, dependent on model variant.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited publicly available crash test data for this specific year and model. The manual may contain internal safety feature information.

Braking System:

Disc brakes on all four wheels (often ventilated front discs). ABS may be present on some later models or as an option.

Steering System:

Power-assisted steering system.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts.

Body Construction:

Designed with a de-formable crumple zone structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Likely a factory-installed radio/cassette player, potentially with auxiliary inputs. Manual may detail removal/installation procedures.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may have been available as an option on some models. The manual will cover its operation and servicing.

Early Electronics:

The manual will provide extensive details on the vehicle's electrical system, which for 1987 would include basic electronic engine management for fuel-injected models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Specific interval detailed in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 km (20,000-40,000 miles). Specific interval and procedure in the manual.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.

Engine Oil:

Likely a multi-viscosity oil such as 10W-40 or 20W-50. Specific API service classification and viscosity to be confirmed by the manual. Total engine oil capacity will vary by engine variant.

Coolant:

A mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water. The manual will specify the correct ratio and type.

Brake Fluid:

Typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify exact type and replacement interval.

Electrical Gremlins:

Alfa Romeos of this era are known for potential electrical issues, often related to aging wiring, grounds, and connectors. The manual's detailed wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.

Rust And Corrosion:

As with many European cars of this vintage, rust can be a concern, particularly in certain climates. Bodywork sections in the manual will cover repair procedures.

Engine Wear:

While the Nord and Busso engines are generally robust, wear on components like camshafts, valve guides, and piston rings can occur with high mileage. Rebuild procedures are vital.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Carburetor adjustments or fuel injector cleaning may be required periodically.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Focus:

Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporting heritage, stylish Italian design, and engaging driving dynamics.

Alfetta Lineage:

The Alfetta was a significant model for Alfa Romeo, introduced in 1972. It was known for its sophisticated de Dion rear suspension (on earlier models) and its transaxle layout, contributing to excellent handling characteristics. The 1987 model represents a later evolution of the 116 platform.

Design Philosophy:

The Alfetta was designed to be a sporty executive car, balancing performance, comfort, and distinctive styling.

Production Period:

The Alfetta was produced from 1972 to 1987, with the 1987 model year being among the final production years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The Alfetta was generally well-regarded by automotive journalists for its handling and performance, often praised for its Italian flair and driving engagement.

Critical Acclaim:

The Alfetta's innovative transaxle design and chassis dynamics earned it a reputation as a driver's car, competing with other sporty sedans and coupes of its era.