Then raise the entire car and use supporting jacks for safety. Never ever work under the car if it's not secured by jacks. If you haven't already drained the engine oil, this is the time to do so. Otherwise you will need to wash your hair in kerosene. Undo the bolts and nuts securing the sump to the engine block. Gently draw the sump forward to get access to the crankshaft. From underneath the engine, remove the bearing caps and mark them. They are already stamped with the number of the cylinder, but just to be sure ... Start with the bearing caps on the second and third cylinders. They are at their bottom dead point if you have done the right thing. Slowly turn the crankshaft 180 degrees until the first and fourth bearing cap is at their bottom dead point and remove these too. On the Alfetta and 75/Milano overhauling is even more easy. Just raise the car and remove the sump. Note the spin-on filter, yellow dot.

Sump removed, Milano-engine

Be careful so you do not damage the bearing surfaces of the crank-shaft and gently press the pistons upwards. Cover the crank-shaft bearings one by one while working. Mark the pistons so you know which is # one etc. Check if the pistons are of the offset kind. If so, there is an arrow on top of the piston. The arrow shows the direction from intake to exhaust, so be careful not to turn it the opposite way. If your engine is so old that it has the non offset pistons, I would replace them with newer ones. The Alfetta 1,8 pistons are excellent and easy to find. Both liners and pistons will fit your engine like new. The next photo shows the Milano engine with the liners removed, dots. As usual, the engine is still in the bay.

Milano engine, liners removed

Be careful not to damage the surface when you remove and change the rings. There are several tools for this purpose, but you own hands might be OK too. The rings are marked "TOP" etc. Have a look in a workshop manual if in doubt. Remember to keep the openings of the rings away from each other, i.e. 120 degrees. To remove the liners you may try just to press and draw them upwards. There are special tools for this purpose, however some are expensive. I use an old piston with the top ring on. Put it up side down in the liner until the top ring is expanding and then use a soft hammer and a piece of wood to remove them both. Remember to use an old piston, not the new one. The next photo might give you the idea.

Liner in block

Inspect the liners for scratches etc. Replace all if necessary. Use your fingertips to check them.

• Clean the bottom of the liners as well as the engine block, but remember the bearings!
• Replace the O-rings with new ones. Do not use more than one per liner though.
• There are steel shims available for diesel engines if your liners are too short. Once, I used a set from an IVECO diesel engine. That car is still running, BTW.
• The liners normally do not need any sealant, but since it is not that fun to open the engine again if it is leaking, I use a little bit of sealant. It is very important to keep the engine absolutely clean.
• Check that the liners are about 0,05 mm higher than the engine block, every one of them. This is what I have learned the hard way, believe me. Have a look in the Alfa Owners Bible or any workshop manual.
• I do the operation with the engine in the bay, it is not that tricky.
• Finally, have the head overhauled at the same time. Valves, guides etc. may need some attention too.

Clean the pistons. Then take them to your local grocery shop and check their weight one by one. Unless you have a weighing-machine of your own.

There should not be any difference between them. If so, see your local Alfa Service station.