Engine & identification
Vehicle identification
| No. of cylinders Type | 4/DOHC |
|---|---|
| Capacity (Fiscal) cc | 1712 (1700) |
| Compression ratio :1 | 10,0 |
| Suitable for unleaded petrol | Yes |
| Minimum octane rating RON | 95 |
| Ignition system Make | Bosch |
| Ignition system Type | Motronic ML4.1 |
| Ignition system Description | Map-i |
| Trigger location | Crankshaft |
| Fuel system Make | Bosch |
| Fuel system Type | Motronic ML4.1 |
| Fuel system Description | MFI-i |
| Air metering Type | Flow |
| Combined ignition and fuel ECM | Yes |
| Diagnostic socket | Yes |
Ignition system
| Ignition coil Make | Bosch |
|---|---|
| Ignition coil Type | 0 221 122 427 |
| Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V | 12,0 |
| Distributor (ECM) Make | Bosch |
| Distributor (ECM) No. | 0 237 523 012 |
Firing order
The firing order for the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) is 1-3-2-4.
| Firing order | 1-3-2-4 |
|---|
Valve clearances
Valve clearances on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
| Valve clearance - INLET mm | Hydraulic |
|---|---|
| Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm | Hydraulic |
Engine oil & fluids
Engine oil
The Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) takes 4.0 litres of engine oil with the filter.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A3.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-50 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2.
Manual gearbox
The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 2.6 litres. The specified oil is SAE 75W-90 semi-synthetic.
Coolant
The listed total cooling-system capacity is 7.8 litres.
Grades, filling conditions and capacities
| Engine oil options | |
|---|---|
| Ambient temperature range | Cold climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-30 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SH/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SH/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate alternative |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SH/A3 |
| Ambient temperature range | Hot climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 20W-50 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SH/A2 |
| Engine with filter(s) litres | 4.0 |
| Other lubricants and capacities | |
| Manual transmission oil grade SAE | 75W-90 Semi-synthetic |
| Manual transmission litres | 2.6 |
| Differential oil grade - rear SAE | 80W-90 |
| Differential rear litres | 1.0 |
| Cooling system - total capacity litres | 7.8 |
| Brake fluid Type | ATE S |
Brakes & wear limits
Brake disc thickness
Brake discs on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 9 mm (solid) or 20,2 mm (ventilated) front and 9,2 mm rear.
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement - solid Front | 9 mm |
|---|---|
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement - ventilated Front | 20,2 mm |
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement Rear | 9,2 mm |
| Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear | 229,6 mm |
Brake disc and drum dimensions
| Disc runout Front | 0,03 mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum rear drum diameter | |
| Minimum pad thickness Front | 7 mm |
| Minimum pad/shoe thickness | |
| Parking brake travel No. of notches | 1-3 |
Service & electrical
Battery
The Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) uses a 12 V, 35 Ah battery (reserve capacity 55 minutes).
| Battery V/RC(Ah) | 12/55 (35) |
|---|
Spark plugs
The Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) uses Lodge 25HL spark plugs with a 0,7 mm electrode gap.
| Spark plugs Original equipment | Lodge |
|---|---|
| Spark plug Type | 25HL |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,7 |
| Spark plugs Make | Autolite |
| Spark plug Type | APP3923 |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,7 |
| Spark plugs Make | Beru |
| Spark plug Type | UXF79 |
| Spark plugs Make | Bosch |
| Spark plug Type | F7DTC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Champion |
| Spark plug Type | C6BMC |
| Spark plugs Make | NGK |
| Spark plug Type | PFR6B |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,7 |
Tuning and emissions
| Ignition timing | Without vacuum |
|---|---|
| Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm | 8±1/900 Not adjustable |
| Ignition advance | With vacuum and basic timing |
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 34/4500 |
| Idle speed rpm | 900-1050 Not adjustable |
| Oil temperature °C | 60 |
| CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO | 0,2 Max Not adjustable |
| HC level at idle speed ppm | 70 Max |
| CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO2 | 14,5-16 |
| O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O2 | 0,1-0,5 |
| Increased idle speed for CO test rpm | 2500-2900 |
| CO content at increased idle speed Vol. % | 0,3 |
| Lambda at increased idle λ | 0,97-1,03 |
Starting and charging
| Starter motor Make | Bosch |
|---|---|
| Starter motor Type | 0 001 208 233 |
| Minimum starting voltage V | 8 |
| Maximum cranking amps A | 95-116 |
| Alternator Make | Bosch |
| Alternator Type | 0 120 488 118 |
| Alternator output A/V/rpm | 45/14/2000 |
| Regulated voltage V | 13,7-14,5 |
Service checks and adjustments
| Radiator cap bar | 0,69 |
|---|---|
| Thermostat opens °C | 84-88 |
Fuel system
| System pressure bar | 2,8-3,2 |
|---|---|
| Regulated pressure with vacuum bar | 2,3-2,7 |
| Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor Ohm/°C | 330/80 |
| Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor/engine speed (RPM) sensor Ohm | 500-1600 |
| Injector Ohm | 14,0-16,0 |
| Idle air control (IAC) valve/idle speed control (ISC) actuator Ohm | 8-150 |
| Lambda sensor (Oxygen) heater Ohm | 14,0-16,0 |
Tightening torques
Cylinder head bolt torque
The cylinder head bolts on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are tightened in 3 stages: 31-35 Nm, then 61-65 Nm, then a final 91-95 Nm.
| Cylinder head | |
|---|---|
| Renew bolts | No |
| Tighten | 31-35 Nm |
| Tighten | 61-65 Nm |
| Tighten | 91-95 Nm |
| Cylinder head instructions | — |
|---|---|
| Other engine tightening torques | |
| Main bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No |
| Main bearings Stage 1 | — |
| View more information | — |
| Main bearings | |
| Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No |
| Big end bearings Stage 1 | 22-24 Nm |
| Big end bearings Stage 2 | 43-48 Nm |
| Sump bolts | 8-10 Nm |
| Flywheel/driveplate | 94-105 Nm |
| Clutch pressure plate | 12-23 Nm |
| Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt | 118-144 Nm |
| Camshaft sprocket/gear | 63-70 Nm |
| Inlet manifold to cylinder head | 19-24 Nm |
| Spark plugs | 24-34 Nm |
| Chassis tightening torques | |
| Front hub | 427-472 Nm |
| Rear hub | — |
| Rear hub | |
| Steering track rod end | 39-48 Nm |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front | 66 Nm |
| Brake caliper to carrier Rear | 33 Nm |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Rear | 47 Nm |
| Back plate to hub Rear | 39-48 Nm |
| Road wheels | 88-108 Nm |
Air conditioning
| Air conditioning refrigerant Type | R12 |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning refrigerant quantity grams | 1150 |
| Air conditioning oil Type | Suniso 5GS |
Frequently asked questions
What is the firing order of the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7?
The firing order for the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) is 1-3-2-4.
What spark plugs does the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 use?
The Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) uses Lodge 25HL spark plugs with a 0,7 mm electrode gap.
How much oil does the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 take?
The Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) takes 4.0 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A3. A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-50 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SH/A2.
What are the valve clearances for the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7?
Valve clearances on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
What is the cylinder head torque for the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7?
The cylinder head bolts on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are tightened in 3 stages: 31-35 Nm, then 61-65 Nm, then a final 91-95 Nm.
What is the minimum brake disc thickness for the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7?
Brake discs on the Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 (1990–1994) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 9 mm (solid) or 20,2 mm (ventilated) front and 9,2 mm rear.