Alfa Romeo1984–1987Technical specifications

90 2.4 Turbo: Technical specifications

Workshop data for the 2.4-litre diesel (engine code VM81A). Covers engine, fluids, brakes, service and torques: the figures to check before a job or a parts order.

Summary

Match the engine code (VM81A) to the vehicle before ordering parts or applying these figures.

Vehicle specifications

Overview

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 90
Years: 1984–1987
Fuel: Diesel
Engine code: VM81A

Performance & efficiency

Power: 81 kW (110 hp)
Engine size: 2,393 cc
Cylinders: 4 · OHV
Compression ratio: 22.0:1

Fluids & capacities

Engine oil (with the filter): 6.0 litres

All 89 specifications below

Engine & identification

Vehicle identification

No. of cylinders Type	4/OHV
Capacity cc	2393
Compression ratio :1	22,0

Injection system

Fuel/injection pump assembly Make	Bosch
Fuel/injection pump assembly Type	VE
Fuel/injection pump assembly Part No.	0 460 404 038
Fuel/injection pump assembly Part No.	0 460 404 042
Fuel feed/lift pump delivery pressure bar	0,2
Injector nozzle Make	Bosch
Nozzle and holder assembly Part No.	0 432 297 047
Nozzle opening pressure - new/used bar	155/140

Injection sequence

The injection sequence for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) is 1-3-4-2.

Injection sequence	1-3-4-2

Valve clearances

Valve clearances for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) are 0,30 mm inlet and 0,30 mm exhaust, measured cold.

Valve clearance - INLET mm	0,30 cold
Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm	0,30 cold

Engine oil & fluids

Engine oil

The Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) takes 6.0 litres of engine oil with the filter.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 15W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification CF/B2.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification CF/B3.

Manual gearbox

The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 2.1 litres. The specified oil is SAE 75W-90.

Coolant

The listed total cooling-system capacity is 10.0 litres.

Grades, filling conditions and capacities

Lubricants and capacities — complete reference
Engine oil options
Ambient temperature range	Moderate climate
Engine oil grade SAE	15W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	CF/B2
Ambient temperature range	Moderate climate alternative
Engine oil grade SAE	10W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	CF/B3
Engine with filter(s) litres	6.0
Other lubricants and capacities
Manual transmission oil grade SAE	75W-90
Manual transmission litres	2.1
Cooling system - total capacity litres	10.0

Brakes & wear limits

Brake disc thickness

Brake discs on the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 9 mm (solid) front and 8 mm rear.

Minimum disc thickness for replacement - solid Front	9 mm
Minimum disc thickness for replacement Rear	8 mm

Brake disc and drum dimensions

Disc runout Front	0,15 mm
Disc runout Rear	0,15 mm
Minimum pad thickness Front	1,5 mm
Minimum pad thickness Rear	1,5 mm
Parking brake travel No. of notches	3

Service & electrical

Battery

The Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) uses a 12 V, 77 Ah battery (reserve capacity 110 minutes).

Battery V/RC(Ah)	12/110 (77)

Glow plugs

Glow plugs for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987): Beru 657 MJ, Bosch 0 250 201 012, Champion CH70 and Lucas/CAV HDS267.

Glow plug nominal rating V/A	11/13
Glow plug activation time secs	10 Max
Glow plug - part no. Beru	657 MJ
Glow plug - part no. Bosch	0 250 201 012
Glow plug - part no. Champion	CH70
Glow plug - part no. Lucas/CAV	HDS267

Tuning and emissions

Plunger travel (pump) mm ABDC	0,78-0,80
Crankshaft position (n = ATDC) °BTDC	—
Adjusting method Engine/Pump	Pointer/Dial gauge
Dynamic timing v = BTDC, n = ATDC	v
- Time Trac Stanadyne, Snap-on °/rpm	6,5/820
Idle speed rpm	800-850
Rated no load speed rpm	4800-4830
Oil temperature °C	80
Idle speed - for smoke test rpm	750-850
Governed speed range - for smoke test rpm	4550-4750
Maximum time at governed speed secs	1,0
Test mode A/B	B
Probe type 1/2	1
Conditioning Accelerations/rpm	2-3
Smoke opacity - EU limit m-1 (%)	3,00 (73)
Smoke opacity - homologation value m-1 (%)	1,70 (52)

Starting and charging

Starter motor Make	Bosch
Starter motor Type	0 001 218 007
Maximum cranking amps A	208-254
Alternator Make	Bosch
Alternator Type	0 120 489 107
Alternator output A/V/rpm	55/14/3000
Regulated voltage V	13,7-14,2

Service checks and adjustments

Compression pressure bar	21,5
Oil pressure bar/rpm	3,4-5,9/-
Radiator cap bar	0,90-1,10
Thermostat opens °C	80
Drive belt size - alternator mm	9,5x1100
Drive belt size - PAS/AC mm	9,5x650
Drive belt tension - alternator/PAS/AC mm	20

Tightening torques

Cylinder head
Cylinder head instructions	—
View more information	—
Renew bolts	No
Other engine tightening torques
Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts	No
Big end bearings Stage 1	40 Nm
Big end bearings Stage 2	75-84 Nm
Oil pump to cylinder block	25 Nm
Sump bolts	10 Nm
Sump drain bolt	78 Nm
Flywheel/driveplate	108 Nm
Clutch pressure plate	20-25 Nm
Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt	147-157 Nm
Inlet manifold to cylinder head	30 Nm
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head	30 Nm
Injector/clamp	27 Nm
Injector pipe unions	15-20 Nm
Fuel/injection pump sprocket/gear	88 Nm
Chassis tightening torques
Rear hub	265-324 Nm
Steering track rod end	44-54 Nm
Brake disc to hub Front	12 Nm
Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front	78 Nm
Brake disc to hub Rear	12 Nm
Brake caliper/carrier to hub Rear	49 Nm
Road wheels	98 Nm

Frequently asked questions

What is the injection sequence of the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo?

The injection sequence for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) is 1-3-4-2.

What glow plugs does the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo use?

Glow plugs for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987): Beru 657 MJ, Bosch 0 250 201 012, Champion CH70 and Lucas/CAV HDS267.

How much oil does the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo take?

The Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) takes 6.0 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 15W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification CF/B2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification CF/B3.

What are the valve clearances for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo?

Valve clearances for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) are 0,30 mm inlet and 0,30 mm exhaust, measured cold.

What is the minimum brake disc thickness for the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo?

Brake discs on the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 9 mm (solid) front and 8 mm rear.

What battery does the Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo use?

The Alfa Romeo 90 2.4 Turbo (1984–1987) uses a 12 V, 77 Ah battery (reserve capacity 110 minutes).