SOME MAINTENACE ADVICES

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Lubrication

All Gammas need a good quality oil and it is recommended that synthetic oil is used. However, after a full engine rebuild, with new bearings etc, regular high grade mineral oil should be used in the engine for the first 1000 kms, and then changed to synthetic. Most engine parts do not wear prematurely, but one exception is the camshaft lobes. When the engine is stationary, oil will drain from the camshaft into the sump, and there is a delay when re-starting the engine before lubrication returns. Synthetic oil has a greater film strength, but it should be changed every 10,000 kms. A full oil change, including the filter, will need 6/1 litres of oil. It is preferable to use the dip stick rather than rely upon the dashboard gauge to check the level. After changing the oil it is a good idea to build up a little oil pressure by turning the engine over on the starter with the low tension lead to the coil pulled off (the lower one on the coil), as this fills the new oil filter, and saves a few microns wear from your camshaft lobes.

Cooling System
Another common Gamma ailment lies in the cooling system, as overheating and head gasket failures can recur frequently. The use of caste iron liners with an alloy block is not uncommon, but in the case of the Gamma, the liners tend to 'sink' into the alloy of the block causing gasket failure. This can occur not only at the head/block joint but also at the paper gasket joint at the base of the cylinder liners, allowing water into the sump. The usual signs are loss of water, often gradual at first, and a milky residue on the oil filler cap, and the oil in the sump looking like chocolate milkshake. The Gamma takes 9 litres of coolant and it should be mixed 50/50, water/antifreeze. A good quality antifreeze containing corrosion inhibitors should be used. Remember before flushing and refilling to put the heater on beforehand with the engine running (to allow the vacuum-servo controls to work). After refilling, run the engine and top-up the expansion bottle as necessary as air is expelled from the system. Note that all Gammas should have a T-Piece connector at the top of the radiator with small diameter hoses going to the top of the inlet manifold and to the expansion bottle, to allow air to escape. This was not fitted to early cars and air within the radiator became trapped. Blockages in the small diameter hoses can cause the same problem, leading to a build up of vapour in the system. Also check the condition of the water pump, as these have a lire of around 10-12 years. Parts are available to overhaul these pumps. although they are difficult to get apart and take time and patience.

Ignition
The ignition timing should be 29 deg BTDC at 3000 rpm and 31 deg BTDC at 4500 rpm with the vacuum hose disconnected. The timing marks are stamped on the flywheel teeth and are visible (just) from the nearside of the car through a small aperture in the bell housing.
Spark Plugs : NGK BPR6ES Bosch WDSC Champion N6YC
Correct gap width is 0.6-0.7mm
The Bosch distributor and electronic ignition rarely give trouble, but rotor arms sometimes breakdown. Plug leads should be the original if possible, but if they have to be changed don't use heavily suppressed leads as this is measured as resistance per metre length. The plugs should be always covered by the caps, as these prevent water and foreign bodies falling into the plug holes.

Ignition and Automatic Version