complete V6 engine overhaul or just the cylinder heads?

[cc]

Am taking the heads off the 2.5L after 205,000 km (sometime) to clean up the valves check hydraulic lifters and really just to gaze at the engineering. Would also like to check the piston rings but i dont want to disturb the crankshaft if its probably ok.
Im coming from the viewpoint that you cant unscramble an egg, or put humpty dumpty back together again.
Also theres something in the integrity of an engine that hasnt been disassembled since Alfa focused its mind and assembled it in Italy. That when it has been pulled apart and put back together something is lost..

Then again a old pair of cracked leather boots dont lose much character when theyve been brought back with a tin of worked in Dubbin.
At the moment tho the engine is still pretty clean and pulls well starts well but has a lumpy idle.
It would also be the first time i had an entire engine in pieces....
So would welcome peoples experience on what they found in their V6's if they have had them apart and any advice.
Will also do some research here in Brisbane with some of the Alfa specialists. Will update this post with what the specialists  advise.
cheers

[Mick A]

You're pulling a working engine apart for no apparent reason?

So it had a lumpy idle, and you thought reco the heads as a best first option?

Wow.

I'd be changing maybe the airflow meter and maybe spark plugs since it's done 200,000km first before pulling the whole fucking thing apart dude.

Start with the simple things then move on from there, don't just jump to conclusions.

Mick

[Mick A]

So would welcome peoples experience on what they found in their V6's if they have had them apart and any advice.

Perfect working engine parts.

[jorritkooistra]

I would say replace all lifters to be sure and put a set of gta cams in there. Also get a set of 3.0 or 3.2 intake runners and bases. Will give you some extra happyness

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[cc]

Had a great conversation with an Engineering firm. With some good advice and interesting facts.
The piston rings in the 2002 V6 are chrome, have a long life and can become gummed up.
That movement of the wet liners can occur when removing the heads which can lead to problems..
The valve guide for the exhaust valve is cast iron and long lifed.
Am still interested in working on the cylinder heads.But after a compression test first and if compression is still good;
am more likely to keep the engine sealed up.
Spark plugs were replaced when the timing belt was done. Is there a service out there that test benches the accuracy of air mass flow meters and oxygen sensors?
As may be read between the lines im into originality in the car (keeping the faded and bleached Alfa bonnet symbol as is!) and not  getting more Kw as attractive as that can be..
On another subject.
Will get around to doing the rear suspension as with 5 people on board it sounded like the tyres were rubbing in the wheel wells when going over some dips in the road.

[cc]

question for Jorritkooista.
What issues happen with the lifters to require their replacement?

[jorritkooistra]

Some start ticking after +/-200.000 km. And iff you want to take the engine apart anyway, why not replace them. Then youre sure yiu wont have to take the camshafts out again because a  tappet is ticking.... But then jist to make sense. Iff there is nothing wrong with the engine, why take it apart. Dont take apart something that is working fine

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