Uneven idle

[ylbill]

Just picked up my Fiat over the summer. I'm not a mechanic, but want to give things a try if it doesn't seem to technical.When the car is at an idle it skips, misfires ever now and then. Just wondering this was maybe a simple fix i.e. plugs, wires, or if its something like timing or a more involved fix? I know its hard to diagnose through a forum, but any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

Should have mentioned 82 Spider FI, was turbo, but previous owner took it out, said it was lots of trouble.

[lm48]

I will start with a basic tune up, if the issue still there I will look at the carb or FI. Start the engine; let the engine run a little, start pulling one by one the spark plug wire. If you do not see any major variation on the engine rpm then you have an issue on that particular cylinder. Replace the plug and the wire. Check the distribution cap. If the issue is still there check compression.

[vandor]

I would check the pickup coil wires in the distributor. Remove the distributor cap and look at the wires, make sure the insulation is in good condition. Also check the ignition timing with a timing light.
A little miss could be caused by injectors that are a bit old and possibly not spraying totally evenly. You can also play with the idle mixture by turning the mixture screw found under the round plug on the airflow meter. Just remember how far you turned, so you can return it to its original position if needed.

[124JOE]

hey bill
what were the spark plug ends like "what colors"
you my have a injector sort of pluged

[narfire]

All the previous have given me issues with my 80 fi. I also keep a eye on my spark plug leads as they come out of the cap. I find they can rub on the hood liner and with time they wore thin enough to arc to the hood. Running the car in the garage when dark picked up on that. All the leads to the injectors on nice and snug.
Chris