1982 Spider

[cutelildevil326]

I have a 1982 Fiat Spider 124. Engine has been completely torn down and rebuilt with all new parts. I cannot keep it running. It starts, but when I try to accelerate, it dies, it does not idle at all. Any help or suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I know this is not much to go on, I was thinking maybe the throttle body.

Thanks for your help
Barbara Cooper
Willis Texas

[azruss]

I'm thinking fuel pump

[So Cal Mark]

I'd first check the intake air boot for cracks. Has the problem been there "since everything was rebuilt"?

[cutelildevil326]

Yes it has been this way since the rebuild

[narfire]

As Mark said check for cracks and air getting into the system after the AFM. I checked mine with propane from one of those small blue bottles and stuck it under the intake,plastic air boot,air by-pass and basically all the places that air can get in. Brake booster could be torn but you might have a heavy brake pedal if that was the case. Check around the throttle position sensor and same on the other side as the shaft could have worn the bushings a bit.
The engine would pick up the propane gas and rev up a bit indicating a not very proper seal.
The air thing ok then perhaps check fuel flow. Take the cold start injector off and place in a can and see if it has a good pattern. When was the last time the fuel filter replaced? Pump in good shape? Usually is but any crap from a dirty tank can compromise the pump.
If crap from the tank got by the pump and filter,the injectors themselves could be buggered in that they might deliver at low rpms but not keep up once you mash the pedal. That involves taking the rail & injectors off and having the injectors cleaned and flow tested. (about $25 per injc.)The injectors have a small metal filter in them that should be replace at time of servicing.
Let us know how you make out.

[So Cal Mark]

did the person that did the rebuild offer any suggestions? Did it have this problem before the rebuild?
In this situation, you have to start with the basics and find out if you have fuel pressure and injector pulse. There are numerous things that might have been left disconnected or installed improperly after the rebuild

[cutelildevil326]

New injectors, new mass air flow sensor, new fuel pump, new filter, all connections have been double checked. Adequate pressure at the fuel rail. Cold start injector or throttle position sensor could be bad, but I do not have a way to test them.
Of course all parts are purchased from IAP and are mostly on back order. Does anyone know of a place to have an ecm rebuilt or tested? Have found loose wires to ecm not sure if it has shorted out. I appreciate all of the suggestions. Would love to get this thing back on the road......

[GeorgeT]

Make sure the Throttle Position Sensor is properly adjusted.