Update 81 Spider 2000 running rough/starting problems

[RRoller123]

Leaking main injectors, leaking cold start injector are possibilities. Noid light can be used to check firing, OK Injectors will refurbish them quickly at a good price. After 30+ years it is a good idea, unless you can ensure that it was recently done. Mine ran so much better when the injectors came back refurb'ed. Amazing difference. Also could be temp sensor at front of engine on coolant union. Make sure electrical connection is good. Sensor can be tested on the stove. Connector at the AFM could be faulty, AFM could be worn, door possibly warped. There is a thread on how to restore the AFM, here on the forum, so the wiper arm moves on a new section of the track. I did this and it made a huge difference in running smoothly. Could be lots of things, but those are common possibilities.

[Danno]

if its fouling them really quickly I'd think leaky injectors first, then AFM next, then temp sensors. There, you've exhaused my knowledge of all things FI.

[So Cal Mark]

I'd first check the pressure regulator for leakage, then the coolant sensor for accuracy

[topbuddy]

Well, this morning I started the car while the engine was still cool and it started right away and accelerated normally. It certaintly wasn't running rough but I did notice a gentle surging and this showed on the tach. I didn't wait for the car to heat up this time, but wondering if this helps with just what might be causing the problem.
Thanks

[MikeR]

Check the wiring to the coolant sensor on the T piece at the front of the cylinder head. My wiring was shorting out, close to the sensor (sends false readings to the ECU) and caused all manner of intermittent and running problems that I could not reproduce under controlled testing.

Fixed it by cutting off the bad wires and splicing in a 'new' sensor plug pigtail.

[RRoller123]

That damned connector seems to get bunged by interference with the fan shroud, causing the wires to be bent tightly so they fail quicker than they should.