81 FI not idling. Just installed new spark plugs and pickup coil

[Batmanbat4]

My 81 FI spider left me stranded last time I drove it when I pulled away from a green light and would only crank from then on. When I pulled the distributor cap off I saw that the wires were frayed and split so I ordered a new set from autoricambi. I just installed the new pickup, plugs, and HT leads but when I went to go start the car it will just barley idle and only when my foot is on the floor. I verified that the fuel pump is working but when I am starting it I can also smell gasoline faintly. I used a spark plug tester at the plugs to verify that they are ok as well. I believe that this may be a fuel issue. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[tima01864]

Have you checked the control module under the coil? Is the magnetic plate under the pick up in the righr orientation?

[76was124]

Also, are you sure the timing is set correctly? And the plugs are on the correct cylinders and firing?

[SteinOnkel]

Plug gap is correct?

Had this exact issue with my Fox the other day. Plugs came pre-gapped for a Renault Fuego Turbo. Not quite comparable...

[Batmanbat4]

Also, are you sure the timing is set correctly? And the plugs are on the correct cylinders and firing?

How would I adjust the timing? I’m fairly new to working on cars and I’m not sure how to do that. I made sure not to mess with the distributor rotation when I replaced the pickup. Also there is spark going through the plugs. I tested it with an inline spark tester but when I took the plugs out I noticed they were carbon fouled.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

...but when I took the plugs out I noticed they were carbon fouled.

You also mentioned in your first post that you could sometimes smell gas, so it sounds to me like you still don't have a good spark at the right time on all 4 cylinders, despite having changed the plug wires and pickup. Does the distributor cap or rotor need to be changed?

To check (or change) the timing, you'd need a good timing light. At this point, though, I'm thinking the best option might be to take the car to any service shop and have them do some diagnostics on it. Of course, if the car doesn't start, there is that issue, but I'm thinking a car repair shop could probably figure out the issue pretty quickly.

-Bryan

[SteinOnkel]

Again, check your spark plug gap. Your tester will not tell you if it's to spec.

https://www.championautoparts.com/Techn ... p-Tip.html

[Spider951]

Have you checked for air leaks, especially the big rubber "hose" connecting the AFM (air flow meter) to intake manifold? Leak(s) with the air intake can cause poor starting, rough running, backfire, poor air/fuel mixture (e.g. rich condition = carbon fouled plugs). My '81 once leaked air so bad that I replaced several hoses, including the big one between AFM and intake; engine started and ran much better.
If you decide to check ignition timing it's not difficult (assuming you can start the engine of course).

[76was124]

How would I adjust the timing? I’m fairly new to working on cars and I’m not sure how to do that....

You could search the forum, plenty of posts or this is good read to start. Written by Mr. Brad Artigue. Not sure who posted this, but you could contact Brad to purchase one of his books. Also on Amazon I think.
http://www.njfiats.org/joomla/images/st ... 124_MM.pdf