New guy 77 fiat,CA central valley

[PGUNN]

Hello,
My name is Paul.I have a 77 spider.Which I found sitting in a field last year.It had been there for two years,uncovered,with a baseball bat hole in the windshield.So as you can imagine the dash is thrashed.I had hoped this would be the worst of her problems.With only 38000 original miles.There could not be too much wrong.I hope.
I pulled her out of the weeds,and tried to start her up.Engine cranked but no fire.So I towed it home.I reset both sets of points and tried again.She came right to life,sounded great ,idled nice and smooth.Great.
So I left it sitting over winter.Dealing with paper work and such.
When spring rolled around I went to get her on the road.She would not start.When she would she would die imediatley.
So I start sniffin around for the problem and find that the throttle shafts are siezed.After a couple days working on the primary shaft.I got it worked free and rotating nicely.I couldnt get the secondary shaft to budge.After trying everything Icould i removed the carb and went to work on it on my bench.I got the shaft loose at the cost of the butterfly.So I replaced it with e used one and put it back together.STILL HAD A START AND DIE PROBLEM.tHAT WAS not spark related.
This is just the begining of what I need help on.I'll post other questions in spacific areas.
It's nice to have finally found a place to get info on these vehicles,and find others with common interests.any feed back would be great.Thanks for having me. Paul

[TulsaSpider]

Paul you have come to the right place! You are fortunate to be where you are there are plenty of Spider people out there. They'll chime right in. Of course you have checked the spark at the plug right? Did you drain the old gas out?
Is the accelerator pump working? Is the idle solenoid working? Also what carb do you have and what ignition?
and of course Post pics!
Good luck!

[kristoj]

Mine is a later fuel injected model, so I can't help you on the carb question. But wanted to welcome you to the forum. You will definitely came to the right place for advice.

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Paul. I wonder if you got a look in the float bowl while you had the carb off. Were you able to see what condition the gas was in (any "varnish"?) Kind of sounds like you're not getting a good flow of fuel. I've heard of cars sitting a lot longer than two years and being able to run on the fuel that was in it, but depending where the car was sitting it could be a case of gummy gas.
It amazes me that someone would let a car with only 38,000 miles on it sit out like that. Hats off to your for rescuing it.
Good luck with it.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

welcome! My bet is that the carb is plugged. If the shafts were stuck, the jets are probably clogged too. I'd plan on changing all of the fluids and timing belt too

[mbouse]

hip-hip-hooray!!! a new member with a non-1982 vehicle.... only the warmest of welcome to you and your fantastic 1977 Fiat Spider.

Of course, your entry fee to this forum is lots and lots of pictures.

new fluids all around will be your best bet in getting started. then, the fuel delivery lines must be blown out, and a new fuel filter installed. and, as mark stated, at least clean that carburetor to remove the varnish that has set into the interior.

once you can establish clean fuel, then move onto spark and timing issues.

keep us posted on every step you try in the ressurection process.

[PGUNN]

New fluids have already been done.Replaced some fuel lines along the way.Put a rebuild kit in carb.Kit did'nt come with jets though.So I left them alone.Under hood wiring has been tampered with.Also ig. sw. was trashed.So i'm using one I had laying around.Belt is in good shape,still will be changed soon.I could use some pics myself.with air filter off.For hose routing.Dont have digital cam right now.So pics will be a while.She runs now,but not great.Exaust gasses coming from valve on right fender well.Some hoses missing.Any pics of one intact would really help.Need to smog test soon.So it has to be ship shape.
Thanks for the welcome.I'll post pics. asap.

[So Cal Mark]

if you're getting exhaust gas into the diverter valve, replace the check valve on the air injection rail. Fiat used the same check valve the GM used, so they easy to find for about $10 new. If you don't replace the check valve, the diverter valves will continue to fail. Also make sure the air pump is pumping air or it will be near impossible to get thru a smog check

[PGUNN]

You all ere great. Do'nt feel like such a new guy anymore.Check Cali 77 post in engines and tuning.

[pope]

Paul
Welcome, sounds like you are going to have your hands full. I am betting on mice also. Are you sure thats not 136,000!

P.S. Can I have my bat back!


Do your best to stump us.

[PGUNN]

I also thought it was but after going thru paper work and looking under valve covers.Im sure there is not 100000 on this motor.

[pintopower]

I like your style! I love a project. My spider had been sitting 15 years as a chicken coup. Turns out the chicken crap was a great way to prevent rust. 3 years later I had it all done! Don't give up! The nastiest projects yeild the best results!

[PGUNN]

Pinto's? Years back some friends and I put a v-6 in a pinto.Pain in ass relocating fire wall so bell housing would fit.The first engine I ever built was a ford 2300 in a little Mustang 2.Been a mechanic ever since.Never see any pinto's though.I guess you have the only remaining.How many pinto's does it take to make a stallion? HA! Once knew a redneck who turned his pinto into a pickup.High school ag project.Worlds first mid size SUV.OK back to the subject that were here for.