New Member in Oregon

[camcreek1]

Hi,

I don't actually own a car yet. But I saw a spider online about a week and a half ago and wanted to learn as much about them as possible.

There's a guy about an hour away that seems to have a nice one but it isn't running and (he says) needs a fuel pump. It has a little over a 100,000 miles on it and the odometer quite working about 6 months ago, it sat for the last 3 months and when the guy when to fire it up it didn't start. His mechanic said it was the fuel pump. I looked around and it looks like an OEM fuel pump (such as Bosch part no. 69536) is about $400. The guy is asking $1600. He says that it has been garaged all of it's life and no major problems. I haven't seen it in pictures.

He's actually selling it for a friend of his and isn't willing to come down any more on the price. It would cost another $100 to pick it up and bring it back here and probably an $100 to have a mechanic put the fuel pump in.

What do you think? Is that a resonable price? From the *somewhat* blurry pictures I've gotten, the body looks straight and the interior ok.

I'm in college right now and am looking for something I can get around town in, but it doesn't have to be perfect.

Thanks, any help would be appreciated. I'm a little vexed that a guy wouldn't come down a little more to help get rid of a car that isn't running.

Cameron

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like a good deal. It sounds like the car is fuel injected. A new pump can be bought at Autozone for about $100.

[racydave]

Cameron, these are great cars. First, for a car thats not running, its probably priced high, unless it looks exeptional ( rust free). Second do not assume anything, find a good shop, and let them diagnose it. I hate for you to need to depend on a old car that has special needs, and should be pampered in nasty weather. These cars need alot of attention, and it helps alot to be mech inclined. Good luck whatever you do!

[rlux4]

I'm glad you found us Cameron, welcome. What year is the car? Mark is probably right, and it wouldn't take a lot of money to get it going again. If it is fuel injected the fuel pump needs to get the power from the dual relay to run. A lot of times it's not a bad pump but a fuse or wiring problem that is the problem. Without the knowledge on how these operate a lot of times people give up trying to fix it when it is usually a simple fix.
It would be a good deal if it doesn't have major rust issues and the fuel pump (or power to it) is all it takes to get it going.
If you can get to the car to diagnose it, give me a call (661-618-3468) and I can try to guide you through it.
Ron

[camcreek1]

I'm glad you found us Cameron, welcome. What year is the car? Mark is probably right, and it wouldn't take a lot of money to get it going again. If it is fuel injected the fuel pump needs to get the power from the dual relay to run. A lot of times it's not a bad pump but a fuse or wiring problem that is the problem. Without the knowledge on how these operate a lot of times people give up trying to fix it when it is usually a simple fix.
It would be a good deal if it doesn't have major rust issues and the fuel pump (or power to it) is all it takes to get it going.
If you can get to the car to diagnose it, give me a call (661-618-3468) and I can try to guide you through it.
Ron

I will go down and take a look at it tomorrow. It is a 1980 Pininfarina (Fuel Injected). I called autozone and they didn't have the pump. Obviously (if it is the fuel pump) it is best to go with the OEM part, but it looks like it is running $350-$400, is it a bad idea to go with the "universal?"

Thanks for all the help, I'll call if it looks like I'm going to buy it.
Cameron

[So Cal Mark]

as a quick diagnose, spray some starting fluid into the air filter box. The engine should fire up for a couple of seconds. That would confirm a lack of fuel and let you know the engine will run.
I've seen several FI cars that suffered from a seized fuel pump after sitting. The gas turned to varnish, and not only stuck the injectors, but the fuel pump also

[rlux4]

Just recently a forum member bought a new pump because his wasn't running. It turned out not to be the pump, it was the wiring to the dual relay. If it turns out to be the fuel pump though, you should be able to get a good used one (I bought one as a spare) either on Ebay, or by posting here in "parts wanted". Another good source for parts is Mirafiori.com, another Fiat forum site with some good knowledgeable people. I have seen the red generic pump that sells on Ebay, and it looked OK, but that doesn't say what it's like inside.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

I'd buy a new one at Autozone before gambling on a used one. I've seen the Autozone pumps on many cars and they seem to work just fine

[mdrburchette]

I don't know if this is still available at Autozone but a Master E2182 is supposed to be a direct replacement. Also, a 1989 Ford F150/FI 302 fuel pump can be used.

[camcreek1]

Here are some pictures of the car after looking at it today. The price is set at $1600. Let me know what you think of it. One thing you can't see is it looks like there was some paint work done on the driver side front panel, but it is really hard to tell. The guy selling it for the owner didn't know anything about it, which seems suspious.

Thanks for any thoughts on how you would classify the condition of the car.

Cameron

[Actually I'm still trying to figure out how to post images. I'll post them as soon as I do.]

[narfire]

Hi camcreek. I bought my 80 spider from a fellow in Eugene a couple of years ago(think it was around $1400). It had a few issues and if/when I do this again I will buying a car that runs and pay the extra few bucks I agree $1600 might be a bit much for a non runner but it could be something simple..Mine had a hole in the rear window and the rear seats were rusted as well as the metal floor behind the structural cross piece. The car did not run except for as Mark mentioned we sprayed start fluid.To date (hope the wife does not see this) but after replacing just about everything I'm into this for around $14,000.00 + cdn. Had to re-coat the fuel tank ect. new fuel pump.....I love spending time with the Italian red head but a runner is my next choice.If your not in a hurry(spring is a ways off) snoop around a bit. If this is the same guy I bought my car from,he might mention there is someone else looking at the car, not.
Take care and good luck
Chris
Naramata B.C.
Just looked at craigslist Eugene,a couple of spiders there. A runner for $1800 at a dealer. At least it moves so you can have it checked out before purchasing.Another in Seattle area with new top and runs,says no rust.$1400.00 for a car that runs.

[Spiddy]

OK Cancreek, everyone above has told you what to look for and how to get the car running. But there is one thing that really bothers me which no one else seems to have noticed: "Selling it for a friend" WHY? is the question you must ask. Look pal, there are lots of "runners" around being sold by the legitimate owner, so why get involved with this one? To me it stinks. Think about it

But whatever you do, welcome to the forum

[kuhndg]

I agree with Spiddy on this one. Selling for a friend?? The guy is most likely someone who hocks cars out of his driveway and if I were a gambling man I would bet he's also jumping the title. This is coming from a guy who flew down to Asheville only to find out the guy on the other end wasn't honest. Plenty of good people to help you out here...and a lot of good cars out there. your best value isn't always the best price.

[kristoj]

Welcome to the forum. Mark is correct that fuel pumps can be had for about $100. I bought mine from Advance Auto for $99. It is a Bosch unit, which exactly matched the factory pump (not a universal pump). You can find it here: Bosch 69133.

[So Cal Mark]

I can see I'm in the minority on this opinion. I guess it comes down to whether or not you can fix up a cheap car or afford to have someone else do it. If neither of those is an option, look for a better (more expensive) version.
Personally, I like cheap cars. There are so many more options if they don't work out