1980 Non-Fuel Injected 124 Spider 2000-Need some help

CARB\'D 80 Fiat · Post by **CARB\'D 80 Fiat** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:49 pm

Hi, I have always wanted a a Fiat Spider ever since I was a kid driving in my uncle's 1975 124 Spider. The car is located in NJ.

First my disclaimer: I am new to this and not a mechanic so any guidance, lessons learned are REALLY appreciated.

About the car: I found this car in Nebraska. It is has an 1995cc Non F.I. Engine with an Automatic Transmission. The car has trouble cold starting.

This car sat in a barn for 3 years....I was told by the previous owner that the car runs. The car does infact does run with some effort and the engine sounds great! No knocks, no wierd noises. Hopefully, I lucked out!!!!

The car does not start initally but when I put a tiny amount of gas in the carbouerator, the car is driveable with no apparent transmission issues. I have not driven this car anywhere except up and down my street once. I am having it checked out by a local fiat specialist that another local spider owner told me about.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to the things that I should check for?? I have a feeling that the carb has to possibly be rebuilt....I really whant to get this car on the road. Thanks.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:07 pm

I would expect that the accel pump in the carb has failed-that will let fuel leak from the bowl when sitting and not provide a shot of fuel when pumping the pedal. If the car has been sitting, it should be inspected thoroughly before extensive driving. It will probably need complete service and replacement of rubber, i.e. hoses and belts

CARB\'D 80 Fiat · Post by **CARB\'D 80 Fiat** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:04 pm

Mark,
Thanks for the reply. I left something out in my initial post. I had to jump start the car and also sprinkle a touch of gas into the carb to get it started. I went to my local auto zone and bought a new battery. Wouldn't you know it, it started right up. I let the car sit for about 2+ hours and then went out and tried to start it and it started right up without adding gas to the carb!! I am taking your advice and having the car inspected next week and will make sure there is a complete service and replacement of rubber, i.e. hoses and belts. I am not planning on driving it anywhare until then. Thanks.
Frank

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 6:57 pm

Good deal! Wish mine was so easy to fix.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:31 pm

Frank,

Although I am the more usually found manual tranny, I too have a carb'd 1980 Spider. There are more of us around than some think.

If the car is completely stock, I would suggest one or two things as you get started getting started.

There is a one way valve located in the fuel line, near the carb that looks like a spaceship. Remove it and do not replace it. It will slowly fail, and shut off fuel flow, and eventually squirt that pressurized fuel on your hot engine. If this item is on your vehicle, your car failed to appear for a certain recall notice. This item is a fire hazard. I was fortunate enough to have it fail and strand me on the other side of town - without causing a fire.

Is your failure to start in any part, due to your expectations? Non-fuel injected autos (especially older ones) take a little time to catch in the morning. Does your oil pressure light extinguish before your engine starts, or are you attempting to force it to fire before oil pressure has been attained?

You have a good car....not a performance demon, just a good car. Congratulations !! Enjoy the ride...

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:02 pm

the check valve in the fuel line should have been in the return line. The car should start before the oil pressure light goes out; that takes quite a few engine revolutions to occur. It's pretty common to find chokes that don't close or open very well, especially after sitting for years

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 5:36 pm

My experience with the valve in the return line is that it is actually a two-way valve....allowing fuel to flow either direction...slowly. My research has stated that it was put in to slow down the leaking of fuel during a roll over, and that research did not state keeping fuel at the carb for the reason for installation; however in the short run it does have that effect.

Are you positive that the entire fuel delivery system (rubber and metal hoses) all are leak proof? NO fuel leaks anywhere? Even inside the cabin? Any fuel leak will deplete the supply to the carb when the pump is idle, causing delays at start up. Do you smell gas after a period of not running?

Any carb that has sat for three years (especially a 26 year old carb) may need some fine tuning just to get it to work. Like Mark said...choke sticking? Won't hurt any to look at the entire ignition system as well. Spark plugs fouled? Timing outa whack? Carbon buildup in the carb? Clogged fuel filter? Sludge in gas? All of these will lead directly to hard starting.

CARB\'D 80 Fiat · Post by **CARB\'D 80 Fiat** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:13 pm

As far as I know there are no leaks in the fuel delivery system. I do not smell gas when the car sits. I smell some exhaust when the car drives. (Hopefully muffler/exhaust related)
I am having the car checked out locally by a known Fiat Mechanic. Note, I have not had any cold starting problems since I changed the battery. I am not driving the car until I know it is safe to do so.
Thanks for all of the advice.
Frank

1980 Non-Fuel Injected 124 Spider 2000-Need some help

1980 Non-Fuel Injected 124 Spider 2000-Need some help

Thanks

Thanks for the help!