Sacramento - new "old" Fiat Spider owner!

[Irrepressable]

Hello

My name is Debra, and while I grew up in So. Cali, I've lived in Sacramento since 1994.

In February, I bought a 1975 Fiat 124 Spider hard/soft top! I was so excited (I once owned a Fiat back in the 70's) and when I went to drive it away, it would no longer start!

The guy had removed and replaced the ignition wires! Now, I have the wires on properly, but it still won't start! I think either the connection to the battery is bad or the starter. (One click, that's all I get...)

I bought the Fiat knowing I would have to have a little bit of work put into it, but about a month ago, my Izusu Rodeo's engine blew up, so now I'm carless, and naturally, can't get the Fiat to start.

OK, so, I'm selling the Isuzu for cheap because it needs an engine, but I need a car that runs. I was fortunate to run into a nice lady that happens to be selling... a 1978 Fiat Spider in great condition that RUNS!

I pick up the second Fiat tomorrow, and the only issue I'll have is that I can't change it into my name until I pay to get the smog stuff put back on the car, cuz the original owner took it off!

Now, as to if I'll have the first Fiat worked on and keep them both, or sell the first one, I think I'm better off with the second one. The 1975 (that I may sell) is powder blue with a black hard top and black soft top, and needs quite a bit of restoration.

Just wanted to introduce myself, and I've been viewing the posts and learning what I can about these cars. I truly appreciate the valuable input everyone seems to put in at this forum!

Hope everyone is doing ok!

Debra aka Irrepressable!

The 1978 Fiat I'm keeping for sure!

[mbouse]

very nice looking car. thanks for including pictures on your first post.

welcome to the site.

i bet that other Spider has a dead battery.

[Irrepressable]

Ah now!!

Give me a little bit of credit!

I took the battery to be tested, and it is good. I was concerned that the fool that mis-wired the ignition might have tried to turn the car over, and perhaps burned something out...

It could very well be that the ignition wires are just loose and/or dirty. They are the clamp ons. Problem is that the car is still at the guy's house, so I can't work on it there, I'll have to get it towed.

AND, I'm not 16 to 21 years old now, when my daddy taught me how to replace starters, fuel pumps, clutches, and pistons and stuff... I don't even have tools now that I'm old(er.)

I do know to check the simple things first, though!

However... any advice will be considered!

[kmead]

Mmm, Mike, I think she told you. Clearly.

Welcome to the forum Irrepressable and congrats on buying the blue one. The green one looks very nice, but I am partial to green cars so I have no excuse...

The factory manuals are online thanks to another member. I would use that resource, in addition to a printed manual. I think Sears or Lowes will be your friend with cheap tools that are reliable.

This is definitely the place to get assistance, Mike is a great resource more than willing to help. Really.

Here is one link to the manual, there are others:

http://pdftown.com/Fiat-124-Spider-Work ... anual.html

[swede]

The guy had removed and replaced the ignition wires! Now, I have the wires on properly, but it still won't start! I think either the connection to the battery is bad or the starter. (One click, that's all I get...)

Debra,

Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing all the nice pictures.

Well if it’s the starter motor that clicks it might just be a faulty ground wire.
Easy way to test it is to use one jumper cable and place it between battery negative pole and starter motor (or engine block), if it work it’s a bad ground if not start tracing wires and connections (like starter solenoid, starter relay etc.).

Need any help tracing?
I will be working in SF area Thursday and Friday and have nothing to do in the evenings, just sitting in a boring hotel.

Robert

[mbouse]

Mmm, Mike, I think she told you. Clearly.

LOL - yup! i've been told.

Debra, no offense taken. i've raised four daughters to be as independant as they possibly could; each needed to learn how to change their own oil and rotate their own tires before they were granted the privilege of a set of keys from dad. At their choosing, they know their own way around an automobile. My oldest used these skills as bragging rights, like you!

let us know how we can help.

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Debra.
There has been several cases of starter click that was traced to the main engine to body ground that was shot. It should located where the tranny bolts to the engine, and goes to the body. It wouldn't hurt to check it, if it's bad it can lead to other problems such as the system using the clutch cable for ground, destroying the cable shield.
Good luck.
Ron

[mbouse]

just add an extra grounding strap between the block and the inner fender. doesn't hurt,and could help the situation Ron is referring to.

[mdrburchette]

Hello Debra. Nice to see another female in the mix!
You may want to make sure the connectors to the starter and solenoid are on tightly. You are evidently getting juice to the starter but you may want to test it with a voltmeter make sure it's 12v. It sounds (by the click) that the solenoid is working. You can bypass the solenoid by using a long screwdriver and laying it across the two posts on the solenoid. If the starter turns and sounds okay, it's probably fine. Make sure you are grasping an insulated handle when doing this and don't be surprised if you get a few sparks. Of course, check what everyone else says too!