Gas!!!

[kwil]

I'm new to the forum. Bought a 1979 Spider this weekend. Really nice car.
Turns over great but not running. Think it might be a fuel issue. The car hasn't been driven since 2001!!
But kept under cover since then.
I did put some gas in the tank and found a leak around the filler neck hose.
I'm sure that there is a lot of crude in the fuel tank. I think the fuel pump is either finished or it
can't get to the fuel past the crap. I pulled the hood for a look at the engine. I found a Gasoline Filter on the
drivers side with one pipe coming from the top and one coming from the bottom. Both these pipes were
disconnected and not attached to anything. So I think that someone was bypassing the filter for some reason.
The filter is a 10" x 3" x 4" box.

So I have a couple of questions.
Fuel pump in this model mechanical?
Location of the fuel pump.... in from of the carb?
I know my way around cars somewhat...ok for me to take this on?

Thanks!

[So Cal Mark]

there is no way the fuel filter is 10" long. I think you're looking at the evaporative cannister. The original fuel pump was mechanical but a previous owner could have replaced it with an electric. If the car has been sitting for 8 years, it's going to need some attention before getting it to run or drive. Any old fuel needs to be removed and fuel hoses replaced. If the mechanical pump is still in place, expect to replace it. On the odd chance it works initially, it will soon fail. Expect to rebuild the carburetor. I guarantee the accelerator pump isn't working and more than likely the old fuel has turned to varnish in the carb and gummed it up.

[kwil]

SCM
Thanks for the response.
Yep, Thats what I might be looking at.
The fuel pump has a flat top. And it its in front of the carb. Look old. Top is rusty with and old FIAT sticker on top.
I have a receipt from mid 90s from the previous owner that would seem to suggest a carburetor rebuild. The carburetor is the cleanest looking item in the engine bay!

Can you connect me to a good online source for fuel lines, fuel pump?

Thank you

k

[So Cal Mark]

what area are you in?

[mbouse]

you are looking at the EGR valve, not the fuel pump. the fuel pump is below the intake manifold, in front of the starter and above the cylconic trap.

here's a brief summary of what you need to do before you crank that starter again:
1. LUBRICATE the pistons by removing the spark plugs and applying about 1 ounce/day for at least three straight days with some Marvel Mystery Oil, transmission fluid, or similar lubricant. make sure the crankcase is full of oil.
2. remove the fuel tank, and flush
3. inspect and probably replace the fuel sender, at least clean the sock
4. replace that leaking fuel filler hose
5. blow out the fuel delivery line from the tank forward with compressed air, and follow with a rinse of mineral spirits
6. replace the fuel filter between the pump and the carburetor.
7. hope the pump and the carburetor will function.

like mark said, i bet you are replacing that pump and at least rebuilding the carb before you are on the road. rubber diaphrams won't stand that long of a dry idle period (10 years) without deterioration.

expect to replace all rubber parts now or very, very soon throughout the rest of the car.

[kwil]

I took the carburetor out this afternoon for rebuild/cleaning.
My VW mechanic is doing the work. Hes done a few of these.
There is a lot of stuff bolted to the driver's side area of the engine bay.
Gas Vapor Filter and another contraption in front of that.
Could this have been a California car? Can I get rid of this stuff?? I live in Washington State.
See my website photos http://www.10tenbd.com/Fiat_Spider/Photos.html
Image marked "Do I need this stuff?" and "What is the contraption at the bottom of the image?"

[digitech]

What I would do, is to try to get your spider running as it sits, following Mark's and Mike's advice. Once it's running, no matter how poorly, then I would remove all the emission crap. That way, you fight one battle at a time. Later, you will want to replace that piece of junk ADHA carb - if you insist on keeping it, I've a good clean one you can have for spare parts. The "thing" at the bottom of the photo is the Gulp valve and it can go when the rest of the emisssion stuff goes.

[kwil]

Thanks Digitech

I agree...one thing at a time.
I also agree with getting the engine running and then getting into replacing/removing/fine tuning.
How much do you want for the carb? I'll decide what I want to do with the old one when I get the car running.
What would you suggest installing?

Thanks

[digitech]

Email me your address and I'll send it to you; the bottom section has a slight warp to it from being overtightened but between the two carbs, you will be able to make a good one and it's always nice to have some spares. I know in the quest to solve rough running issues, tightening the carb hold down nuts is one of the first things to check but many people don't realize how easy it is to warp that flange.

Down the road, be on the lookout for a single plane intake manifold (i.e., from an 1800) and then get a 34ADF or the 32/36DFEV carb and you'll be set. The DFEV features an electric choke instead of the hot water you currently have.

[kwil]

Wow Digitech, Thats really generous of you. I'll do that.
Thanks for the advice on installing a different carb.

Kenny