What compression, for '84 Pininfarina 2000 FI?

[wikkid]

I am looking at an '84 spider, and I don't yet have manuals to give me an idea of what engine compression should be. If anyone can help with this info, I'd be grateful, and also, I really have no idea how I can get the car to crank, since the current owner has a new ignition key assembly still in the box, and the ignition wires are now loose and dangling from the dash in a tangle.

[majicwrench]

Compression will vary, due to tester being used, battery condtion etc etc. But all 4 should be even give or take a few lbs,, and somewhere tween 120 and 150.
Can yoiu just plug in new switch??
Keith

[wikkid]

Thanks for the number range. Apparently, the present owner has a key switch assembly ready to go. I have no wiring diagrams or manual, though, so I have no idea how it should be hooked up. It's a question for the electrical section, I guess, unless maybe it's really easy to explain?

[zachmac]

You may find all you need to know in this atricle but if not the same pages have wiring diagrams.\

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html

[wikkid]

Thanks - that's great info.

[wikkid]

Can anybody tell me if the throttle cable on a FI engine is accessible to actuate full throttle for the compression test, or does someone have to be in the car pressing pedal to metal?

[majicwrench]

You don't need to full-throttle the engine to run a compression test. YOu may have seen that in a manual of some sort, but trust me, it will work just fine with throttles closed. What you are really looking for is a diff tween cylinders, not the absolute highest compression reading you can get.
Keith

[wikkid]

You're right - I am used to testing on V-Twins, where we are looking for somewhere in the range of 170-175, and you don't get 4 or more cylinders to be able to compare.
I am going to need a manual, but I don't want to get one for that year if the car is not "the one."
Thanks again.
-Chris

[124cso]

Majic wrench is correct. Just cranking it over (not running) will give you compressions. You will need one of those compression testers that screw into the spark plug hole. You will not be able to hold a rubber nosed tester in place especially on an injected model, there is just too much stuff in the way. Been there, done that.

[wikkid]

Yeah, I know. My tester has all sorts of different plug thread adaptors, and a flexible hose connection to the gauge, which is really handy on tightly-fitted motorcycle engines, by the way. True compression is tested with throttle wide open; relative compression between cylinders, w/o the need to open the throttle, will give a general picture of engine health, to see if all 4 are in the same range.

In any case, unless the owner of the vehicle I was looking at has a change of heart and wants to basically give the car to me, I think there will be other, better cars out there with far fewer cosmetic and mechanical issues to deal with.

The guy buys the car to fix up and give to his wife to drive, but he lets it sit and rot instead of attending to it?!!? Such a waste of a fine machine! Here are some pic's I took of it, in a photobucket album:
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt43 ... n/Spiders/

[majicwrench]

That looks like a project. Wise thoughts.

[124cso]

Not meaning to be nasty but it certainly looks to be a bit of a dog. I know it sometimes hurts, but probably better to spend a bit more and get one that is up and running and with a paint finish you can live with. Is always cheaper in the long run.

[wikkid]

Not nasty at all to give an honest opinion! If the guy wanted to give it to me to be rid of it, I'd take it. But having taken a closer look, now I'm moving on to look for something better. I really appreciate everyone's input.
-Chris

[TulsaSpider]

Rust is the main culprit, the pics are not real good but I saw no rust? I say go for it, these cars are easy to work on! 84 is one of the last years, many say more desirable. Just a thought. Why would you turn down a parts car? I mean if you want to get one anyway? I will save you some money somewhere and you can also sell parts off of it if need be

[wikkid]

Yeah, it would be great if he were to be giving it away, but he was looking in the range of $1500 for it