Fuel Pump on early 1979 Fiat Spider?

[Zachary]

Hey Guys,

Im new to the forum. I was driving home last night and my spider died when I put my foot on the gas. I pushed it to the side of the road, and figured I had run out of gas (Fuel sender is hooped). After putting a jerry can of gas in the tank, and priming the carb, the car started, then died. I gave it about four more goes before getting it towed. I have a weber 28/32 carb that I rebuilt a couple weeks back with no real problems, but the car was dying when I would come to a stop so I cranked the idle needle up until I had the time to take it into a shop.

Im thinking that the fuel pump is toast, but I am a bit confused as to which fuel pump I have in my car. Ive read that certain 79 spiders produced after july have an electric fuel pump, but Ive also been told by the nice fellows at lordco its a mechanical pump. I checked the sock on the sender and the fuel filter, both look fine. Im checking the fuses tonight when I finish work.

If someone could give me some input it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Zach

[kilrwail]

If it's mechanical, it's located under the intake manifold near the front - under a mess of hoses and the fuel filter. If all you see there is a blanking plate on the block, then it's electric and at the tank. You can test either type by disconnecting the line at the carburetor and cranking the engine. Have a friend do the cranking - you'll need both hands to catch the gas in a container if the pump works! Pull the centre wire off the coil first, to avoid sparks.

[Zachary]

Ill give it a try! thanks!

[barnesjtsl]

I bypassed my mechanical pump and installed an electric pump in the trunk.

If you decide to install an electric pump make sure it is virtually the weakest pump you can find. These things don't like anything more than 2 or 3 psi pumps. And don't forget, the closer to the fuel tank the better. These push much better than they pull. Also, I intalled a cheap clear fuel filter between the gas tank and the pump and one as well just before the carburetor. This setup has been working great for me for over a year now on my 79 2000. Also, I power it directly off the battery with a 2 amp fuse between.

barnesjtsl

[minimike]

barnesjtsl,
what brand electric pump have you used? Got a part #? I'm gonna put my facet in the trunk, but would like to carry a spare
for those road trips.
mike

[nibbes123]

Hi minimike
The pump I use is a carter P60504 electric pump has 1-4 lbs, also comes with a filter at the pump.
Nick