My first spider! - San Francisco (PICS)

[Phihung]

Got my fist Spider ('71 Spider 124 1600) a few months ago and just after a week, it started stalling on me after I put it in neutral while slowing to a stop. It also shook like crazy in second gear. Brought it to Angelo in the city at Imported Motor Service - he's a 75 year-old mechanic! - and turned out the rings were broken. Angelo replaced the rings, timing belt, gaskets and the heater valve (there was a leak on the passenger side under the dash near the console). Now it's driving just fine, except sometimes after slowing dow, I'll downshift to second gear, and it'll start spitting and lose power - just starts crawling, even when I step on the gas. Any ideas? Maybe the carb?

I know nothing about working on cars, but want to learn. Any suggestions on where to start? Any books? I bought the Haynes manual which is super confusing for a newbie like myself.

[wikkid]

Dang - nice car!!!

[Exit98]

OMG I'm so jeleous.

No, wait, that motor problem you're having...its fatal. I'll take that old thing off your hands. How Much?

[surfingfreeman]

Hey phihung
Nice purchase and welcome aboard!
Mike

[azygoustoyou]

Sweeeet! I like how the roll bar matches the wheels. I hope my car looks that good.

[Foster48x]

Now that's a GREAT looking car!

Rick

[james124]

Hot Hot car. Congrats!
About your problem. It's not unusual for these old cars to experience problems similar to what you have mentioned.
If I was you, I would start by making sure that the plugs are good and you have good spark (are spark plugs fouled?). Ignition and timing could be a problem but you suggest that Angelo took care of that. Also, check the quality and quantity of the gas. Make sure an abundance of gas flows to the carb and your fuel filter is very clean (change?). Try driving it more often and clean plugs as needed to get things moving. Besides that we need to know what carb and ignition set-up you have to be able to diagnose more accurately. Show us some pics of your engine and carb Let us know how you make out. Post in the engine section. Good luck, JimmyG

[gary124sport]

That's Positano Yellow I believe and in my opinion it is THE signature color for that era 124. Looks really great!!

[tonyfromjersey]

Nice looking car but I think your problem is definitely not fixable. I'll give you 200 bucks to take it off your hands as a parts car.

Just kidding. There is a ton of help on this forum. If its carb related, I haven't done much there. If it's points and ignition related, many of us have converted to electronic ignition. I did it after fighting with my points and timing for a year. Lots of threads here on differing ways to go if that's what you decide to do.

I'll tell you what, I'll up my offer to 250.

Tony

[mdrburchette]

Beautiful 71! If it's losing power, what does your tach do? If it doesn't go to zero, you probably have a fuel restriction. Have you replaced your fuel filter lately? It may also be a weak fuel pump. Do you have the mechanical pump or electric?

[TulsaSpider]

Wow! Fantastic car! Yup sounds fuel related to me. Need more info like they said.

[Phihung]

Thanks everyone! I'll check out the fuel filter and pump to see if there's an issue there. The big question - what is the best way to learn how to work on cars? Take a shop class? Any recommended books? I'm obsessed now that I've got a spider to tinker with. Any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!

[tonyfromjersey]

If you want to learn to work on cars, a class might not be a bad idea. There are so many resources on this website, just do a search of whatever topic you're looking for or post your questions here. Here's some other two-bit advice:

1. Take pictures of stuff you take apart that looks complicated
2. Keep all hardware and parts together in ziploc baggies or tupperware containers
3. Label everything you take apart, especially hoses and fuel lines. Colored tape is good for this.
4. Invest in some GOOD TOOLS. Sears is great, they take everything back. Some ratcheting box-end wrenches are an excellent addition to sockets, etc.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions even if you think its stupid. I got stuck with getting my starter out and felt like an idiot, but managed to post it here and get an answer in minutes.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to be a little patient. If you get hung up, take a break, drink a beer, look on here for answers. Sometimes the best solution is a little time and distance, a beer or two, and a little help from your friends.

Finally, look for a club in your area. The FLU (Fiat-Lancia Unlimited) has chapters everywhere. Lots of help and advice.

[mdrburchette]

What Tony says! And, don't be afraid to try doing small jobs yourself. We're all here to help you through it. If this girl can work on a Fiat, anyone can.

[Phihung]

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm gonna brave the little jobs and see what I can do on my own. Will definitely post (with lots of pics) if I run into any problems. This is a great forum..a great community. I love my car and the support/camaraderie of other Spider owners. Cheers! - Hung