Intermittent loss of engine power, usually at highway speeds

[surfingfreeman]

Hello All
I have a 1982 FI Spider that I have been having very sporadic loss of power problems with. The problem usually happens while on the freeway and usually only lasts for a second or 2, I usually downshift and the engine power kicks back in. I'm wondering if it could be a fuel filter or fuel pump problem, I also thought perhaps a loose connection to the AFM? There has been the occasion when the car totally looses engine power and stalls and will not start for up to 15-minutes. I have only owned the car for a little over a year so do not have a complete maintenance history for the car. Oh I don't lose any electricals in the car when the problem occurs. Thanks for any advice.
Mike

[azruss]

fuel starvation is the first place to look. check the fuel filter just down stream from the pump. it is possible you have something oddball like a loose wire to the fuel pump or an issue with the dual relay. when you have the problem can you hear the fuel pump running.

[GeorgeT]

I had a similar problem with my '82 and it turned out to be a failing Double Relay. One side controls the fuel pump and the other side controls the injectors. Drove me crazy until it failed completely (the windings on the injector side would heat-up and separate; when cool, they would re-connect and act normally).

[124JOE]

make certin the motor is grounded up by the injectors

[surfingfreeman]

Hello all thanks a bunch for the suggestions on areas to look at, I think I will order the fuel filters and relays and check the grounds as suggested.
Mike

[124JOE]

also putting another filter up in the E bay so it has a small tank of fuel to use
works for some people

[baltobernie]

Spiders from 1973 have a sealed fuel system for evaporative emissions control. The valve or canister sometimes fails, leading to fuel starvation during extended operation. Loosen your fuel filler cap and see if the problem goes away.