Hello and a question from Maine

[jimraker]

Greetings from Maine! Although we still have around 4 feet of snow on the deck, the sun at least FEELS stronger. I've got my original 1983 Pininfarina, bought it new before I had kids. Then moved to Maine, had kids, etc. anyway it has around 66,000 miles. Last summer I spent some bucks and some time sprucing it up, after not using it at all for around 6 years. It ran great when I put it in the garage last fall.

But today! It won't start. It turns over, but no go. I checked the fuses. I checked to see if I was getting a spark. Yes. I ran a test on the wires leading to the fuel pump, with the key in the "on" position, but no go. I did not test this with someone actually cranking the key (no one was around).

My question... NOW WHAT? Anyone got any tips/short cuts?

Thanks..... jimraker in MAINE!

[So Cal Mark]

first of all, welcome to the site! As for the no start, it's difficult to check for power to the fuel pump when you're alone. The pump should get power for 2 seconds when you first turn the key on. Then you won't have power unless the engine is cranking. With the key on, if you open the flap in the air flow meter, the pump should run. Or, you could jumper power at the dual relay to the pump circuit. The fuel pump fuse is in a separate in-line holder under the dash, and the ground for the fuel pump is at the left rear taillight. To really check the system, you should get a wiring diagram or the FI troubleshooting manual

It may just be that the pump has gotten stuck from varnished fuel. Tapping on it with power applied will sometimes free them up

[jimraker]

first of all, welcome to the site! As for the no start, it's difficult to check for power to the fuel pump when you're alone. The pump should get power for 2 seconds when you first turn the key on. Then you won't have power unless the engine is cranking. With the key on, if you open the flap in the air flow meter, the pump should run. Or, you could jumper power at the dual relay to the pump circuit. The fuel pump fuse is in a separate in-line holder under the dash, and the ground for the fuel pump is at the left rear taillight. To really check the system, you should get a wiring diagram or the FI troubleshooting manual

It may just be that the pump has gotten stuck from varnished fuel. Tapping on it with power applied will sometimes free them up

Thanks...I'm going to retry whacking the pump with the key on. Yes, I remember it used to run for a second or two once the key was on, and now it doesn't. But I did run a test light on the wires leading up to the pump and got no light. I'll try to find the under dash fuse you speak of. Are all the fuses in that row of fuses up by my left knee the same? If so, I may as well just replace them - I think they're the originals. As for the left tail light ground, that could be the problem. The left tail light wires were always off and I'd have to jiggle them every year on my way into inspection so the left rear signal would work to pass inspection.

I ordered a Fiat manual from Amazon last night (i had a 30 dollar gift certificate left over) so maybe that will help. Biggest problem is that there is no one I know of around southern Maine who knows about or works on Fiats...(and I'm not the mechanical type...maybe its time for a midlife mechanical "awakening"?.....)

Thanks, I'll let you know.

Jim

[rlux4]

Welcome to a great forum Jim. Do the dash gauges get power when you turn on the key? I got your PM, check for the reply.
Good luck. I kept my old dual relay, let me know if you want to try it instead of buying a new one first. It'll work, after a tap or two to wake it up.
Ron

[mbouse]

a five pound mini-maul will work quite well for tapping that pump....

just kidding...Yeash!

welcome to the site. My, with 4 foot of snow, you are really anxious to get on the road, 'eh? We are counting the rain drops here, nearly all the snow has melted, but the salt has yet to be washed off the roads.

As soon as you getter out of the barn, snap some pictures for us to drool over, please.

[jimraker]

Thanks for all the replies. I got a spark. Then no power to the fuel pump. I cleaned all the contacts, and put dieectric grease. Did the same for the rear tail light electric connections. then I just changed all the fuses, including the two that hang down separately in their own doohickies under and to the left of the steering column, one 30 amp and one 16. And bingo! Fuel pump on, running great! First time I remember driving around through some ice and slush... but sure felt good. 30 degrees here today, mid afternoon, sunny, but wind chill must be more like zero.

Next up, clean and grease EVERY SINGLE electrical wire I can find. New tie rods, new brake lines (cracked, but not leaking) and I'm good to go.

BTW, my windshield wiper fluid reservoir is cracked. I can see it down under the grill below the wipers. Is this something i have to take the engine out to fix or is there a shortcut?

I will take some pictures tomorrow, Sunday, with the snow as a backdrop and post!

Jim

[So Cal Mark]

the cowl comes off to allow access to the wiper motor, linkage and bottle. Remove the screws at the front edge and pull it towards the front of the car

[rlux4]

Great news! Congratulations to ya for getting it up and running.
Ron

[jimraker]

or:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Raker/Fiat

I hope this works.... new wax job, too.

Jim

[rlux4]

Wow, very pretty! Now for some spring weather in Maine.
Ron

[mbouse]

i see why you are anxious to get out on the road. nice looking car. stay out of the snow drifts