Rank amateur from Alberta

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Sat May 14, 2011 5:30 pm

Hello all - I have been restoring fossils (ammonites) for over 20 years but this is my first car. I had a TR6 about 30 years ago and loved it but always wanted a Fiat - fabulous lines, etc.

I got a great deal on a '76 that had 90% of the body work done and was told it ran great but I can't get it to run without pouring gas down the carb. I have lots of good help but mainly from a distance. No rush in the process but my lady is dying to cruise the mountain roads in our scenic area of southern Alberta.

Looking forward to learning alot and have no qualms against skinned knuckles so here I go ....

narfire · Post by **narfire** » Sat May 14, 2011 7:48 pm

Congrats on your purchase of what some might call a "fossil". I thought there might have been a member from the forum in or near Lethbridge. Purhaps do search and see if he is still about. Majicwrench is in Libby Mont as well.
As for your fuel issue, try chasing the problem back. Take the fuel line off the carb and place it in a small soup can or something and crank the engine over. There should be some fuel kinda pulsing from the line if not, then perhaps the pump is pooched. There are diaphrams in the pump that evidently can/will dry out. If you notice air only out of the fuel line then perhaps the line is plugged before the pump or the PO has put an inline filter somewheres downstream and it could be plugged with rust from the tank if the car has been sitting for any length of time.
If you have not done so,source a manual or two and put them in the "reading room" for a few weeks. You'll find that most issues with the car can be sorted at home.
Chris

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Sun May 15, 2011 7:05 pm

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new Fiat! There's plenty of help here to get your fuel issue resolved. Make sure you post your concern in the engine section so others will see. When you have a chance, we also love pics!

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Wed May 18, 2011 12:18 am

Hi Chris,
I would be happy to donate the postage and a sutable price for the fuel pump to the forum. How much?

Tom

narfire · Post by **narfire** » Wed May 18, 2011 10:13 am

Tom, package sent yesterday. I'll phone or PM you later.
Chris

Kingme2 · Post by **Kingme2** » Sun May 22, 2011 9:35 am

Where about in Alberta are you? I'm Airdrie/Calgary. I,ve met a few others in area (car show early July, too). Also there is an excellent mechanic who's shop has been handling these, Alpha' and Lada's for years in Calgary.

FiatSparky · Post by **FiatSparky** » Sun Jun 26, 2011 11:53 pm

I just went through the same thing on my 78. It turned out to be the fuel filter. But, from my trying to figure out the problem I deduced that the 4 things it could be are: fuel filter, fuel pump, clogged fuel line and the one-way valve is stuck. There is a one-way valve before the fuel pump that stops the fuel from draining back to the tank. Thankfully mine was the cheapest fix. Good luck.

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:35 am

Just back from a 3 week trip to Europe and dying to get my '76 on the road. Have replaced the fuel filter, the fuel pump, tested the one way valve and blew the fuel lines. Gas pumps through the system when fuel filter is disconnected from the carburetor but it wont stay running when connected. A brief period it caught and fuel was leaking from the Accelerator pump. Removed diaphragm and seal was worn. New diaphragm on order. Could this be enough to prevent fuel from getting to carburetor?

Tom

kustom · Post by **kustom** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:20 pm

Hey Tom, I never saw your initial post last month... I'm in Lethbridge, and have an 81. Mine is FI, so I don't know how much help I can be with your carb problem, but we can try. I'm no mechanic...but I'll have a look!

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 9:36 am

Hi Phil, I am in Raymond and would welcome any advice. I have a Accelerator Pump diaphram coming from Ital Motors in Edmonton and am hoping that will get her running but if not.......

Tom Dryden
403 331 1237

majicwrench · Post by **majicwrench** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 10:59 am

If fuel is leaking from accel pump diaphram fuel IS getting to carb. Dribble a tiny bit of fuel into carb and try to start, does it start now?? Does it have spark??
Keith

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:07 am

Yea, it fires fine when gas is 'dribbled' into carb, but won't keep running. So that means spark, right?

majicwrench · Post by **majicwrench** » Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:18 pm

NO. If it starts when fuel is dribbled in, that means it has spark, but does not get fuel from the carb like it should. Does choke work?? Accel pump squirt??
If it's been sitting can be a lot of gunk inside carb, and in fuel system in general.
Keith

ammonite · Post by **ammonite** » Tue Jul 05, 2011 5:23 pm

Carb rebuild kit in hand - is it something I should be able to do myself if I study the schematic long enough?

Rank amateur from Alberta

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