My new Spider (Madison, WI)

[jcp]

Hi everyone, I bought a 1980 Spider (FI) on Sunday, and most of my google searches related to the car so far have brought me here. I'm really impressed at the quality of the community here: there's already a lot of great info that I've found on this forum.

So far I have no major issues with the car, although I'm sure that'll change soon enough. It has 76k miles, and aside from a few cosmetic issues and minor rust spots, it seems to be in great shape. It may be running a little hot though. During my hour long drive home on the highway, the gauge held at 210-215 degrees. Granted, this was a 70mph drive during one of the hottest days of the summer, and it was 100F outside. My early research indicates that there may be air in the cooling system. Since the previous owner had done a coolant flush recently, this could very likely be it. I should have some more info when I attempt a fix this weekend.

In any case, I'm glad to join such a great forum. I'm sure you'll all be able to eventually guide me through some of the more difficult days of my Fiat ownership.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You have found the best place going for knowledge on these great little cars.

[steve8462]

you have probably noticed the thread about adding a t-fitting in your heater hose along the firewall that has a cap on it to purge the air out of the system. i have a 1979 and the temp seemed to be all over the gauge while driving. normal to warm while driving, and hot to "oh crap!" while in traffic or at a long red light. i installed the t-pipe and it has normalized my temp quite a bit. i drove it to work and home yesterday (50 miles round trip) and it hugged the 190 degree mark all the way.

i have a spare t-fitting i purchased at auto zone for 99 cents. i will gladly mail it to you for free to get you started on the right path. just let me know. there are many threads on this site that will walk you through just where to install it for peak results.

[4uall]

whoo hoo another 1980 FI

welcome to the best place on earth

try this http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... on#p151901

[jcp]

Thanks everyone.

Oh, I did find that thread and just last night purchased a coolant burp kit on Vick Auto. I also saw the thread about drilling a small hole in the thermostat, but I'll save that for later on if it keeps running hot.