1977 fiat 124 distributor

[cjl7516]

My spider quit on me on the freeway. It acted like it was cutting out, but I can't find anything wrong. I thought the fuel pump was bad, but I can start the engine and it will idle, but give it a little gas and in bogs down, and will die. There seems to be plenty of gas to the carb, its a 34 adf. It has been running great, which is the reason I was driving on the freeway with it. It's got electronic ignition, an XR3000 kit that I added on. Beautiful. But now I am stumped. I checked the timing and it seems right on.
I had a water problem, which I solved by cleaning out the tank, lines and the carb.
I mentioned distributor in the subject line because I wonder if it could be bad. It's got like 146000 miles on the car. It hasn't given me any grief so far though.

[vandor]

Check the fuel pressure to be sure you are getting fuel.
Those Crane units are notorious for going bad. Just replaced one a few days ago with a Pertronix and the car ran great again!

[majicwrench]

If these thing fail all the time why not use points??? It amazes me the issues people have with their aftermarket ignitions.

[So Cal Mark]

it's an aftermarket ignition, but not a complete system. Those units just replace the points. If you're happy with a weak spark, then by all means keep using points

[majicwrench]

"Weak spark" , you mean the factory designed spark?? It works just fine. You only need so much. You can get high zoot stuff that is capable of massive voltage, but all the system will produce is what it needs to fire the plugs. Which the factory system will do dependably for years.
Keith

Oh, and I am VERY happy with my "weak spark". I've had the same cap coil rotor point set that came w my car (72) 6 years ago. Start very well every time, ignition system has never given me any issues. Now the idle jet......

[So Cal Mark]

yes, "factory weak spark". Your ignition system was designed around 1900. You may not believe it, but there have been subtantial improvements in ignition systems during that period. There's a reason new cars have killer ignition output. You're knocking something you know nothing about

[majicwrench]

"you know nothing about"

Hmmmm, I disagree. Was an ASE master tech for years. A GM Master Tech. Went to Jag school back in the 70's. GM schools, Datsun schools (back when it was Datsun) Subaru schools, Volvo schools, built/ran circle track cars, drag cars etc when I was young and silly. Been doing this for a living my whole life.
I know about it.
Newer cars w their factory built ignitions have very few issues. Well designed and dependable. They need killer systems because they are DESIGNED to use killer systems. They have leaner mixtures, bigger gaps, and have to meet strict em laws.

I'm not knocking high zoot system, except for the fact that people seen to forever having issues w them. I like driving my car places wo worrying about it.

Internal combustion engine also a 100 yr old design. Still going strong. Good design.

"You know nothing about" is dang near a personal attack. You know nothing about me. I'm all about agreeable disagreements, but let's keep it civil.
Sincerely,
Keith Meyers

[So Cal Mark]

you're condemning something you haven't used. The proof is out there in how well the cars run with upgraded ignitions. And there have been a myriad number of improvements in the internal combustion engine also. If you want to take it personally, then that is your perogative. You're giving advice that is an opinion, not based on any facts.

[majicwrench]

The fact is that I could look back thru the posts and find repeated posts re: aftermarket ignition systems that are giving folks issues. Not "running well". Which was what I posted.
You are quite correct, I have not used your system. Quite happy w my current system.
What aspect of my car would run better w electronic ignition?? It starts, purrs (except when #%&$@@@^& Idle jet plugs)
I am not "condemning" anything, just stating my opinion. And my opinion is based on a lot of experience.

BTW Our little motors are "weak" compared to a modern motor of same displacemnt.
"Weak" compared to a 460 Ford.
Timing belt is "weak" compared to a chain.
I am "Weak" compared to some men. (I'm no weakling either)

"Weak" is a very relative term. "Weak" spark, the way we use it in the shop, is a system that will not produce what the car needs to run. The OE Fiat system is not "weak" by that definition.

[cjl7516]

you're condemning something you haven't used. The proof is out there in how well the cars run with upgraded ignitions. And there have been a myriad number of improvements in the internal combustion engine also. If you want to take it personally, then that is your perogative. You're giving advice that is an opinion, not based on any facts.

It made a difference with my car! Your system works great. Never had so much power. But your claim that it takes about 10 minutes to install may be a bit optimistic...it took me half the afternoon! I had to move this, adjust that, tweak this and that. Be that as it may, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to working on my car. My current troubles with the car seem to be over. After you've fixed the thing so many times over the years you begin to wait for the next thing to go wrong.

Clyde
1977 Spider

[fiat218]

And that ends that