engine starving

[pottsthomas]

My 79 spider (32/36 carb w/ electric fuel pump) has developed a new fuel starving problem. Starts and idles fine, but (previously) occasionally would stall out under load like it was out of gas. Stop and it restarts fine. I first assumed it was a fuel pickup problem with the new gas tank- as typically I put in a couple gallons and it runs fine the rest of the outing. It now recurs more and more even with a full tank. Does this sound like a float adjustment? Fuel pressure? lingering clog in one of the fuel lines (most of which have been replaced) There have been times when its been on 50 mile runs with no issues since the last work was done. I see on float posts that the Redline site states fuel pressure is critical at 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. Any advice ?

[geospider]

I had a similar issue when I was first getting the same set up going. felt like vapor lock, etc. Driving 75 miles x2; one half, had to stop twice. way back, only once. Had a new sending unit, so put that in. didn't change it (other than my gauge finally working).
I ended up putting in a new pump and it completely cleared up.
I wouldn't expect that your float would change, unless some kind of damage to the float itself (I'm sure some have seen).

that's my story.

Geo

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Based on what you describe, my guess would be one of two things: 1) a vacuum is developing in the fuel tank over time which prevents enough fuel from being pumped up to the engine, or 2) your fuel pump or one of the various filters or lines is clogged.

For the first, try loosening the gas cap slightly one turn or so (just enough to break the seal), and see if the problem persists. For the second, you could disconnect the fuel line to the carb, turn the ignition switch to "on" or "run" (without starting the engine) and see what comes out of the fuel line. Best to do this with you holding the fuel line in a clean container and have an assistant momentarily turn the key to "on". If the fuel just dribbles out or sputters or looks cloudy or like it has particulates, you likely have a clogging issue. Note that there is also a metal filter on the end of the pickup tube that inserts into the gas tank. That could be plugged as well.

Use caution when working with gas of course.

-Bryan

[pottsthomas]

I ran into some guys from the nj fiat club over the weekend. I described my issue and one of the guys had the same thing. He said there is a rectangular electronic device positioned under the coil. Can’t be seen when coil is mounted. Replace it and problem disappears. Mine is a 79 with no changes to stock distributor or coil. What is this thing?

Tp

[pottsthomas]

I guess we are talking about a magnetic pickup coil? I see from one of the vendors I'm meant to carry a spare as it can fail at any time? My car is carburated, not fuel injected. Would that get hot, cut spark, and then cool off immediately so the car restarts after a few seconds?

[tima01864]

I think NJ was referring to the Control Module behind the coil