Car wont start

[jferrara]

1978 Fiat. Engine is in good condition but trouble starting now. Went to start the car last night, usually after being cold takes two or three attempts and then runs very smooth. Wouldn't start at first, gave it a little gas while turning key and car fired on. As soon as I took my foot off the gas pedal car shut down. Only way I could get the car to start and stay on was when i had my foot on the gas. Even then, once the car started it hardly had any rpm's (about 1000) and if i didnt have my foot down the car stalled.

I know the car needs to be looked at and tuned-up but any advice as to how I can get it started and get it to a mechanic besides having it towed?

[danaspider]

J, does not idle but runs when you keep the revs up. On the carb there is an idle solinoid. This is the thing about 2 inches long coming out of the carb on the drivers side. It has a wire running to it. First cherck for the presence of the wire. There should be 12 v on the wire whenever the car is running. With key in the run position pull the wire off and put back on, do you hear a click? Not uncommon for these to go bad. If you do not hear a click, put a meter on the wire and check for 12v. Have 12 v, and no click, replace the solinoid.

Can order from Vicks or Bruce...