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?

[mbouse]

starved for fuel? the easiest thing you can do before hauling it off to a mechanic is to change the fuel filter and check the filter at the end of the fuel sender.

when you do shop for a mechanic make sure he understands carburetors before you give him the car.

[So Cal Mark]

I'd check the point gap, and make sure the choke plate moves freely

[FordPrefect]

Sounds like the choke to me. My car hates the cold anyway though.

[jferrara]

Mark, where do I locate and how do I check the point gap and choke plate?

[So Cal Mark]

to check the point gap you need to remove the distributor cap, turn the engine by hand until the dist lobe is directly on the rubbing block of the points. You should have a gap about as thick as a match book cover.
The choke plate is at the top of the carb. Remove the air cleaner lid, open the throttle, and if the engine is cold, the choke plate should close.