First breakdown....need some advise

[ga.spyder]

Yep...had my first Fiat Breakdown today.I took the 77 out for a spin.The car has really become a pretty good runner,but it isnt smooth(for lack of a better term).There is a dead spot on acceleration from low rpm.If you feed it slow,its fine.If you nail it and kick the secondaries ,its fine.Has high,semi-rough idle,which I have been playing with.Car is electric fuel pump w/ a electronic ignition.Adfa carb,all emission is off the carb.Also,the dizz has the vac. advance port plugged,there is no vac hose going to the carb.
Took off down a long country road.Very twisty and was having a ball in the fall weather.Suddenly,it dies,like it ran out of gas.I couldnt restart it.It fired,but couldnt keep it running.After sitting for 15 min,pulling lines(plenty of fuel flow),blowing into jets,removed air filter,etc..When you work the throttle there is no visible fuel spraying.I clamped the choke butterflies shut and cranked and it ran for a little bit.Opened the choke,fired right up,and drove home like it never happened.Ran smooth,idled well.What the heck?
I need some suggestions on what to do.I am going to order a rebuild kit on Mon.Should I just look for another carb?The farmer whose driveway I pushed the car into,said it sounded like 'vapor lock'.The car was at normal temp,cool day,had been running for 20-30 minutes.Is that a possibility?I have driven it longer distances and this had never happened.I would love some feedback from you guys.I am frustrated!!
Craig

[So Cal Mark]

I'd look inside the float bowl for debris. It sounds like the accel pump is dead anyway. A trick to getting debris dislodged from the main jet is to rev the engine quickly with the choke held tightly shut. The extremely high vacuum can pull a chunk of dirt through the jet and get you back on the road. If you find alot of dirt in the float bowl, I'd suggest you buy a quality filter, not just a paper replacement

[ga.spyder]

hmmm...thanks Mark.I had the choke closed with a vice grip and revved it up.Afterward,it started and drove fine.I think I will rebuild the carb and then see how she behaves.I had it off this evening ,cleaned it out with carb cleaner and lots of air.I didnt have a chance to drive it after,although it started right up.I do have a good filter,but the p/o had used a lot of silicone to seal things.I have had a ongoing issue with bits of sealer.I cleaned all that off there this evening.
thanks,Craig

[racydave]

Craig, if the gas tank isn't ventind, youll hear alot of press when removing the cap. And it could cause a starvation thingie? Try with cap slightly loose.

[mbouse]

temperature is a relative thing, without measurements.... vapor lock....

is there a spacer between the carb and the intake? are the four bolts holding the carb to the intake down tight? failure on either of these will cause vapor lock.

is there a flying saucer looking doo dad (one way valve) between the fuel line and the pump, inside the engine compartment? if so, remove it and discard (do not replace). failure of this unit was a recall item at one time. Fiat's cure was elimination of the unit w/out replacement. according to Chris Obert, when i discovered that mine had failed and starved me of fuel. I attempted to replace it, but Chris pointed out the recall notice.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Guys,
there is a spacer and the bolts were tight.Also,the round ufo deal is gone on this car.I do think the tank si vented.While I was on the side of the lonely,country road I did check to see if there was a back pressure at the cap.Nothing.I also tried to re start with the cap off.No go.I ordered a rebuild kit from IAP today,it should be here Wed. or Thurs.I will clean and rebuild this carb and see what gives.It drove today between showers,and did fine.
My wife has the flu which developed into a kidney infection from dehydration.She is in the hospital and wont be using the car for a little bit anyway.So,I will take my time and get it right!
Craig

[racydave]

I hope Rose gets better soon! Are you doin dishes???

[mdrburchette]

Good gracious, you better taking care of Rose and I pray for her quick recovery!

[pope]

She is in the hospital and wont be using the car for a little bit anyway.
Craig

Sometimes what we were thinking and what we write are a little off. Definitely a GUYism.
I too just came off the flu which lasted about two dreary weeks. I Hope your wife gets better soon.

[ga.spyder]

Thanks folks,
The doc thinks she didnt have the flu at all,that it was a bladder infection which got to her kidneys.He said the symptoms could be similar.They are going to release her on Thursday if her blood work is ok.And yes...I have been doin dishes...and laundry...and cleaning...and cooking
Craig

[mdrburchette]

Oh, poor Craig! All of this plus a Fiat that won't cooperate. Just brings tears to my eyes. I know you can't wait for your wife to get home so she can carry her load.

[racydave]

Thought you were talking about Ron , cauz I know Rose won't let Craig sit on his ass! She told me he even has a special apron for his chores

[ga.spyder]

Denise..since I know you are coming here this weekend,I am saving the dirty dishes up for you
And Dave...they say a picture is worth a thousand words. So..

.

Thats right,I DO have a Fiat apron

[kilrwail]

Craig - Can I get one of those by Saturday? There's an ICCO BBQ!! It would be so cool

[ventura ace]

Really nice cabinets and flooring! Looks too clean for a man that is taking care of everything while wifey is gone. Glad to hear Rose is getting better. Maybe you'll have that carburetor rebuilt by the time she's ready to get out and about again.

Check the lower surface of the carb for flatness, and also where the top joins the main body. Heat can warp these things to where they aren't very flat, and the vacuum and fuel leaks will make it so you'll never get it to run right. Check the manifold where the carb sits for flatness also. If any of these surfaces are a little bit out of flat, you can sand them on a known flat surface to make them perfect. The gasket will take care of a little imperfection, but it is always better if you start with flat surfaces.

Alvon