tuning

[sam]

Yes, I agree that the book would be top priority and after seeing this post http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... valve+shim I think I could wait untill next time I visit my bro (he is a pro metal worker) and get him to fab me up a tool and save some cash free wins over $90 or so as long as my valves are not too bad off, they arent tapping as far as I can tell, just the low compression on #4 and sputter on idle. Anyone happen to have the specs for valves on a 1980 spider 2000 carbed?

I am in NW alabama so best bet is probibly somewhere in atlanta to get the work done, no one here seems to want to touch it, and the ones that will charge about 10x as much as if it were any other car, and thats just for simple stuff. I haven't even inquired about doing the valves.

Thanks again for all the help!

[ventura ace]

.017 = .018" intake, .019 - .020" exhaust should be good. All your compression readings are fairly low. Do you have a strong battery while testing? Did you open the throttle plate? Is your tester reliable? Are the other 3 spark plug holes empty when testing? With readings that low, unless the valve clearances are way, way out, I doubt if reshimming it will change things. But, it is certainly easy enough to check the valve clearances, to see where you stand. Feel free to give me a jingle if you have questions.

Alvon
805-338-1767

[sam]

The starter is a little weak and all the plugs were in aside the one being tested and the guage was a $50 one but new, mostly I was checking to see if one was lower than others. I'm not real sure by what you mean about the throttle plate.

I screwed up when checking it

Guess I have some learning to do. Thanks for dealing with me

Edit, yea I need to redo the test, I can swap over a fresh battery from another car and do it right, I'm sure it was probibly a little low due to having all the plugs in. I haven't messed with a compression test in about 7 years. Also I talked to my dad and he suggested some oil in the low cylinder to see if its a ring problem... anyway I will redo the test tomorrow and check valve clearence. Hopefully doing the test right will make those readings a bit better.

[ventura ace]

When doing a compression test, you need to open the throttle (push down the accelerator pedal), so that the air can flow freely into the intake side. This is especially important if you have individual dedicated carbs for each cylinder (like 40 IDF's).

Alvon

[ga.spyder]

Sam,
Those motorcyle tools are very similar to some that I have see used on Fiats.Someone with more expertise will confirm if they will work.Do you have the capabilitie to copy a DVD? I have a complete manual on CD that I would be happy to send you to copy.The quality isnt perfect,but it is better than nothing.Send me a pm with your address if interested.
There are a couple good Fiat mech's in Atl.I dont understand why so many mechanics dont want to work on these cars.They are pretty simple,and not really technologically adanced.Fear of the unknown? If they cant fix a Fiat,I damn sure wouldnt let them work on my truck!!
Craig

[sam]

Thanks, once I read that I rembered (and my dad happend to call and ran me threw it) im at about 120 #1. 130 #2. 125 #3 and 120 #4. My neighbor let me borrow a battery jumper (big welder looking thing) to do the test and the starter still sounded a tad weak (so i guess those readings could still be a little low). It looks like it might rain so I will have to check the valve settings later and check the starter for bad connections.... the wiring is a little off on the whole car, I would say 30 years of patch work here and there so I'm gonna start on cleaning some of the twisted & taped wires with some solder as well.

[manoa matt]

If your starter is slow or dragging first check the wires and make sure they are clean and tight. If your engine is spewing oil out of gaskets and such and the starter looks to be covered in oil or gunk, chances are the starter motor brushes are oil soaked. Taking them out and cleaning them with some brake parts cleaner should speed it up a bit, also the copper contact area where they brush against.

[Europa]

Do you have the capabilitie to copy a DVD? I have a complete manual on CD that I would be happy to send you to copy.
Craig

Craig, I can make copies of the DVD. Don't mind making a few for the folks that need it.

[ga.spyder]

Sam, the disc went out in the mail today.
Europa, thanks for the offer.The disc is on its way to Ala. and Sam offered to make an extra copy or 2.I will be happy to send you a copy or the original when I get them.The disc has been on a cross country journey since I bought it.I am glad to see that people have gotten some use out of it.