Hey, just looking to bounce ideas off someone more experienced with these troublesome little buggers than myself. I'm a DIY-er that can fix just about anything and knows his way around any kind of toolbox but with this little car I'm having fits! Anyway, looking to find other owners for help, suggestions, tips and tricks, and parts swaps if need be. I got lucky and bought 2 '70 850 spiders at the same time so I have a fully (well, mostly ) intact parts car. Thanks and cheers.

Jason, I am the proud owner of two 850's. I have a '72 that has been totally rebuilt, and a '71 that runs fine but mostly sits in storage waiting to be worked on.

Like you, I know my way around a tool box, but I have a slight advantage as I have been working on these cars for several years. So, if you have any questions I would be gald to try to help, send you pics, get you in contact with folks who know more than I do, etc.

Good luck...

AWESOME!! So, first question is.... where the heck is my oil filter?? I've been looking for it forever and still can't find it!! there is this funny little thing sticking out of the left side of the block with 2 spiggots on it that looks like it could go to a combo pump/filter assy but there's nothing there! I posted some pic.s if you need to see them. Thanks in advance!! Jason

The 850cc engines have a centrifugal oil filter. It's the aluminium cover on the front of the crankshaft pulley held on by 6 small bolts. Take it off carefully so as to avoid damaging the large sealing 'O' ring and scrape out all the sludge in it and the exposed face of the crankshaft pulley.

Note that the ignition timing mark in on the cover so you need to replace it in the same position relative to the crankshaft pulley.

I have a PDF copy of the 850 Sport Spider owner's manual which includes owner maintenance items. I can upload it for you if you want.

Dave.

If I can figure out how to attach pics to a reply, i will send you a couple of photos of how to plumb the 903 to accept an external oil filtration system. This allievates the need to mess with centifugal oil filter and will increase the lift of your motor.

awesome! Thanks guys! I did just find a factory repair manual on good ole eBay for $10 and it should be here soon. I'm contemplating just pulling the engine and stuffing a little 100HP electric engine in it. But that's a story for another day!

I also have a pair of 850s, Baby a '71 and a parts car that is a bit older, plus engine and mechanical parts from four others.

Been playing with Baby since '78 when my Dad got it so I know most of the odd quirks of the breed. (except how to keep the darn thing from running hot) Hit me up if you got a question.

I'm the owner of a '71 850 Spider in South Jersey. While my dad's owned it for about 20 years, It's sat in the garage that long. It bacame my winter project to get it running again. It's in decent shape with only 45k miles on it. I'll look forward to this forum as I run into problems. Thanks!

Estaban Maturin said:

I also have a pair of 850s, Baby a '71 and a parts car that is a bit older, plus engine and mechanical parts from four others.

Been playing with Baby since '78 when my Dad got it so I know most of the odd quirks of the breed. (except how to keep the darn thing from running hot) Hit me up if you got a question.

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Anything that needs to be known about small engined historic Fiats can be viewed on the ScuderiaTopolino website..
Only recently there was a quiz related to cooling problems ..After i fashion i went away with a parts voucher. Main problem is as expected being the rad in the rear .Also the old fashioned vertical rad matrix!!
All can be revealed in massess of information..Beware though you could be sucked in by all the exotic goodies available!
yours David L.