Technical 1980 Spyder Backfires..won't start ??

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Technical 1980 Spyder Backfires..won't start ??

MarilynB

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Oct 13, 2011
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Oh help. My 1980 Spyder 2000 (60kmiles) is having problems starting. When I go to start in morning, is cranks over slow and intermitantly (slow, slower) and then is backfires, pops and smoke/steam comes out of the carb. Starter, ignition switch, battery are all new. Any thoughts? Some kind of sensor? Timing issue?:mad:
 
It sounds like you may have a number of problems.

Before you go any further I'd check that the timing belt hasn't jumped a tooth or two. Turn the engine over by hand a couple of revolutions and check the timing marks all line up. If it has jumped and you continue to try to start it you could cause catastrophic damage.

When you say it is turning slowly, is it actually turning slowly or is it struggling when the engine fires. If the ignition timing is two far advanced it will "hang on the starter" when it tries to fire. For the timing to suddenly be out without anyone tampering with it could also suggest a belt problem.

If the starter is turning the engine slowly all the time and it get's slower as you crank it, that suggests it could be an earth problem. If the earth strap between engine and body is in poor condition the extremely high starting current will be earthing through whatever it can. This often manifests by melting the throttle cable or lighter earth cables in the fuel injection loom etc. Try clipping a jump lead between the engine and chassis on a point with no paint. I normally go between the cam cover bolt and brake master cylinder. If it spins at the normal speed then replace your earth strap.
 
Thank you so much. It ended up simply being a shot fuel filter. It must have been absolutely plugged up. It was a cheap plastic model. Replaced with clear glass so I could keep an eye on it. Started right up without the backfiring and popping. Crazy!! Gosh I just love my car!! :) (when she behaves and starts)
 
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