Technical 1974 Spider won't start when warm.

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Technical 1974 Spider won't start when warm.

alfapop

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Just inherited a gorgeous car from original owner. Starts fine when cold. Sputters a little while driving off but then fine once revs up. Once warm will not start again unless you let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then runs rough and sputters unless you can get the revs up. Advice? Where to start?
 
Just inherited a gorgeous car from original owner. Starts fine when cold. Sputters a little while driving off but then fine once revs up. Once warm will not start again unless you let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then runs rough and sputters unless you can get the revs up. Advice? Where to start?
Start by checking the ignition system thoroughly.
 
I said I would report back. Well, after speaking with many people smarter than I, the consensus was that it was a fuel problem. So I decided to just take on the task of rebuilding the carburetor. I have never done that but what the heck. At this stage I am done except that I cannot figure out how to re-engage the spring on the mechanical choke. There is no little hole to put it in and I can't figure out where it goes. Such a small thing but important. I expect this is not something someone can explain with words so may just have to take the darn things to a mechanic. The carb is a Weber 34 DMSA. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Weber 34DMSA, see original tech sheet below:-

www.weberperformance.com.au/pub/Carb Diagrams/34_DMSA_1_100.pdf

Sorry ^^ is in Italian, (maybe you can use Google Translate to decipher it?)
but 'Mollo' (It.) = Spring;
& Avviamento (It.) = Starting(i.e. Choke)

Maybe the spring shown as Fig 41 in the parts breakdown is what you are trying to refit? If so, iirc, it fits onto 2 little ears on the linkages not into any holes. These ears are simply small tabs that are bent at right angles to the linkage plates, often they'll have a small notch to locate the spring end.
If it's a different spring that is the problem, try to identify it on the above breakdown diagram and I'll try to advise further.

Hth,

Al.
 
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Thanks. I found the diagram too and it looks like I put things together correctly but when I hooked it up the spring wasn't strong enough to overcome the friction of the choke flap mechanism. I love working on these cars, and am learning, but in this case I tossed in the towel and sent it off to Danny O'Donnell in Connecticut (Fun Italian Auto and Toys). He's great and will set it right.

Glad I discovered Fiat Forum though. Fellow back-yard mechanics who work on Fiat's or Alfa's are hard to come by in mid-coast Maine.
 
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