500 (Classic) Starting problems FIAT 500f

Currently reading:
500 (Classic) Starting problems FIAT 500f

It's a pity as a few years ago I used to work in the City and Canary Wharf. I could easily have taken a diversion to Kings Cross. In fact I used to drive my 500 up to the City everyday, it was the perfect little car for commuting.
 
If I tell you to do something you've already tried I apologise Mario and just ignore me. When I changed to my 650 engine I was trying for days just like you to get it started. It turned out I had the timing way out! First thing I would try is to swap your leads over at the plugs only. If no luck, put them back. Take off fuel pipe at the carb and place into a bucket. Turn engine over and see if you have fuel pumping into the bucket (easier with a friend on the starter). If you get a good fuel feed its not the pump. Remove carb, take off top cover and see if you have fuel in the bowl. Give the carb a good clean, and remove float, give it a shake and see if you can hear fuel in it. If you do it will need replacing. Once carb is clean and you are happy the fuel is pumping refit the carb and leave off air elbow. Try and start it, if no luck spray some easy start into the carb throat. Good luck, it will start.

Damian
 
You need three things to run an engine.
Spark
Fuel
Air

You seem to have spark now. Hopefully also timed correctly.
Just because the fuel is in the carburetor does not mean it is getting into the engine. I am surprised that they did not remove a spark plug. The plugs should be fuel soaked. If they are, that is why the engine will not start. You can dry them out and blow out the cylinder to dry it out, or just leave them open for a few hours.
If there is no gas in the cylinders then the carburetor is at fault and you most likely have a stuck float or blocked jet. Sometimes you can free a stuck float by tapping on the side of the carburetor with a hammer.
John
 
You need three things to run an engine.
Spark
Fuel
Air

You seem to have spark now. Hopefully also timed correctly.
Just because the fuel is in the carburetor does not mean it is getting into the engine. I am surprised that they did not remove a spark plug. The plugs should be fuel soaked. If they are, that is why the engine will not start. You can dry them out and blow out the cylinder to dry it out, or just leave them open for a few hours.
If there is no gas in the cylinders then the carburetor is at fault and you most likely have a stuck float or blocked jet. Sometimes you can free a stuck float by tapping on the side of the carburetor with a hammer.
John
John you are right the spark plugs are deco soaked
With this being the case can I assume fuel pump is ok?
 
You need three things to run an engine.
Spark
Fuel
Air

....but even if you have them, the engine may still not start despite some people relying on this as a mantra.
My biggest starting challenge with my engine came when I washed down after degreasing the engine. H A was the first to suggest water in the carb. When all logic had played out and the car still wouldn't start, I removed and dried out the carb and away we went after a day and a half of head-scratching.
I have since realised that the combination of the confined area for the spark-plug, its extender and that rubber disc-cover is a perfect trap for moisture if you ever have been as stupid as me or when water has got in by other means, such as leaving the lid open The cowling will naturally draw in water at many points if the engine is running whilst doused in water.
It is surprising that simple things like removing, wiping and re-fitting or replacing the spark-plugs should make the difference, but it has worked in the past for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: H A
John you are right the spark plugs are deco soaked
With this being the case can I assume fuel pump is ok?

If the spark plugs are soaked in fuel then your fuel pump is working fine! A wet plug will never spark.
Try to clean and dry out the plugs or just install a new set. Leave the plugs out of the engine for a few hours to let the cylinders dry out. If you have compressed air you can blow into each cylinder to speed this up.

The possible reasons for the engine being flooded with fuel.
1. All the cranking and trying to start it over the last week.
2. Carburetor fuel float is stuck in the down (open) position.
3. The needle valve that the float shuts on and off is leaking.

John
 
Back
Top