Technical 1964 Fiat 600 D issues

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Technical 1964 Fiat 600 D issues

Amateb953

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I've always been a Fiat fan since may parents bought our first Fiat 600D back in 1965. I've had Fiat/Alfa Romeo cars ever since.

I have a slight issue with my Fiat 600 D. The engine stops/dies whilst on the move. The ignition light lits up. If still moving, I tried to start the car by pressing the clutch and releasing it whilst still in gear (akin to push starting). It would not start. When the car finally stops, I the car started after about three goes using the ignition key. The drives normally again.

The following day it happened again. The engine just stops whilst driving. Pushed the car to the side. The car would not start. It had no issues turning. After waiting for about 30 minutes or so, it started, and everything seems normal again.

Could it be the fuel pump and /or the coil? Any assistance you can provide will be highly appreciated.
 
hey my friend I'm not an expert but If I were you I would suspect some of the following things mate, engine overheating, low oil pressure, bad spark timing, bad supply of fuel, or maybe bad compression too,so let's eliminate the suspects and see what's wrong,

First of all check the coolant (antifreeze or water) temperature and pressure in your engine and check the engine oil level too,pressure and grade, check for any leaks under the car
Second thing is to check with the mechanic the following things (ignition system, fuel supply system)
Third step is to do a compression test for your engine (maybe the car can't breathe too)

but that sounds alot, so just see step number 1 for now and if everything seems normal proceed with step number 2

good luck mate
 
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I would guess electrical or fuel.

Change condenser, points as well if youve got any.
fuel pressure next - check output from pump is healthy
check carb isnt blocked with crud (you will need to strip it to a degree to find out)
I've had a 600D I used to do production car trialling in - sadly no photos. They are rare in the UK, but look what I found in a barn in Menorcal last year - there were 3 of them
 

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I've always been a Fiat fan since may parents bought our first Fiat 600D back in 1965. I've had Fiat/Alfa Romeo cars ever since.

I have a slight issue with my Fiat 600 D. The engine stops/dies whilst on the move. The ignition light lits up. If still moving, I tried to start the car by pressing the clutch and releasing it whilst still in gear (akin to push starting). It would not start. When the car finally stops, I the car started after about three goes using the ignition key. The drives normally again.

The following day it happened again. The engine just stops whilst driving. Pushed the car to the side. The car would not start. It had no issues turning. After waiting for about 30 minutes or so, it started, and everything seems normal again.

Could it be the fuel pump and /or the coil? Any assistance you can provide will be highly appreciated.

have you had any luck with this..?,

Charlie - Oxford
 
Aspiration/Intake System:
another reason came to my mind, maybe too much air getting to the engine, making a bad/improper fuel & air mixture, creating what is called " lean fuel mix " which means very small amount of fuel burned which affects the operation and performance too, this is caused by a leak in the air intake system, the gasket or something

Fuel System:
check also the fuel route/track, the fuel container/tank (leak), the fuel pump (mechanical or electrical one) (faulty), the fuel lines (clogged), the carburetor (dirty or clogged)

Electrical System:
Alternator (faulty, putting the load on the battery), spark plugs, ignition coils or distributor (misfiring, firing at wrong times)
 
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Hi Amateb953
Have you solved your problem? I have the same problem with my Jagst 770 (same car as 600D) I have checked timing, coolant, fuel filters, and replaced condenser, contact breaker and igniton wires, but still the same problem.
 
I've always been a Fiat fan since may parents bought our first Fiat 600D back in 1965. I've had Fiat/Alfa Romeo cars ever since.

I have a slight issue with my Fiat 600 D. The engine stops/dies whilst on the move. The ignition light lits up. If still moving, I tried to start the car by pressing the clutch and releasing it whilst still in gear (akin to push starting). It would not start. When the car finally stops, I the car started after about three goes using the ignition key. The drives normally again.

The following day it happened again. The engine just stops whilst driving. Pushed the car to the side. The car would not start. It had no issues turning. After waiting for about 30 minutes or so, it started, and everything seems normal again.

Could it be the fuel pump and /or the coil? Any assistance you can provide will be highly appreciated.
is the engine getting hot?
 
It was not overheating, if that is what you mean.

Strangely, it hasn't happened again.
 
I just had a full service on mine (contact points, condenser etc.) when it happened. I mentioned it to the Fiat/Alfa Romeo specialist that serviced it. He states it could be the ignition coil. I didn't pursue the coil theory as it appears to be running well again.

I'll keep you posted it it happens again.
 
I checked the receipt. The mechanic also strip the carb. and used a carb repair kit.
 
Check and clean the "King lead", the HT lead that goes to the coil. There can be some corrosion there that causes these symptoms. If the engine fails suddenly it's usually electrical. Splutters and jerks and fails probably fuel.
 
Hi

After 20-30 min the temperature of the engine head reach approximately 70 deg. celsius, and the engine dies. I can still spin the engine on the starter, but the engine will not start. After 5 min or so, the engine start and runs for some minutes, before it dies again...
 
Hi

After 20-30 min the temperature of the engine head reach approximately 70 deg. celsius, and the engine dies. I can still spin the engine on the starter, but the engine will not start. After 5 min or so, the engine start and runs for some minutes, before it dies again...

Hi,
have you tested for a spark when it's HOT and dies..??
 
The spark looks okay, even after the engine has died. So I guess it`s a fuel/air problem.
 
I have been having the exact same issue as well.
I drive the car for 20 minutes and then it starts stalling. I let it sit for 10 minutes and then I can drive home and it starts stalling again.
I have changed every electrical part on the car a feel Ignition coil, condensor, wires, plugs and still having the issue.
My next attemp to correct the issue is to put a new fuel pump on and see if this helps. I have a mechanical one and an electrical one, any suggestions?
I am also going to take out the fuel tank and clean and coat the inside of it. I was also told that there is a filter inside the tank that I should take out. I do not see this filter on any of the documentation that I have.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I also installed an electrical fan, front radiator and electrical water pump which keeps the car at perfect temperature but still get the stalling!
 
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.................... I was also told that there is a filter inside the tank that I should take out. I do not see this filter on any of the documentation that I have.
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The filter is probably the small mesh 'bag' fitted (crimped) to the end of the fuel pick-up pipe which is part of the fuel tank sender unit assembly. It can usually be cleaned, you'll probably find it choked with rusty dust from the tank/old fuel.

Have you checked if the fuel tank cap can breathe. Very common on motorcycles, if air can't get into the fuel tank, a vacuum can build up preventing fuel from getting out. On the older Fiats, iirc, the breather on the fuel tank cap is in the centre around the centre red? button. Try prising the rubber sealing washer out of the underside of the cap and see if you can see a way for air to enter the tank as fuel is drawn out.

Also, iirc Fiats had a mesh filter inside the fuel pump (possibly under a domed cover secured by a 10mm nut (6mm thread size)) which could be cleaned.

One old test for fuel pumps was to start the engine to prime the carb. etc.
Switch off, disconnect the fuel hose at the carb. and place the open end in a measuring jug or bottle. Start engine and run it at a fast idle, pump should deliver approx. 1 pint in approx. 1 minute, as a rough guide. Obviously the engine won't run for very long on the contents of the carb. float chamber which is why I said approx. 1 minute.:)

I prefer to stick with a mechanical pump if originally fitted. The output of a mechanical pump varies with engine speed, whereas electrical pumps output is fairly constant (unless battery voltage drops!). This sometimes overwhelms an old float valve needle and seat which heretofore was fine with the mechanical pump. Sometimes a separate fuel pressure regulator is also required. Others might argue that an electrical pump can be fitted close to the tank at the front of the vehicle and push the fuel to the carb rather than sucking the fuel as the mechanical pump does. This has benefits in helping to prevent fuel boiling/vaporisation/percolation (fuel under pressure doesn't boil as easily as fuel under suction), plus the electrical pump can be fitted away from the heat of the engine bay and fuel lines can be re-routed away from the hot parts of the engine such as the exhaust. If converting to an electrical pump, it's a good idea to fit an inertia type cut-out switch for safety reasons.

Hth,

Al.
 
I prefer to stick with a mechanical pump if originally fitted. The output of a mechanical pump varies with engine speed, whereas electrical pumps output is fairly constant (unless battery voltage drops!). This sometimes overwhelms an old float valve needle and seat which heretofore was fine with the mechanical pump. Sometimes a separate fuel pressure regulator is also required. Others might argue that an electrical pump can be fitted close to the tank at the front of the vehicle and push the fuel to the carb rather than sucking the fuel as the mechanical pump does. This has benefits in helping to prevent fuel boiling/vaporisation/percolation (fuel under pressure doesn't boil as easily as fuel under suction), plus the electrical pump can be fitted away from the heat of the engine bay and fuel lines can be re-routed away from the hot parts of the engine such as the exhaust. If converting to an electrical pump, it's a good idea to fit an inertia type cut-out switch for safety reasons.


I have an electrical and mechanical fuel pump and I was leaning towards installing the electrical one with the safety relay but at this point I am going to install the new mechanical pump. I have cleaned the filter in the past and have done so every season before taking it for a drive in the spring after the long Canadian winter. I have always wanted to coat the inside of the tank after cleaning it but have never taken the time, I believe it's time now. I will let you know how this works out.
Thanks for the help!
 
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