Technical autobianchi (Fiat) giardiniera 1977

[dorlv]

hello everybody,

my father has an old autobianchi giardiniera 1977, which stands for more than 10 years in the garage. The last time we drove the car everything worked smoothly. Now I want to use it again. Before I treid to ignite the car i did te folowing:

-changed the oil
-changed the battery
-cleaned the fuel tank and put new fuel
-cleaned the fuel and oil filter
-cleaned the carborator
-changed the spark plugs
-changed the ignition coil
-changed the ignition leads
-changed the distributor rotor
-changed the contact breaker of the dirstributor
-changed the condenser

After I did all of that I tried to ignite it and after a few tries with some longer pause inbetween, the car still won't start. So I checkes that there is a spark between the contact breaker of the distributor and the spark in the spark plugs but still it does not work.

I do not have any idea what I could change or check or do now to make it run again. I would appreciate if you could help me and give me some ideas of what I should do next.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[timmycm850]

Hi Dorlv

can you smell petrol in the exhaust, im wondering if when cleaning the tank and refueling are you certain fuel has got to the pump yet and into the carb.

it may be worth checking the fuel line as it gets to the pump to be sure that fuel is actually getting to the engine.

Tim

 

[dorlv]

Hi Dorlv

can you smell petrol in the exhaust, im wondering if when cleaning the tank and refueling are you certain fuel has got to the pump yet and into the carb.

it may be worth checking the fuel line as it gets to the pump to be sure that fuel is actually getting to the engine.

Tim

Hello Tim and thank you very much for the reply.
I checked and indeed fuel is coming to the carburetor.
After a few attempts to start the engine, the engine makes a small explosion noise and white smoke comes out of the exhaust and so on.
To try using a starting spray?
I have no idea what else I can try

Thank you!

 

[timmycm850]

Hi Dorlv.

Try swapping the two plug ht leads over on the distributor cap. it might be that you are firing the spark when both valves are open, ie half a firing cycle out.

Tim

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Dorlv

It sounds a great vehicle.. but 'alien' to me

Is it a 903.. or 1050 motor

Is it an 'estate.. or weekend' as fiat liked to say.. bodywork on it..??


The puff of smoke is certainly promising
Charlie

 

[dorlv]

Hi Dorlv.

Try swapping the two plug ht leads over on the distributor cap. it might be that you are firing the spark when both valves are open, ie half a firing cycle out.

Tim

Hi Tim Thank you so much for the help,
I'm definitely going to give it a try and will update soon

 

[dorlv]

Hi Dorlv

It sounds a great vehicle.. but 'alien' to me

Is it a 903.. or 1050 motor

Is it an 'estate.. or weekend' as fiat liked to say.. bodywork on it..??


The puff of smoke is certainly promising
Charlie

Hey varesecrazy,
Unfortunately I do not know all the details but I would love to check and update here + photos.
Thank you very much for your interest

 

[timmycm850]

Hi All


I think its a 499cc flat 2 air cooled, leaned over to the right.


fill us in if i'm not correct.

Tim

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi All


I think its a 499cc flat 2 air cooled, leaned over to the right.


fill us in if i'm not correct.

Tim

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26005/lot/300/


Thanks.. you are undoubtedly correct

Somehow I had '127' in mind... hence my enine question


According to the article 1977 was the last year of production

Charlie

 

[timmycm850]

Hi Dorlv

Just checking to see if you made any progress.

Tim

 

[F123C]

Hi 'dorlv',

Anytime I have an engine that won't start despite having a spark and fuel reaching the carb., but occasionally emits a little explosion-type noise plus a puff of smoke, I always check ignition timing and then valve clearances.

After you fitted the new ignition system points (I assume you set the gap/dwell), did you adjust the ignition timing?

The ignition timing can be set statically, the points should just open when the timing mark (small notch) on the rim of the crankshaft pulley is circa. 13mm anti-clockwise from the fixed timing mark on the timing chain cover.

It's a good idea to check the valve clearances (they have a tendency to close up on the 500, so are a routine maintenance task), as tight valves can affect starting, more especially when hot.

Another issue that could result in a non-start is if the 'cold-enrichment device' on the carb. isn't working. (this takes the place of a normal air-flap type choke on the 500).
I wouldn't recommend using one of those starter sprays, (repeated use can cause damage) but would instead remove the air intake pipe from the top of the carb., then block off 95% of the carb. air intake using my hand or a piece of card - this will restrict the volume of air being drawn in thereby enrichening the mixture (mimics what a choke normally does during a cold system). Then check if the engine will attempt to start, if it does just move your hand or card to allow more air to be drawn in.
Alternatively, trickle a small amount (1/2 a small spoonful) of fuel into the carb intake and spin the engine over to see if it will fire up (this extra fuel mimics the action of the 'choke' i.e. provides a very rich mixture to aid starting).

Hth,

Al.

 

[dorlv]

Thanks so much to everyone for the help I really appreciate it. Unfortunately I have not been able to get to the car lately I hope next week I will have time. As soon as I arrive I will update on the process + photos. Thank you again!

 

[timmycm850]

Hi dorlv.

Go with switching the leads over at the dissy end first. Before adjusting things.

It's easier to switch things back than resetting timing/points gaps etc.

Best of luck.

Tim