Technical 500 L build help

[phoenix1]

Hi. I am building a 500 L from bits .I have a 650 cc engine and gearbox to go with it.
I am assuming these are from a 126 and I have been told the driveshafts are a different length.Can I use the gearbox as is or do I have to change the shafts for 500 ones.
Can i also alter the float level on the carb to do away with the return to tank.
I am also fitting a start button in the centre hole of the dash and using the old starter lever to operate the heater flap.Any thoughts.

Thank in advance

 

[AndrewHarvey]

You do indeed need 500 driveshafts
I take it that you have a solenoid starter to replace the cable pull type?
If so the work is straight forward

 

[phoenix1]

Yes I thought I would have to change them.I got the wiring diagram to alter loom to alternator from this forum as well and as the loom is on the bench it is easier to do now.

Thanks

 

[fiat500]

I think most people here have succesfully blanked off the 28 IMB return spigot when using on a 500....no need to mess with float levels???
The heater flap is such a convenient and unique feature of the 500 that I wouldn't go to the trouble of connecting it to the starter pull....a heck of an engineering task to gain 700mm or so advantage.
Better and more stylish, I think, to connect it to a microswitch as Franko500 has done, so that you effectively still have a pull starter although the starter is activated by solenoid.

 

[Vitesse]

I would just take the return of the IMB28 to a T piece to the fuel line before the fuel pump. That's what I plan on doing if I ever get round to fitting the 126 engine and gearbox.

I am not going to do it until after Luigi's 50th birthday on the 1st July.

 

[Pete145]

I ran the same carb until recently. It was originally blanked off, but that developed a leak (not ideal having fuel dripping on to a very hot exhaust/engine), so I used a T piece and ran it back to the fuel line, just before the pump (as previously advised).

 

[the hobbler]

Where about in the UK are you based? I am a great believer in trying to put people together to help each other out (and give support during projects). Fitting a 126 engine/gearbox unit into a 500 isn't difficult, but there are differences that need to be attended to. As well as the drive-shaft differences, the 500s all had dynamos, as did the early 126s---when they changed from 594cc to 652cc, the 126 gained an alternator (the wiring has to be changed slightly).The starter off a 500 will not fit a 126 gearbox, so there may have to a change in the starter mechanism. A (late) Polish built 126 may have a 'lost-spark' electronic ignition, and the engine will therefore have no Distributor (the very late Polish 126 crank-cases didn't have a hole in the crank-case for the fitment of a distributor). All small changes, but they need to be addressed, hence my suggestion to try and find another 500 owner in your area.

 

[phoenix1]

Hi I am in Blackpool. Just finished swapping driveshafts over. What a long job that was marking everything, Just noticed its still wrong ,bellhousing needs to be two bolt starter.Has anybody out there got one.Can anyone tell me what the engine is off. I assume its probably a later 126 or a 600 D ?

Thanks PS I need the bellhousing and starter

 

[Franko500]

Do you mean a starter like this?
If so is the starter at the top centre position on the bell housing?
if so you have a 500d engine

 

[phoenix1]

Hi The starter is at the nine o'clock position and is two bolt.(that is looking at the back of the engine) Thanks

 

[Paolo66]

Never seen a two bolt starter before only 3. Sounds like you have a 650 bellhousing. Engine is from a 126

 

[Franko500]

I don't think that is correct.
If it is at the 9 o'clock position then it should be an R or 126 engine.
It should also have 3 bolts.

 

[Franko500]

the first one is a 500 F/L
the 2nd is a 500D with only 2 bolt holes. They changed the later model to a 3 bolt to improve the strength I think. Although the 500 3 bolt casing also cracked.

 

[phoenix1]

I have a gearbox with the starter at 9 o'clock ,but the bellhousing does'nt match the bolts of the engine and the engine is 2 bolt and the gear box 3 bolt starter.
I should have stuck to minis !



HELP Thanks

 

[Franko500]

Ah, now that's because the starter has 3 holes, the flywheel housing should have 3 holes. But the engine has 2 holes. The 3rd bolt goes through the flywheel housing and starter only.

 

[phoenix1]

My gearbox bellhousing is flat across the top but the engine goes to a peak.Non of the bolt holes match either.I just don't know what to do next.?.I will try to upload some pics.

 

[Franko500]

Is it like this one?
if so you have a 126 BIS gearbox.
The internal gears are correct. The final drive is a better ratio which will give you a higher top speed.
However you will need to change the bell housing for a 126 type.
The adjustment of the final drive gears are crucial so if you don't know what you are doing you would need a transmission specialist to carry this out.

 

[phoenix1]

Thanks for that .I just need a 126 bellhousing now.So if anyone out there has one send me a message. Not run this engine yet ,I am going to test it out of the car but I need the gear box to mount the starter.Shell just about ready to send for paint,so keen to get engine running.

Thanks PS Is it ok to put a mobile number on the forum

 

[Franko500]

I'm glad my collection of gearboxes has finally come into some use.

 

[phoenix1]

Hi. Having bought this car as a shell and the rest of the car in cardboard boxes it has been a steep learning curve.Engine an gearbox now mated and engine running fine.(on garage floor ). I am now trying to work out the engine rear mount.I have the base plate that fits on the block ,the suspension swinging arm,spring rubber bump stop and rubber pieces that fit the spring.What connects the swinging arm to the rest o it.(not the two bolts to the rear panel.I am used to mini's /frogeye this is a puzzle to me.

Thanks.

If there is anybody near to me I would come for a look (Blackpool )