Barchetta My 1995 Fiat Barchetta aka Claudia

[gar074]

That's soooo shiny! Looks fantastic - great job!

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Need help. Fuel Pump is ding?

Recently I mounted, right before the injectors manifold, a pressure gauge to see the fuel pump's life. I was inspired to do that cause now is useful, unfortunately. It shows 2,5 when I should be getting at least 3bar.

Two nights ago:
I was driving around when the yellow light for empty tank came on.
I got some fuel (half of tank) then drove away from the gas station...
50m later disaster I lost all power, engine died slowly as it was running out of fuel. Pulled off, checked fuses. All ok.
Turned ignition key, noticed the fuel pump was barely noticeable compared to before (much noisier). I was thinking WTF.
A friend came and towed me. Later at a crossroad tried again to start and the pump started delivering again the fuel to the engine.
Today:
Parked the car in front of a service shop. Got back, tried to start it, again no buzzing from the fuel pump and the engine was running roughly struggling on the last drops of fuel. Again, almost close to yellow light and empty tank.
Managed to push the car into a close, thank God, fuel station, and filled half a tank again. Again no start. Took the fuel pump cover apart, to reveal the pump. Took out the IN and OUT fuel lines from the pump and run a test on the standalone pump. It started to spit the fuel. Reconnected the lines, the pressure gauge showed 2,5bar, engine started again.

What are your ideas???

These pumps have some filter inside, should I be cleaning it? I honestly don't know the age of the pump...

Is maybe the flotor of the pump that gives the sensor for fuel level out of range and when I believe I still have some reserve (on the yellow light) instead the tank is empty?...

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

We all love to see pictures of Barchettas so here are some of mz B in the painting process and the final product:

 

[gar074]

That's an amazing paint finish you've got there - great depth of shine. Top job!

Did you remount the front number plate, or has it always been down there? It looks so much neater than stuck on the front of the bumper. But doesn't it restrict the flow of air to the radiator - or perhaps you've done a mod to compensate for that?

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Thank you for the appreciation!
Regarding the number plate: Before it was on the bumper in the middle like everybody does hold it but I have always wanted to get it out of the way cause I feel it blocks the wonderful lines of the front not to mention the holes drilled in the bumper. Ugly!
Now indeed is a wonderful change because if you stand near the car you don't even notice the number plate, you see just the beautiful front. Number plate can be seen only from a far perspective (like the police sees it). So mission accomplished, you get a clean look, number plate "out of the way", and still obey the law (in my country is forbidden to not have a front number plate).
Also before I didn't have the Naxos front lip-spoiler (the one under the number plate) so regrading flow of air, I think the spoiler makes up for what the number plate restricts! Inside the engine bay (if you check previous pictures) I have Green Powerflow air filter pointed into the vent on the top side of the bumper, and the radiator that I have on the car is huge (most people say they have never seen such a big one on a car so small before) so I guess, I should be ok!
Also to be sure, thermostat is next on the "new part" list!

 

[gar074]

Thanks - that's really helpful.

Does anyone on here know whether the number-plate relocation would be acceptable under UK law?

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Fiat Meeting and updates on the beauty

Had a little meeting with Fiat fans in Bucharest, Romania, last Saturday (first 7 pictures).
B was the star of course
Next ones shows some small improvements on the car (new rims aka Dezent L R15 4x100 with wobble bolts, new brake discs aka ATE Power Discs and ATE brake pads allover the car, painted calipers with special caliper paint by Foliatec and led light for rear registration number)

 

[gar074]

Re: Fiat Meeting and updates on the beauty

B was the star of course

No contest! Looking great!

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Anybody

Anybody experienced petrol smell in the boot? Cause mine smells like crazy.
I will get it inspected soon, hoses and stuff...hopefully I can track the problem.
Also smells inside if I open the window and fresh air picks up vapors from behind the seat, in the tank area...

 

[bollie69]

Re: Anybody

You need to remove the metal panel behind the seats in orde to get to the tank.
There should be some hoses on the left and the filler hose. Renew all jubilee clips and inspect the gasket around the fuel pump for leaks.

It's a common problem, mine had it too.

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Thank you! Will do so as soon as the snow goes away.
Much appreciated!

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

I think my clutch is slipping!
Yesterday was trying to climb a side road parking spot head on and while giving gas It felt like engine was revving but power was not getting to the wheel as it got trying to climb the concrete. Finally a burned smell inside car...No tire scrubbing on the concrete so must be the clutch.
Maybe it was just too much load!...

 

[KC3]

Sounds like clutch failure. There's a fair few upgrade clutches available

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

I am open to suggestions, Kiry!

 

[KC3]

OK!
Here's a few!

http://www.sachsperformance.com/Sac...8-718-96-kW-;-09/1999:::2_1711_2665_2666.html

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/536/27192/filter

http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pa...sub.mhtml?car=fiatbarchetta;category=clutches

http://www.helix-autosport.com/performance-clutches/fiat/

You could add a Helix lightened flywheel while your at it.
http://www.helix-autosport.com/competition-flywheels/fiat/

There are some listed on ebay too,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panther-S...hicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5d34c1bced&_uhb=1

I have the Black Diamond Fast road/comp clutch fitted to mine with a titanium 4kg lightened flywheel

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

wow, is good to have options! Thanks Kiry, appreciated.

 

[BSheridan]

Re: Anybody

You need to remove the metal panel behind the seats in order to get to the tank.
There should be some hoses on the left and the filler hose. Renew all jubilee clips and inspect the gasket around the fuel pump for leaks.

It's a common problem, mine had it too.

Hi,

I've replaced the fuel tank in my Barchetta and used jubilee clips on the two filler hose pipes. The main fuel filler pipe is fine, but the smaller one is leaking a bit. I've tried a different rubber gasket, but the fuel seems to be leaking between the plastic hose and the rubber gasket (rather than the tank pipe and the gasket).

A second clip at the end of the pipe seems to be working, but i'd appreciate any suggestions before i put the car back together?

Regards
Bryan

 

[jatkinson]

That is one Verry Nice Barcetta, Love it after the respary , just keep on top of it with the car care (Y)

 

[ThankYouMaggiora]

Strange discovery today! Welded variator?!?!?!
Why?

Not to mention the valve cover got cracked on one corner as I was tightening the screw....

 

[KC3]

Hiya! Is the complete variator welded or is that just the sleeve, has it been working OK? You should notice the revs spin up faster between 3000/6500