Technical pinking (& stalling)

[hugh w]

I should pre-empt this by saying I'm not a mechanic (oh but lots of Haynes manuals!) Also, today was only my 3rd drive out in Rosie, so dont know what the norm is yet.
I experienced some pinking, and, even after warmed up still needing the choke out to prevent stalling at traffic lights. (I'm not really sure how many miles before choke not normally needed though?)

Before anything else its worth mentioning that a couple of days ago was my first visit to the petrol station (Yes E5). Before this fill it was running OK, no pinking, but still prone to stalling at lights. However hadn't got my lead additive until I got home today. Could this be the culprit?
If not I guess its timing/fuel delivery/carb/sparkplugs etc? I've no idea where to start though!

Any help appreciated,

HUGH

P.S very small amount of fuel on the engine casting below carb but doesnt appear to have increased since purchase

500F 1967 with 652 engine

 

[puntodad19]

Start by reading your Haynes book of lies noting how to do valve working clearances, spark plug gaps, contact breaker replacement and ignition timing.

Then move onto the "fuel" side of things like filters and carb cleaning/adjustments etc.....

I assume you know how to change the oil and clean the filter...it will be the book...some good bedtime reading coming up for you....

Check to make sure your fiat can run on lead free fuel.

Is LRP still available ?

also are the fuel system pipes and components tolerant of modern E fuels ?

Well worth giving this little car all the TLC she can get being tax and mot exempt, but remember it must be able to pass an MOT at any time...

Enjoy....

I assume you have the tools and equipment needed....

By the way, had rosie been asleep for some years ?

I suspect yes....

Be aware that stuff can stick like brakes, clutches and VALVES...

Bit late now as you are using the car but she is protesting a bit, probably due to 36 year old fuel and is effects....

From memory the valves are vertical in this engine, ie not inclined relative to cylinder bore ??

 

[the hobbler]

Start by reading your Haynes book of lies noting how to do valve working clearances, spark plug gaps, contact breaker replacement and ignition timing.

Then move onto the "fuel" side of things like filters and carb cleaning/adjustments etc.....

I assume you know how to change the oil and clean the filter...it will be the book...some good bedtime reading coming up for you....

Check to make sure your fiat can run on lead free fuel.

Is LRP still available ?

also are the fuel system pipes and components tolerant of modern E fuels ?

Well worth giving this little car all the TLC she can get being tax and mot exempt, but remember it must be able to pass an MOT at any time...

Enjoy....

I assume you have the tools and equipment needed....

By the way, had rosie been asleep for some years ?

I suspect yes....

Be aware that stuff can stick like brakes, clutches and VALVES...

Bit late now as you are using the car but she is protesting a bit, probably due to 36 year old fuel and is effects....

From memory the valves are vertical in this engine, ie not inclined relative to cylinder bore ??

The valve-settings on the 500 were prone to closing, so check the tappet-clearances. Check the timing---if you are still using 'points' in the distributor, it is possible to check the timing 'statically' (10 degrees BTDC)--but don't forget to remove the 'king' lead from the distributor whilst doing that check (and putting it back when the job is finished!). Check also that there is no air-leak around the base of the carburettor---both the base of the carb AND the spacer have a tendency to warp over time, which will pull in air and affect both the running and the idling.
Fuel----if you have a Esso garage near you, use their ""Super+" fuel----in the bulk of England (but NOT the West-country) the Esso web-site says that their "Super+" is ethanol-free------I use that fuel exclusively, but still bung some"anti-ethanol" gunge into the tank.
I have previously described on the Forum how to"Static-time" an engine, but I am blowed if I can remember when, and for what reason---if you would like to contact me ( [email protected] ) I will go through the procedure for you.