General simple Newbie question....

[Prflyer]

In my search for a Spider, a man graciously brought the spider to my house and I test drove it, all seem fine (1980), has minor issues (speedo and Tach would not work) after going through all I opened the trunk and while at Iddle I took the negative battery lead off and the car died. Is it safe to assume its a alternator problem? I am very new to Fiats, have had a X1/9 before but mechanically never dealt with it.

Thanks in advance,

 

[GeorgeT]

Not a reliable test. You should never disconnect a battery while the car is running. If the battery is charging and hydrogen gas is coming off, a spark will cause an explosion. Also, you can really screw-up the electronic fuel injection computer. If you are concerned about the alternator, have it checked at a auto parts store such as Autozone. They can check it on the car.

 

[Prflyer]

Thanks, very true but unfortunately no autozone here in PR, we do have similar places that are less than adecuate to take a car, they are very dishonest set up,s "pepboys and Westernauto" have had so many situations. This car is carb not fuel injected, but will take it to a mechanic, just want it to see a quick and dirty answer.

Thanks again

 

[rallycinq]

Stick a meter on it when running, you should be looking at 13.8 volts, or there abouts.

Cheers

PD