Technical Uno shuts down during ride!

[dzogi]

Major issue appeared couple a days ago: Uno runs nice till it warms up, then abruptly shuts down and it wont start!!!

First time it was shutting down and starting many times in a row (as clutch was released), violently shaking the car!

When it cools down, it starts ok, and runs again for a couple of mins, and all starts over .

Since this is my only car, I need advice from someone who had similar problems, and I need it fast.

 

[Chas Uno]

Major issue appeared couple a days ago: Uno runs nice till it warms up, then abruptly shuts down and it wont start!!!

First time it was shutting down and starting many times in a row (as clutch was released), violently shaking the car!

When it cools down, it starts ok, and runs again for a couple of mins, and all starts over .

Since this is my only car, I need advice from someone who had similar problems, and I need it fast.

Sounds like an almost classic case of the distributor ignition amplifier module overheating. It's the silver finned unit bolted onto the distributor (Magnetti Marelli models, some have a Ducelier unit that is black and flat). Check that all earths are secure and clean, and also check that the wires to the module aren't damaged/ chaffed in any way. If in doubt, get it replaced as they aren't that expensive.

Good luck

 

[dzogi]

Thanks, will look into it.
Would it be HOT on the touch if it overheats?

 

[Ucof]

I am in complete agreement with Chas on this one.

 

[alexGS]

Me too, though there is one more (unlikely) cause I can think of. The fuel pump, if it's the mechanical type mounted on the engine, may be reducing its output when hot, and the carburettor could be running dry. Whoops, just realised that you're not in South Africa so yours is probably a fuel-injected version. Sorry, ignore me...

-Alex

 

[dzogi]

Yes, Alex, I own an electric pump, and it's placed in fuel tank, which puts it (almost) out of suspect list .

UPDATE: I found the culprit. Yes,'s the "classic case of the distributor ignition amplifier module overheating". WTG, Chas Uno!!!

I was driving, and it shut down in the biggest traffic, of course . The people were yelling at me and cursing, as I was trying to start it.
Then, I remembered Chas' advice. I took a bottle of water from my trunk, and cooled the distributor ignition amplifier module with some water.
Uno started immediately! Huh

Now, I need some advice on solution(s).
Clean module/it's radiator? Get another one? New/used?
And most important, how to replace it? Is it too much work for me?
Can I do it by myself?
What do you guys say?

 

[Hyperspace]

I don't think they are too expensive, but I'd hunt down the bad ground wire that likeley caused the probblem with a multimeter.

 

[Ucof]

Its generally best to replace these, I believe, as they are fairy cheap and easy to fit.

Get a new one

 

[Kozmos]

can someone please point on the pic where is that module? just in case my uno stops working in the middle of traffic is it maybe a small black box behind the batery with a cable that goes to the distributor?

 

[Ucof]

Here you go!


Its on the "back" of the distributor.

 

[dzogi]

Yep, Ucof pointed that right, Kozmos. It has "radiator" attached for cooling, (exactly like PC proccesors do).
I find it really strange that it's placed behind, not in front of the distributor.
It'd have much better cooling there .

Btw, Kzomos, is that your car ? Right side?

 

[Ucof]

You can change which direction it is facing.

Just reorganise the spark leads, rotate the dizzy cap and re-time.


Or something like that I reckon...

 

[dzogi]

You can change which direction it is facing.

Just reorganise the spark leads, rotate the dizzy cap and re-time.


Or something like that I reckon...

Hmmmmm,..... think it's staying the way it is

 

[Ucof]

To be honest, Im not sure, but I reckon it must be possible.

It makes sence in my head anyway...

 

[Hyperspace]

 

[Ucof]

Like this.

 

[Kozmos]

thank you for the answer, and no it's not my uno just found a pic on the net for an example.

 

[dzogi]

Update...
i tore it apart, and cleaned it and sanded in detail. Radiator and part itself were so dirty, and connections were so rusted and damaged, it's miracle it worked at all.
After that, I assembled it and went for a test ride. All worked superbly for a long long time, then it started all over again.....

Now, I ordered a new piece, and I'm just about to go and pick it up. It costs me 30 euro, and I'm currently hioping for good results.
Nothing worse then buying and fitting new part just to discover you hadn't sort the issue out!

 

[dzogi]

Another update.
part bought and placed in.
No issues so far, hope I wont jinx anything now
Runs like a dream.

 

[sirjscott]

Major issue appeared couple a days ago: Uno runs nice till it warms up, then abruptly shuts down and it wont start!!!

First time it was shutting down and starting many times in a row (as clutch was released), violently shaking the car!

When it cools down, it starts ok, and runs again for a couple of mins, and all starts over .

Since this is my only car, I need advice from someone who had similar problems, and I need it fast.

I'm no expert but I've had this problem with an old mini and the cause was simply blockage in the breather hole in the fuel cap.