spider won't run

[wallacew]

Hello!

Our shop has been working on a 1986 Alfa Spider 2.0L that refuses to start or refuses to run after it starts and seems to flood out. We've replaced the ignition coil, spark plugs, and one crank sensor that spec'd out as needing replaced.
When cranking to start, voltage at the engine control module dips below 10V. Short of disassembling the whole car, is there a ground we can look at?
Please advise.

[slyalfa]

I think the L-jet on the spider is the same as my v6 that the power bypasses all the alfa wiring and the Bosch system has its own wiring direct from the battery->to a relay->ECU
so is the voltage OK at the battery?
if so I would look at the grounds. and also check the grounding strap from the body to the motor.
should be on the right side down low by the starter. ther should also be a bunch of grounds comming from the ECU that go to the motor check the they are all there.

I do not rember if the spider has a cold start injector if so check that is is not leaking or stuck on.

[Tifosi]

Yes, there's a CSI mounted on the plenum and it's on a seperate circut form the other injectors in the sense that it can function without the ECU telling it to do so. (hence it's quite possible to have it flood things yet have the regular injectors not 'go live')

Might want to look around for an inertia switch too.

By that year, some had them some didn't. If present, it'll be on the firewall near the windshield wiper resevoir. It'll have two wires on it (white IIRC) and a button.

Make sure it's clean and has continuity through it.

The ECU grounds slyalfa mentions should be located on the cam cover under one of the auxillary air valve bolts. Something like 3 loops and a total of 4 wires, all black.

He is also correct in that the L-jet setup is more of a 'piggyback' on the regular wiring harness as opposed to the much more deply incorporated harnesses found on the Motronic cars. (as in you can remove the L-jet and all it's wiring and pretty much not effect the rest of the car at all)


Beyond that, yes, do a long hard look at your grounds and the battery proper as the ECU will not go active unless there is more than 10.3 volts during cranking.

If you've not been already, you might want to head to the page that's linked in my sig for a bit more information.

[papajam]

The Bosch L-jet does not like voltage below about 10.5. It may or may not trigger the injectors.
I'd check cranking voltage at the battery first. If low, service the battery/starting/charging systems as required. If cranking voltage at the battery is normal, there's a voltage drop between the battery and ECU. Cleaning the connections at the junction block (left inner fender) would be first.

[Zunige]

Welcome to the BB, wallacew!

The above posts have good advice. Since you mention that your series 3 is at a shop, I worry a bit about how familiar that shop is with our Spiders, and I don't mean any disrespect by my observation. Nonetheless, there is an excellent step by step guideline, specifically for the Bosch L-Jet that is in your car. I would recommend that you read it and pass it on to the shop. Do also note that it was put together by some great contributors to the BB. Here it is: BOSCH L-JETRONIC FUEL INJECTION IDLE ADJUSTMENT, DIAGNOSTIC AND TUNE UP PAGE for USA models of Alfa Romeo Spiders 1982-1989

Best regards,