72 Berlina that won't run

AlfaandMazda · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 01:36 PM

i've been read all sorts of books about these cars but i just can't seen to get my berlina to run. i know i have fuel..it leaks from the pump. i know i have compression, and i know i have spark...it back fired and i had a fire on top of the spica pump. any one have any tricks to get these started?

Andrew · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 06:04 PM

Wow. If you have compression, that's good. Is your spark at the right time, more or less? Is the fuel pressure light going out? There's a whole step-by-step procedure on troubleshooting the Spica system here and on Wes Ingram's site, and in Wes's book.

You can crack open one of the injector lines at the manifold to see if fuels pumps out while the engine is cranking. If so, then check the Spica pump timing. From there it starts to get more involved to determine if the Spica is working right, including checking the cold start solenoid, fuel rack spring, etc. Do some searches here, esp. in the Fuel discussion part, to see what's been listed before.

Andrew

**101/105guy** · #3 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 07:31 PM

Gosh....it would seem that if you got the engine started, the leaky pump would start a fire that might consume the whole car!!
You might think about fixing the leak first, then getting the car started.

AlfaandMazda · #4 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 07:40 PM

if it catches fire i hope ot only take the stuff thats not working and the dash. i'm working on locating the pump. my issue is checking timing when i can't get it to fire. al the data i have tells me to set timing at 5000rpm

**Roadtrip** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 07:53 PM

Use a test light and time it statically to the P mark on the crankshaft pulley.

But first, fix the fuel leaks before you burn something down.

AlfaandMazda · #6 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 08:29 PM

i got a fuel pump on order. what kind of compression psi should the 2.0l have?

AlfaandMazda · #7 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 08:30 PM

and i checked on the fuel light. it will go out after about 40+ seconds but will flicker every so often after that

**Bill S** · #8 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 06:53 AM

That's a long time for the fuel pressure light to go out. When you replace the pump be sure to replace the rear fuel filter as well. You won't get decent compression readings with a cold engine but be sure to open the throttle all the way when taking the readings so the cylinders can get air to compress. Most of my cars have read around 160 psi on a warmed up engine but I have a recently rebuilt engine that cranks up to 190-195psi. I think anything above about 120psi will run but if you have more than about 10psi variation between cylinders it indicates a problem. I wouldn't worry too much about comp. readings until you get that new fuel pump in.

Bill

Andrew · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 07:35 AM

The light should go out in a second or two.

Is your battery OK? For sure solve your fuel leak issues first, or all the other issue will be moot after the car burns up.

Andrew

carlchiti · #10 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 07:41 PM

Should be fresh gas and no leaks. Then time as instructed, be sure you are using the fuel injectiion timing instructions. Check spark timing with timing lighkt. be sure the battery is well chkarged. good luck BT

AlfaandMazda · #11 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 09:06 PM

ok so i got the fuel leaks fixed. i have a fresh battey in it. i have fuel getting to the spica but not coming out of it. any other diag besides replacing the spica or does any one know of a good alfa tech in the seattle area?

**RC Hiatt** · #12 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaandMazda

and i checked on the fuel light. it will go out after about 40+ seconds but will flicker every so often after that

**bshorey** · #13 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaandMazda

ok so i got the fuel leaks fixed. i have a fresh battey in it. i have fuel getting to the spica but not coming out of it. any other diag besides replacing the spica or does any one know of a good alfa tech in the seattle area?

AlfaandMazda · #14 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 05:10 PM

yeah the belt is in place. and is not cracked or anything like that. i haven't been trusting the fuel light but it has been working somewhat better after i replace the battery. i basically turn the key on and count to 8 then atempt to start the car. i'll give that guy a call thanks

Andrew · #15 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 06:53 AM

And you're sure fuel is flowing through the pump? The inlet fitting is at the rear of the pump, the outlet fitting is at the front. Have you disconnected the front fitting to make sure fuel is moving through?

A few months ago I fired up a GTV after 15 years sitting outside and it was running on about the third turn of the key. Spica pumps are generally very hardy. Sounds like something basic is not right.

Andrew