Hard starting warm

[Ianc]

Well, the latest problem. The Spider is drivable, although I'm going to park it until my new clutch arrives. But having driven it, I have a new problem. When cold, it fires quickly and dies. Then fires and runs for a few seconds and then dies. Then starts right away and runs fine. Turn it off when hot and restart, no problem. Turn it off and let it sit for an hour, it REALLY doesn't want to start. Crank, crank, foot on, foot off, let sit, crank, finally it starts. Help?

[Roadtrip]

Check your Thermostatic Acutator extension schedule. The extension schedule is posted in a previous thread.

Next time you warm start after that hour rest, try disconnecting the Cold Start Solenoid. Maybe the hydraulic mechanism is sticking in the bore.

If the TA is good, then check the pump gap with a dummy actuator set at 27mm. After that, run the engine till it's a full temp and check the pump gap at .019" again. If it's off, adjust the long rod to hold the pump gap at .019."

[gotglasses]

The problem is caused by the actuator as noted - the cold start solenoid is being allowed to flood the engine.

If you want to get started when it happens again open the hood, reach under the air cleaner and pull the black wire off the cold start solenoid - VRROOOOMM!

[axis_powers]

I had the same problem knowing my TA was bad. Had the long rod too short. Made it start well when cold but not so good when hot.

Now its the other way around with the proper settings and a bad TA

Try this on for size http://www.alfaclub.org/techstff/tunespca.htm

Take RT's advice and make sure all the components are in proper working order,.... or else get creative

Good luck