[H2OGeo]

Hello All,

I am currently working on my first Alfa and I am totally stoked to have found the Alfa BB. I have already learned a whole lot reading a few of the preexisting threads, but I'm also realizing that there is a WHOLE LOT I do not yet know or understand.

So on to my current troubles...I have an '81 Spider Veloce which was previously running great, but has developed a problem with stalling out after driving for about 5-min., once it's warm. It first started developing with the fuel pressure light coming on intermittently, so I figured it probably had something to do with the fuel filter and/or fuel pump. I then replaced the inline fuel pump, fuel filter and an old piece of leaky fuel line, but the problem has not gone away, it actually seems to have gotten a little worse. However if I let her sit for a few minutes with the engine off it runs fine until I have to slow down for a traffic light or to make a turn.

After reading the L-Jet diagnostic webpage, I'm thinking that this may be a problem with an old leaky air line or something, or perhaps the cold start solenoid, or perhaps something completely different?? If anyone could point me in the right direction or has had a similar problem I could really use some guidance.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[mmarvi]

The L-Jet page may not work, unless you have replaced the stick SPICA mechanical injection with one. Look up Spica Diagnostics in the BB for help.

Mo in NJ

 

[ghnl]

Scroll down to the Carb & FI section - read through the two 'sticky posts' there - lots of info there about SPICA fuel injection system.

 

[othercarsaford]

I had an '81 Spider that experienced this problem before I replaced the "one-lung" SPICA with Weber carbs. The car was "vapor locking" because the fuel tank breather was clogged. When the car got hot, and particularly during hot weather (like you always have in South Florida), the warning light would start to "flicker", then it would get worse and worse until the light was on all the time and the car would start to stall. A quick release of the gas cap would give me a little "whooosh" and everything would be fine for another few minutes.

Good luck.

 

[H2OGeo]

Thanks for all of the input everyone!
I’m hoping that if I go through the steps in the two SPICA stickey's it should help my car out and probably diagnose the problem, or at least help prevent any future ones.
I'm also going to check on the fuel tank breather line, because that sounds exactly like what is going on with my Alfa. I'm going to check to see if I’m getting the "whoosh" when I crack the fuel cap after she stalls out.
On a side note, it was a slightly cooler than normal morning today, and my exhaust temp. light flickered on for a few seconds when I was pulling out of the neighborhood?? I'm not sure what that is all about, but I’m sure it is related somehow.
Thanks again, and I’ll post up the results of the investigation as it progresses.
Cheers,
Jon

 

[144]

Hi Jon -
The problem could be a lot of different things. PM me an email address capable of receiving some large files and I'll email you some Spica tech materials. Also, go to www.wesingram.com/hp.htm and download the Fuel System Diagnostics Guide and the Roadside Diagnostics Guide.

Read the guide and see if you can narrow the problem down.

 

[jmb]

Not sure if it is even close but I had the same problem just recently of stalling when hot.I checked the coil with a meter and it was cooked.(there is a diamgram on the International Auto Parts website showing the correct readings) I replaced it and all is well.No more stalling and the car is running very nice once again.I have that tank "whoosh" somewhat and tried cleaning out that system and is it somewhat better but still has pressure.

I took the advice of the members here and cleaned every ground conection I could find on this car along with just about every conection that was easy to get at(and some that were a PITA).It REALLY helps!!! Along with a good strong battery with clean connections.

The car is noticably better. The coil was original to the car and I just picked up a replacement locally.It was a cheap fix.

Good luck with your car and I hope you get to the problem.Keep reading the threads......I learned many things here from all the members past expieriences and knowledge I could only hope to have!