[sml236]

Hi All: I have a new-to-me 1987 Spider Graduate with about 47k miles. Body and interior are in great shape, all lighting works well and car drives, but the engine idles and revs pretty rough. I've tried to diagnose the roughness with vacuum leak smoke test, fuel injectors, spark plugs, fuses, OVS cleaning, cleaning grounds, etc., but still not finding the problem(s). Instead of starting to blindly swap parts, I'd like to find a mechanic in the central NC area (I'm in Greensboro) who can help find what is wrong. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[pantera928]

THere are several members in your area including the administrator of this spider forum that should be able to help but he likes to see pictures of your car first..
I see a list of dome of what you have done. The more details you provide, the more likely people from this forum can help you.
Is the TPS properly adjusted and working?

 

[sml236]

Greg: Thanks for the reply.

Regarding the TPS, when I twist the externally-mounted Bosch electrical sensor on the throttle body all the way in one direction, the idle increases enough to keep the engine running, but still quite rough. When I did a smoke test for vacuum leaks, the only leak I saw was a very small amount coming from the throttle connection side (at the spring) of the butterfly shaft. Very minor, however.

The most relative additional system I have noticed is the tachometer is not working. Assuming it is supposed to get a signal from the coil, all wires from the coil have 12+ volts as they exit the coil connection stud, so I believe the coil is good.

Below is a list of what I've done so far...

• Removed, cleaned and checked each fuel injector
• Removed and cleaned the throttle body
• Replaced the flex pipe from the intake to the throttle body
• Checked for spark at each cylinder
• Cleaned contacts throughout the engine compartment as well as the distributor cap, rotor and coil
• Checked each fuse in the fusebox
• Fresh fuel filter, lines and fuel
• Flushed the OVS and related lines
• Cleaned ground connections (where I found them)
• Cleaned the 1-way vacuum valve going to the brake booster
• Cleaned the auxiliary air valve

I am struggling with the diagnosis since I don't have an owner's manual or a service book. I can't seem to find a Haynes Manual or similar resource for this car. That's why I inquired about a local expert. Any assistance is GREATLY appreciated.

Here are some photos...

 

[pantera928]

Okay, first question. Do you have a wiring diagram for your car? If not, I can provide one compliments of a deceased member of this forum who did a great service for us in that regard.
Do you have the troubleshooting guide available on this forum for the L-Jetronic injection?
Regarding the tach, there are 2 sensors on the bellhousing. One tells the ECU what to do and the other is for the tach.
One of those could be bad.
Let me know about the diagram and the troubleshooting guide and I will be happy to send them to you in a PM on this forum.
Nice looking car!

 

[pantera928]

Check your "conversations" under your name. I sent you what you should need to help figure this out.

 

[sml236]

Got the two files.... I'll go to work. Thank you!

 

[BeachDaddy]

FYI, BIF Motors in Mebane. Just had Kevin rebuild my transmission on 84 Spider.

 

[sml236]

FYI, BIF Motors in Mebane. Just had Kevin rebuild my transmission on 84 Spider.

Fantastic! I just checked out his website and this looks like the lifeline I may need. I'll get a bit more grease under my fingernails before I throw in the towel. Many thanks for the info.

 

[pantera928]

Fantastic! I just checked out his website and this looks like the lifeline I may need. I'll get a bit more grease under my fingernails before I throw in the towel. Many thanks for the info.

The administrator of the spider forum lives in Mebane! Goes by ghnl on the AlfaBB

 

[John5495]

There’s also Alfa Import Center in Charlotte

http://www.alfaimportcenter.com/

Guiseppe has been great, worked on my car a few times! Highly recommend

 

[Alfafannj]

There’s also Alfa Import Center in Charlotte

http://www.alfaimportcenter.com/

Guiseppe has been great, worked on my car a few times! Highly recommend

I take my car to Guiseppe (he is in Long Island NY) and he does great work. I believe his son runs the location in Charlotte. Definitely give them a try.

 

[ghnl]

The administrator of the spider forum lives in Mebane! Goes by ghnl on the AlfaBB

Get it right - it's the handsome (yet extremely modest) ghnl...

I am struggling with the diagnosis since I don't have an owner's manual or a service book. I can't seem to find a Haynes Manual or similar resource for this car.

I bought a DVD from CarDisc. It has copies of the Alfa shop manuals, owners manual, TSB's and some period addvertising.
Combine that with Papajam's color-coded wire diagrams and you're all set. Also, clickj the link in my signature for a page of DIY diagnostic info about the L-jetronic system in our cars. (you may to first click the down arrow to see the whole signature)

 

[sml236]

Guys: Thank you for the additional resources. Your assistance has been great.

 

[pantera928]

Guys: Thank you for the additional resources. Your assistance has been great.

Well, please let us know the solution

 

[sml236]

You bet. I'm going to look into the tachometer issue first and see if this corrects the rough engine problem. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the help.