Help with Fispa fuel filter/regulator

19656 Views 32 Replies 10 Participants Last post by classicalfas, May 25, 2020

alfabits

Discussion Starter · Dec 26, 2007

Help please...

I added fuel to my tank today for the first time and I have a leaking Fispa fuel filter/regulator. It seems to be coming out the top from a very small hole (vent or breather?) located in between the two of the four screws that connect the two major sections together (top and bottom). When I try to disconnect the line to remove the unit, or when I undo the glass bowl, fuel continues to pour out the intake line as though it was under pressure. I have a stock Bendix electric fuel pump and the key is off!

Could this be a siphoning effect? How do I stop the flow? I would like to remove the unit to disassemble it to find the source of the leak. I can't remove anything because gas continues to pour out.

I have the filter that is also a regulator. When I assembled it I wasnt quite sure which way the diaphragm went in. It has a little aluminum cup on one side and it could fit one way or the other. Does anyone know how it is assembled or better yet have a photo or diagram of this assembly? I have all the manuals but it doesn't show one exactly like mine.

Specs:
• 1960 Giulietta Veloce Spider.
• Complete ground-up restoration.
• Not started yet.
• More info at: My Veloce restoration nearing completion. - Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

Gordon Raymond

· #2 · Dec 31, 2007

FRB 11 parts and solutions

This is my second attempt to answer you. Somehow I erased my whole commentary on your problem

. The problem is not unusual. The Fispa FRB 11 regulator is an excellent unit used both by Alfa and Ferrari with Webers. It has two purposes. First to keep fuel pressure about 3 lbs. and second to reduce the pulse hammering effect to the needle and float by either mechanical or electric fuel pumps. The leaking failure is either from the diaphragm, or the upper bowl seal. These are prone to damage from additives in current fuels. Fortunately, there is also a REAL solution as well. Goeffery Ohland, Partsource, 207-236-9791 has NEW neoprene replacement diaphragm's and bowl seals for the FRB 11. Tell him I sent you. I have used his parts in my small collection of regulators I cycle between cars as they develop leaks. His parts SOLVE the problem.
If your car is on a level surface, with the battery disconnected, your fuel flow WILL (eventually) stop. It is caused by pressurizing the system with the pump. No pump, no pressure. Remove your FRB 11, carefully disassemble, (Don't loose spring & ball in the top) Do not fiddle with the adjustment screw. If it was set correctly before the leak, it's still OK. Clean the whole assembly, while apart, replace the diaphragm and bowl seal (and filter if you bought one from Goeff). Check the top surface of the body to be sure it's FLAT. Over tightening the top screws can distort the top. On reassembly, tighten these screws evenly, enough only to seal the diaphragm. Over tightening will warp the top. Back together, reinstalled in the car, leaks are gone for good

. If you need more help, let me know.

Gordon Raymond

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alfabits

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 31, 2007

Gordon Raymond said:
This is my second attempt to answer you. Somehow I erased my whole commentary on your problem. The problem is not unusual. The Fispa FRB 11 regulator is an excellent unit used both by Alfa and Ferrari with Webers. It has two purposes. First to keep fuel pressure about 3 lbs. and second to reduce the pulse hammering effect to the needle and float by either mechanical or electric fuel pumps. The leaking failure is either from the diaphragm, or the upper bowl seal. These are prone to damage from additives in current fuels. Fortunately, there is also a REAL solution as well. Goeffery Ohland, Partsource, 207-236-9791 has NEW neoprene replacement diaphragm's and bowl seals for the FRB 11. Tell him I sent you. I have used his parts in my small collection of regulators I cycle between cars as they develop leaks. His parts SOLVE the problem.
If your car is on a level surface, with the battery disconnected, your fuel flow WILL (eventually) stop. It is caused by pressurizing the system with the pump. No pump, no pressure. Remove your FRB 11, carefully disassemble, (Don't loose spring & ball in the top) Do not fiddle with the adjustment screw. If it was set correctly before the leak, it's still OK. Clean the whole assembly, while apart, replace the diaphragm and bowl seal (and filter if you bought one from Goeff). Check the top surface of the body to be sure it's FLAT. Over tightening the top screws can distort the top. On reassembly, tighten these screws evenly, enough only to seal the diaphragm. Over tightening will warp the top. Back together, reinstalled in the car, leaks are gone for good. If you need more help, let me know. Gordon Raymond

Thanks for your reply Gorgon.

I have since stopped the leak but will follow-up on getting the replacement parts you suggested. I knew while disassembling the unit , something was missing; I do not have the ball and spring you describe. Any chance someone has an extra ball and spring?

Once I stopped the leak there was no more pressure at the tank and everything works well. I assume the ball and spring are necessary to regulate the fuel pressure? What size is the ball? Is the spring a very fine wound "light pressure" spring?

Thanks again,

If anyone has the ball and spring please contact me.

Cheers,

George

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Gordon Raymond

· #4 · Dec 31, 2007

Hi George,
Send me a PM with a fax # or address and I will get you a copy of the illustrated disassembly of the FRB 11. Now you have me thinking, "where IS that ball and spring?"
Worst case, I'll disassemble one I have not rebuilt and send you some pictures. Perhaps tonight.
I DO KNOW the last two I did used Goeff's parts and are .... perfect!.
Best, Gordon Raymond

Gordon Raymond

· #5 · Dec 31, 2007

4

FRB 11, dis & re assembly.

Hi George,
Here we go. This FRB 11 is from a Ferrari. Same as Alfa. Pict. 1 disassembled. #2 CAPTIVE ball bearing check valve. #3 Partsource diaphragm. #4 Top surface that gets warped by over tightening screws. More next post

.

Gordon Raymond

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Gordon Raymond

· #6 · Dec 31, 2007

3

FRB 11, dis & re assembly.

Hi again George,
Here's the rest

. # 5 Is the new Partsource bowl seal. #6 The unit going back together. Line up the tiny holes for the lead seal wire in top and bottom halves. #7 Begin - End. Together, ready to go. Hope this all helps. The spring fits on top of the diaphragm, and below the little metal cup, acted on by the adjustment screw. The ball check is captive, and unlikely to get lost. (whew!

At least there was a ball & spring as I remembered!)

Gordon Raymond

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alfabits

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 31, 2007

Gordon Raymond said:
Hi again George,
Here's the rest. # 5 Is the new Partsource bowl seal. #6 The unit going back together. Line up the tiny holes for the lead seal wire in top and bottom halves. #7 Begin - End. Together, ready to go. Hope this all helps. The spring fits on top of the diaphragm, and below the little metal cup, acted on by the adjustment screw. The ball check is captive, and unlikely to get lost. (whew! At least there was a ball & spring as I remembered!)
Gordon Raymond

Wow, thanks Gordon, I owe you a tall cool one when we meet; Portland 2009 Convention? Looks like I am only missing the spring and the cup that seats in the adjusting screw.

Any one have the spring andcuo they would be willing to part with?

Thanks again Gordon.

Cheers,

George

Gordon Raymond

· #8 · Dec 31, 2007

Frb 11

Hi George,
All the little bits of the Fispa regulators are getting hard to find. Ferrari users pay big $ for them. I used to keep a bunch of part units around, but made them all up into complete units and sold them. Best bet is to try posting on the BB wanted section, or try Goeff @ Partsource. If all that fails, I can pull the spare apart again and try matching the spring at a good hardware or auto parts store. Springs are more complex than they appear, and the RIGHT one is not an easy find. You might try some of the older Alfa shops, as they may have a junk unit. That spring, and the little cap over it, acted on by the adjustment screw, are critical to the units correct function. The bottom of the spring rests in a cup thats part of the diaphragm, and fortunately, Goeff has that!
Keep me informed of your progress, and I will also keep a watch out for parts. The last really good FRB 11 I saw on E-Bay brought

eek

$160!!!

Gordon Raymond

VeloceOne

· #9 · Dec 31, 2007

Greetings all:
E-bay seller Alfa 1750 eBay My World - alfa1750 did at one time, have rebuilt Fispa filters at a quite resonable price.
Worth a look. No connection on my part.
Regards Ian.

alfabits

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 8, 2008

Gordon Raymond said:
Goeffery Ohland, Partsource, 207-236-9791 has NEW neoprene replacement diaphragm's and bowl seals for the FRB 11. Tell him I sent you.Gordon Raymond

Gordon, I contacted Goeffery and am ordering the diaphragm and seal but he has no internal parts. So, I am still needing the spring and cup. Any chance you may have any extra bits I could purchase from you? Or could we match the spring?

Regards,

George

Stefano2600

· #11 · May 17, 2011

Alfa romeo 2600 Fispa fuel filtr

Even today I going to see the fuel filter FISPA (originally for my 2600 spider in 1963) I noticed that gasoline was losing above. In short, the membrane no longer holds. Is the membrane for the FISPA? Or should I change all the filter FISPA 2600 spider? Can you help me I'm in Italy.

Gordon Raymond

· #12 · May 17, 2011 (Edited)

There are new parts available for the FISPA FRB 11 and the others like it. The new diaphragm and bowl seal are made of Viton, and fuel proof. No more leaks. These parts are available from <[email protected]> , a Ferrari parts supplier in the U.S.

alfamichele

· #13 · May 17, 2011

Gordon Raymond said:
There are new parts available for the FISPA FRB 11 and the others like it. The new diaphragm and bowl seal are made of Viton, and fuel proof. No more leaks. These parts are available from <[email protected]> , a Ferrari parts supplier in the U.S.

Gordon, there is another supplier I discovered by accident in California, he sells racing parts , go to his site and you can see the seal.
[ Product Catalog

Mike v

Gordon Raymond

· #14 · May 17, 2011

Excellent catch Mike! The price is close too. These are a worthy investment. The FISPA regulator is a good one, and can be rebuilt to handle modern "fuel" without leaking. The catch is always the diaphragm and bowl seal on originals. With these new parts, no more leaks!

VeloceGT

· #15 · May 18, 2011

Fispa Fuel Filter conection

Just yesterday I was tempted to take my Fispa filter apart but was afraid I could not get a new diaphram

and viola! today I see this post.
I just purchased a project euro version 1970 GTV. I plan on using the mechanical pump for originality sake. I do have what may be a dumb question

. How is the filter connected??: from the tank to the filter; to the pump; to the carb???

OR
from the tank to the pump; to the filter; to the carbs??

Thanks much for your help!
Luis

Gordon Raymond

· #16 · May 18, 2011

Originally,on the cars with Webers, the line ran from the tank to the fuel pump (electric in back, or mechanical in front), then to the FISPA FRB 11, then to the Webers.

VeloceGT

· #17 · May 18, 2011

Thanks Gordon

this takes the mistery out of it. Just ordered the diaphram from Dogrings could not get into the Ferrari site <[email protected]> .

Gordon Raymond

· #18 · May 18, 2011

Try googleing PARTSOURCE (Ferrari Parts). He has both the diaphragm and bowl seal.

james2000

· #19 · Jul 16, 2011

question

. How is the filter connected??:

from the tank to the pump; to the filter; to the carbs??:
Thanks much for your help!

This is how it is connected on my 1970 GTV.

Gordon Raymond

· #20 · Jul 16, 2011

Tank to pump, pump to regulator / filter, regulator/ filter to Webers.

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