Need help with starting problem on my '74 Spider

738 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by sleslie, Apr 5, 2015

sleslie

Discussion Starter · Apr 5, 2015

I'm restoring a '74 Spider and have what appears to be an electrical problem with the fuel pump. Here are the symptoms: The car starts fine, the fuel pressure light goes out immediately like it's supposed to for the Spica but occasionally and sporadically while I'm driving the car the fuel pressure light comes back on and the fuel pump quits working. The car continues to run just fine, I assume because the Spica system pulls fuel even though the fuel pumps stops. It's when I shut the car off when this happens that I have the problem. When I try to restart the car, the fuel pressure light stays on, the fuel pump does not engage and the car will not restart. There is a buzzing sound behind the generator/alternator light on the tachometer. Eventually (sometimes days later), when I repeatedly try to start the car, the buzzer stops, the fuel pump starts, the fuel pressure light goes out immediately and the car starts right up. It's not the fuel pump. I installed a new one and the same problem persists. Fuel filters are new and the tank and fuel lines are clean. Very frustrating problem on an otherwise great car. Any ideas about how I can fix my problem?

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

Alfajay

· #2 · Apr 5, 2015 (Edited)

sleslie said:
the fuel pressure light comes back on and the fuel pump quits working. The car continues to run just fine, I assume because the Spica system pulls fuel even though the fuel pumps stops.

I'm no expert on Spica, but no, I don't think the Spica pump can pull fuel from the tank and pressurize it properly. If the car continues to run with the light on, then I believe the pump is running but not developing sufficient pressure to trip the pressure sensor.

There is a buzzing sound behind the generator/alternator light on the tachometer. Eventually (sometimes days later), when I repeatedly try to start the car, the buzzer stops, the fuel pump starts, the fuel pressure light goes out immediately and the car starts right up.

There are a couple of buzzers behind the dashes of mid-70's Alfas - one for seatbelts and the other just to annoy you. Most of these were disconnected early in the cars' lives. I can't explain what else would be buzzing back there or why your's starts buzzing when the fuel pump quits.

I'm guessing that you have two, separate problems: vapor lock causing the fuel pressure light to flash while the car is running and something electrical causing the buzzer/pump issue.

Save

alfasrule

· #3 · Apr 5, 2015 (Edited)

Seat belt buzzers are under the steering column. They short out! They are white 1 1/2 X 3/4 X 1. Look like relays, but smaller and rectangular. Disconnect them! DONE!

Save

papajam

· #4 · Apr 5, 2015

Thread moved to Spider forum.

Save

sleslie

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 5, 2015

Thanks Alfajay and Alfasrule for a the quick and very helpful replies. I'll look for the seat belt buzzer under the steering column and disconnect it. Thanks again!

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month