[VWmeetsALFA]

Well, I guess this is nothing new to the Alfa world- but my Spider is having issues with running.

I will try and be as discreptive as possible here, but I know even then there are still a myriad of issues that could cause this.

She is an '85 Spider with a 2.0 liter VVT (Bosch) Fuel injection.

I just put on a new starter, intake bushings, valve cover gasket, and painted a few aluminum bits. I also had the tranny out recently, if that means anything.

She is a project car that I have only driven once before this, so I am not sure if it had this problem before I got through working on here this weekend.

So here's the scoop-
After finishing the job, she ran (cold) better than ever before. It doesnt sound like its missing when cold, but when I have driven her half-way around the block, come to a stop at the stop sign, and then take off- after hitting third, she slowly loses power and revs REALLY high and I downshift so that the little bit of power left will hopefully propel me home.

Well, then she completely dies. I sat at the side of the road for a few minutes, then she started up with hesitation. She got me home in second gear all the way at 10mph.

I pull it into the workshop and pop the hood. nothing came unplugged. nothing is loose and all of the sensors and hoses are exactly where they should be. No vacuum leaks (that I can see or hear). She slowly starts and runs for a minute then dies when I try and start her when hot. As soon as I turn the key when its cold, I'm golden. she then takes me to the EXACT SAME spot on the road, then starts the whole cycle over again.

The only thing I can think of are the smallest hoses going into the canister behind the intake are extremely dry-rotted and most likely leaking, but I have no idea where they lead.

I am at a dead end. PLEASE HELP ALFA GURUS!

-JD

 

[RandallM]

Did the previous owner say anything about the problem existing before?

Have you replaced the main fuel filter?

Personally, if everything looks original, I'd replace the fuel filter and all rubber hoses from the gas tank to the injector rail to start.

Not that expensive and probably needed.

Also, might be an CAT exhaust issues. Someone else that's experienced it may chime in on that one.

 

[VWmeetsALFA]

That is true. the whole exhaust was a do-it-yourself jobber so I am not too dependant on that to hold up. as far as the PO goes, he knew nothing about ALFAS, nothing about its history or problems, or what it needed. I actually didnt even drive it when I bought it, I just took it home expecting that I was going to have to throw a hefty amount of work and money into it.

That being said, I have no idea how long this has been an issue.

Where might the main fuel filter be? and is it a standard one I can get at the local parts store? Also- the fuel pump seems questionable to me. instead of having a steady humm to it, it varys a LOT. it kind of whirrs and humms loudly, and sometimes softly... could that be a potential culprit?

I have not replaced anything as far as fuel related items yet. As far as that goes, it would seem like it wouldnt run well at the start than to slowly lose power if it was with fuel delivery.... but then again- I'm no alfa expert ; )

Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[ghnl]

Fuel filter is under the car, forwards of the right side rear axle.

Fuel pump should be almost inaudible with the engine running. And it shouldn't run if the engine is not running.

In fact, there are two pumps. The main (high pressure) pump is under the car near the fuel filter. The other pump is in the tank. It is, well, in the tank. It acts as a lift pump to supply fuel to the main pump. The engine can run if the in tank pump is faulty but usually not as well and usually not at all if the fuel level is below about half full.

Another possibilty is a faulty 'stepped hose' between the in tank pump and its outet pipe (still inside the tank). In this case the in tank pump might be pumping fine but its contribution never gets out of the tank. And/or the main pump will suck air through a split stepped hose (when the fuel level is below half). This could make the main pump erratic & noisy. And, since the main pump uses the fuel to both cool and lubricate the pump, it will shorten its life.

 

[aralfa8589]

I agree with Randall and Eric. Start with a simple overhaul of the basic fuel system-high pressure hoses from the pump to the engine standard hose on the returns. Any parts store will have the filter.
After that it's all air leaks and electrical connectors on the L-Jet system.
Use the hiperformancestore.com diagnostic sequence and it will run.
Please keep us updated!

 

[RandallM]

Where might the main fuel filter be? and is it a standard one I can get at the local parts store?

Eric provided you some good diagrams. Some local parts store can get the filter and pump parts from their warehouse or you just might want to make a big list and order from a ALfa supplier.

When I purchased my 86 Spider it was a mess since it had not run in a year. If you're serious about getting it to a reliable running state I can help you with the list of what to look at and parts you'll want to change out.

You only have six months to get it in shape for next Spring.

 

[VWmeetsALFA]

Eric provided you some good diagrams. Some local parts store can get the filter and pump parts from their warehouse or you just might want to make a big list and order from a ALfa supplier.

When I purchased my 86 Spider it was a mess since it had not run in a year. If you're serious about getting it to a reliable running state I can help you with the list of what to look at and parts you'll want to change out.

You only have six months to get it in shape for next Spring.

Sounds great! I am hoping to have most of the body work done by the time convertible-weather hits; however I have to get it running to drive it to the BMV to get an out-of-state inspection done for registration. Hence, I am in a rush to get it running well before the cold weather returns.

Thanks for the help and advice! I will try and keep you updated on how it turns out!

-JD

 

[Huggy]

FYI: I don't know about the other guys, but I replaced my tank Pump and hose, and then later the car wouldn't run. The stepped hose had turned to mush and both pumps and filter inop. Then had to start again on the other parts ie leaks, bad components etc. BE SURE THE STEPPED HOSE YOU INSTALL IS TRULY A SUBMERSIBLE. It has to survive in fuel.