1981 Fiat spider fuel pump problem?

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willmacd - 04 Jul 2007 05:42 GMT

Hi all,
I have a 1981 Fiat spider pinaforina convertable which usually runs
really great. Nothing like it, except that occasionaly there is a
problem starting it. Usually when I put the key in the ignition and
turn it slightly you can just hear the whiring of the fuel pump. No
problem, it starts great. But occasionaly when you put the key in and
turn it there is no whiring sound from the fuel pump and the car won't
start. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it's so damn
annoying, and now I'm a bit scared to go out and give it a good run in
the countryside just in case it won't restart.
It's not the pump, foolishly replaced that when I thought it was
the pump. But it made no difference. My only thoughts now are either a
loose connection (which I can't find), a faulty relay, or, a faulty
connection in the ignition switch.
Does anyone know what the problem might be, or has anyone had this
problem before? I can do most of my own work, but I just don't want to
be taking the wrong bits off and replacing them without results.
Thanks in anticipation for your help.
William.

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ato_zee@hotmail.com - 04 Jul 2007 14:21 GMT

> Does anyone know what the problem might be, or has anyone had this
> problem before? I can do most of my own work, but I just don't want to
> be taking the wrong bits off and replacing them without results.
> Thanks in anticipation for your help.

I usually rig a piece of flex through any convenient grommet, and wire
one end across the intermittent device, and the other end has a low
wattage panel lamp on the dash. If the supply goes off the light goes
out. This can be wired into the system at different points, at the pump,
just after the switch, etc.
What I do is solder one wire to a pin, then use fine nose pliers to push
it through the wire, then bend the ends back and apply insulating tape.
Other end has an alligator clip for ground.
That way I don't have to cut wires, and the small pin hole is virtually self
healing when I pull the pin out.
There are also piggy-back push on blades, useful when you wany a
temporary tap in.
Sure it's not a ground problem?

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willmacd - 05 Jul 2007 03:22 GMT

On Jul 4, 9:21 am, ato_...@hotmail.com wrote:

> > Does anyone know what the problem might be, or has anyone had this
> > problem before? I can do most of my own work, but I just don't want to
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> temporary tap in.
> Sure it's not a ground problem?

Thanks I'll try that, it's a good idea. As to it maybe being a ground
problem, to be honest I don't know. But I will check other functions
when next it happens just to see if it's a ground problem at the
ignition.
Again thanks a lot.

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ryanborck - 11 Aug 2008 16:23 GMT

I hope you've solved this problem - I am having the exact same issue. The
only other information I can provide is that my fuel pump (rebuilt Bosch)
gets too hot to touch, which I have been told is not normal (since the fuel
being pumped through should keep it constantly cool).

Otherwise, hadn't thought about it being an issue at the ignition but I have
checked the ground issue and I know power is getting to the pump since I can
spark the connection at the pump and see power is reaching it. As for the
ignition, I guess if it's got a faulty connection, it may not activate the
pump every time? Eventually, after 20 minutes, the pump starts up again when
I turn the key. I believed it was due to the pump finally cooling down
enough to kick into gear.

Would love to know if you've resolved this?

ryanborck at gmail.com

>Hi all,
> I have a 1981 Fiat spider pinaforina convertable which usually runs
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks in anticipation for your help.
>William.

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