It's funny how things work out sometimes RESOLVED

[AriK]

Jay,
It's gotta be something simple. The facts are that the car spent alot of time sitting, to boot, seeing the images you posted some of that time was outside, with Canadian humidity. Those two facts alone create the perfect issues, corrosion. Check ground connections, battery, motor to chassis etc. Your fuel tank if it wasn't stored full, can create condensation and more corrosion to mix with gas and whatever else is stagnant in the tank. Crap flows through the fuel pump and filter. Check for air leaks in the plastic intakes near the FI. Sitting around is the worst thing for your car, it sucks. It's likely not the fault of the bodyshop unless they deliberately disconnected and reconnected a ground strap somewhere. Ask them. Once the simple stuff is out of the way then you'll have to go through the injection checklist. It sucks but yes it is a 34 yr old car and you cant overlook anything. Get her running so that i can meet Fiona when you drive her to the Montebello & Montreal events.

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/fiatFI_may2002.pdf

http://www.hiperformancestore.com/Ljetronic.htm

[fiat218]

I learned a lesson once,
When I got my alpha engine overhauled, I was asked a lot of questions, seems a lot of stuff did not work and I could not recall if it did from the past
So when I drop off my car to beek, I told him that every light,and switch works, this way he does not have to play the guessing game and have to wonder if it worked or not
I know you was at a body shop, but they know it ran when it was there, so may e talk to them more and see what happen
I don't believe that just all of a sudden it won't start

[AriK]

I also learned a lesson once. I parked my car in a climate controlled space starting at the end of September. I don't drive this car unless the top is down which means where we live it's stored till May. When i restarted it in May i had intermittent running issues which were difficult to pinpoint. Turns out it was the coil. Motor is flawless when it runs. Sitting around for 7 months? Yes. Coincidence? Maybe. But it's still a lesson. Cars are built to run. Use it or lose it.
Jay, forgot to mention check the TPS.

[spiderdan]

Jay, spoke to an expert...here is his $100 opinion.

1. If they took out tail lights, check fuel ground cable. (best guess)
2. Check coolant temp sensor (it will cause the problems you describe)
3. Disconnect TPS (should run without)

If any of the above work...one case of 24 owed to you know who...

[4uall]

I was scheduled to meet at the garage after work yesterday and was called at 245pm and told come by at 6pm

This is the 2nd time I have paid for parking and had to reschedule. I called them back to say "no".

I return from Mexico on the 13th and they have until then to get the car running. I will forward your suggestions as they certainly did remove the lights



any ideas where exactly the fuel ground is or looks like? I thought it was underneath attached to the fuel pump.

[aj81spider]

Here's how my fuel pump ground is configured. It is grounded at the pump - then jumpers down to the fuel tank. Not sure why removing the lights would affect that, but perhaps other years are done differently (mine is a 74).

[spiderdan]

Jay found this on a previous post

"I am surprised it does not start on starter fluid. Before you mess any more with the FI, take off the distributor cap and look at the wires of the pickup coil. It is common for them to lose their insulation and short to each other or ground. Do you get a nice strong spark?

BTW, the fuel pump grounds on the left taillight's mounting stud, be sure it is a good clean connection.Csaba '71 124 Spider, much modified
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Auto Ricambi, LLC, Fiat Spider Parts Specialists
http://www.autoricambi.us

[spiderdan]

Another one Jay

"Re: 1980 124 Rebuild
by BEEK on Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:20 pm

there is a ground wire which mounts to the tail light, 2 black wires, make sure they are hooked up, or the car will not run, it is the fuel pump ground. the reason i mention it is that you have a tail light removed.
i suggest you move that ground to an alternate location, as the tail light mounting bolt usually works loose, and it is in a area of high corrosion"

I see a 24 on the horizon...

[4uall]

Thanks brother

Just as a reminder to everyone helping out (greatly appreciated), Fiona starts and idles with no issues. Only when the gas is applied does she stall

[fiat218]

Thanks brother

Just as a reminder to everyone helping out (greatly appreciated), Fiona starts and idles with no issues. Only when the gas is applied does she stall

Great new paint and now you save gas

[4uall]

Have a scheduled appointment tomorrow after work (4:30 pm ish) to talk with the garage and see what's what

Fingers crossed

Still going to Mexico on Saturday sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo there's that

[spiderdan]

Good luck tomorrow Jay, good communication (transmit and receive is key).
I'm sure all will be well, you and Fiona will be happy.



Dan bad!

[4uall]

looking forward to it



keep you posted

[fiat218]

looking forward to it



keep you posted

[spiderdan]

Jay, just a small (pun intended) reminder...
Don't forget to protect that white Canuck skin when you get down there.