Hi from Nick in Portsmouth, England

[nicks]

Glad to see this forum is alive and kicking, the UK "Sporting FIATS Club" forum is positively stagnant !

I bought a 1972 FIAT 124 Sport Spider BS1 in Switzerland last year and am in the process of getting it how I want (first thing being a dry footwell carpet resulting from heater valve fail). It was owned by a leading light in the Swiss Spider club so I'm hoping it's well looked after.

Took it to the Goodwood Revival meeting last year and I have to say I felt awesome in my lovely Spider. If you guys ever visit the UK in September it really is the best event for old racing cars (that actually race in anger). Anyone who's anyone goes and they all dress in period, '48 - '66 being the era the track ran full professional racing.

Here's my car ...


Question - Does anyone have any tips for curing a starting problem ?
Unless warm, my engine always needs around 5 or 6 attempts (4 secs or so each time) on manual choke before reluctantly and roughly, starting

Details are - Chassis # 124BS10056422
- 1608cc Twin dual-choke Weber 40 IDF's (new around 1990 something) with turtleback air cleaner
- New plugs, distributor cap, oil & tune up, cam belt
- Original Magneti Marelli electronic ignition.
- HT (plug) leads are original
- 4-2-1 exhaust.
- Standard (stock) cams
- None of your US emissions gear, cos its proper European .
- New starter motor
Original ignition switch

Once started it goes well but it always needs those 5 or 6 attempts.

Last request , anyone got a glovebox lock for sale ?

Thanks for creating such a great forum !
Nick

[baltobernie]

Hello Nick, and Welcome. Very pretty car you've got there.

Leaky accel pump diaphragm(s) can cause what you're describing. Also check condition of the rubber inlet and return lines; small cracks or a poor seal at the fittings can allow air in, with the same result. Search this forum for the proper grade of replacement hose if you have ethanol mandated in your area.

Do you have the OE mechanical fuel pump? There's a check valve built into the pump which can fail and allow fuel to drain out of the carb(s).

Cheers, Bernie

[Frog2Spider]

Welcome Nick. Very nice looking Spider! You’ll enjoy it more, every time you drive it. Your stating problem could be caused by a any number of issues. I’d suggest you list those suggested here, and look thrur this forum to find others. Then, use a process of elimination to find the problem.
Portsmouth is a neat looking place. My wife was there last summer visiting our son who is stationed there. He’s in the United States Coast Guard, on assignment with the U.K. Navy.

Take care and enjoy,

[Frog2Spider]

Welcome Nick. Very nice looking Spider! You’ll enjoy it more, every time you drive it. Your starting problem could be caused by a any number of issues. I’d suggest you list those suggested here, and look thru this forum to find others. Then, use a process of elimination to find the problem.
Portsmouth is a neat looking place. My wife was there last summer visiting our son who is stationed there. He’s in the United States Coast Guard, on assignment with the U.K. Navy.

Take care and enjoy,

[nicks]

Hello Nick, and Welcome. Very pretty car you've got there.

Leaky accel pump diaphragm(s) can cause what you're describing. Also check condition of the rubber inlet and return lines; small cracks or a poor seal at the fittings can allow air in, with the same result. Search this forum for the proper grade of replacement hose if you have ethanol mandated in your area.

Do you have the OE mechanical fuel pump? There's a check valve built into the pump which can fail and allow fuel to drain out of the carb(s).

Cheers, Bernie

Thanks BaltoBernie for your helpful suggestions, I'll work through and try to fix the problem (appreciate your kind words on my car !)