Engine Running a little rough

[RDSPYDR]

I have a 1981 Fiat Spider 2000 and I am at my wits end. I just replaced the ignition wires, cap, rotor, pick -up, and ignition module, and the car still runs rough. I even set the gap on the pick as my manual suggested and it didn't help.

The guy that gave it to me ( so I can't complain too much ) only ran it up a couple of times a year. Am I missing something ?

I am going to go buy a timing light ( never thought I would need one of those again - ha ha ) and check the timing.

I pulled the wire from the spark plugs one at a time and when 1 or 3 are pulled, it runs really rough.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Tappy]

maybe a dumb answer but did you replace the spark plugs also ?

[racydave]

If it runs rougher with 1 or 3 pulled, then they are workin, and the problem could be related to 2 or 4. Do you have good gas? Have you checked the hoses for possible vaccume leaks? If it is fuel injected, Id run some injector cleaner thru it. Lucas makes good injector cleaner, and besides they sponsor our new stadium! Can you borrow a timing light???

[RDSPYDR]

Yeah, I forgot to add that in the original post. They looked alittle black on the tip and that usually indicates ( at least according to the manual - a little rich ). I am now looking to see if it has an automatic choke ? Fuel injection - not sure if has one or if it has a module that controls it ?

[RDSPYDR]

I have been looking at the vacuum lines and haven't found any yet that are leaking. I will buy a new fuel filter tomorrow and some good ( Lucas ) fuel injector cleaner with some fresh gas.

Can't borrow a timing light, don't know anyone that has one anymore.

Thanks

[rlux4]

Your fuel injection system doesn't use a choke like a carburetor. The ECU (electonic control unit) meters the mixture for fuel and air according to signals it receives from the sensors. There are too many variables to pinpoint what your particular problem might be, you'd have to have the answers to a lot of questions. The best thing to do is get a diagnosis manual and go to the section that relates to your issue. You can find one here:
http://mirafiori.com/~thad/fi/
The good news is that the Bosch L-jetronic system our cars have is not complicated, and fairly easy to work on.
Good luck,
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

if 2 and 4 don't make much difference when pulled, those cylinders aren't working. Have you checked the firing order to make sure they're connected properly? How about the injector electrical connectors? Are they pushed on tightly?
The next step would be to test compression in the two cyls not firing, and listen to the injectors when running. They should make a noticeable click. Use a stethoscope or long handle screwdriver to listen for the click. If the car has sat for a long period you may have injectors that are varnished and stuck shut
Timing won't cause two cylinders not to fire, so don't waste your time there.

[kristoj]

I agree with Mark. First thing I would check is the fuel injectors. Could be a loose connection, but more likely stuck shut as Mark suggests or perhaps clogged. They are easy enough to remove, and you can send them out for professional cleaning/testing (also a great time to replace the fuel hose). I highly recommend sending them to http://www.witchhunter.com/.

[RDSPYDR]

Thanks . I am pulling out my compression tester today after work and then lI will look at the fuel system.

[RDSPYDR]

Sometimesthe obvious will hit ya in the head.. I found the #2 injector connector the be damage an not seated on the injector. When I fully seated the connector it ran better, but not great. I have decided after poking around the fuel system that all rubber lines need to be replaced and while I was at it, have the injectors cleaned and tested. Maybe the fuel filter too, as it isn't a big expense. Hopefully by next weekend, have all back together and see how she runs then.

I have some questions, but they will have to wait until I can get somepictures and post them.

Thanks for the help.

[kristoj]

Good news! It's definitely a good idea to replace the fuel hoses for two reasons: 1) they are nearly 30 years old and 2) the hose material of 1981 was not necessarily designed to withstand 10% or more ethanol content in today's gasoline. Hopefully cleaning the injectors will do the trick.

[So Cal Mark]

I have replacement pigtails for the injector harness if you want to replace the broken ones.

[RDSPYDR]

Let you know shorly about the pigtail.

[RDSPYDR]

With the injectors back, Fuel system drained, hoses replaced, new regualtor, and basically anything on the fuel system that I might think need replacing....... she runs. I took her on the back roads for about 20 minutes and she finally sounds like she should... except for maybe some changes to the exhaust sytem.. thats next.

Thanks for the help.

[rlux4]

All right! I hope you found out that the FI system on our cars is not that hard to work on. Glad to hear it's running smoothly.
Ron