The Tale of Antonia

[fiat218]

Hmm... so air in the system can cause the switch not to activate? Interesting. I had plugged a switch into the existing connectors so that I could activate the fan manually, but plug everything back together again when I figured out the problem.

Is the throw out bearing something that can cause damage if not changed immediately?

radiator has to get hot on the bottom to activate the fan to come on, i just know the basics, some one will tell u the true facts
bleed your radiator ,i have a brasss plug at the t. where the hoses go to the engine on the top. i let the car run and open that, u will see bubbles. close it and open again, soon if your fan works properly it will come on at 190 ish

[blurple124]

Bingo. Fan is working great, switch, too.

Found the source of my fast idle, will probably need to soak my cable in kerosene sometime this winter.

Sway bar is on.

Sounds like I need to adjust my valve clearances.

Went for a drive around the block today, and I couldn't be happier! Getting an alignment done tomorrow. You would think I am asking these guys to chop off an arm in order to align this car! I called 4 places and three gave a big sigh when I told them what car it was, then proceeded to decline. I even told them that I have the shop manual with all of the specs! I mean, I rebuilt the suspension myself for crying out loud! How hard could it be?

It sounds like this throw out bearing is the culprit on the tranny noise. How concerned should I be with this? Is it doing this while in gear, too, and I just can't hear it?


Overall a successful day. Spent a lot of it on cleanup duty. Even washed the car! Second time since I bought it....

[blurple124]

My list of things to do on this car seems to change size more often than Oprah.

I have fixed the fast idling issue, which makes me extremely happy.

The alignment was completed today, and despite the fact that the mechanic said it was a PITA, he said it went well. Car still pulls to the right a little, but only a little.

I actually got a chance to drive the car about 20-30 miles today. I don't actually know because my speedometer cable is broken, waiting to be replaced, and thus my odometer doesn't work! Regardless, I had a blast!
These things sound incredible! The engine's only modifications are an oval air cleaner and an electronic ignition. All the way to the tailpipe it is stock.

The sound of that second barrel opening up is absolutely guttural!


A sound that is not so great is that of metal on metal in the front right corner... I will be replacing all of my pads and rotors shortly...



My brake disc looks like Saturn...

I will also be needing to check my valve clearances. Hearing a little bit of noise from the exhaust side.


So here is the checklist, as summer draws to a close.

1. New Pads and Rotors
2. Adjust valve clearances
3. Replace Speedometer Cable (already purchased)
4. Install New Top (purchased)
5. New Carpeting
6. Sound system (low priority, since the engine sounds so very good!)
7. Replace low oil pressure indicator switch (purchased, but waiting for next oil change)
8. Repair fender rust and other surface/body rust and paint chips.


Completing this list should leave me with a very driveable, reliable car. And it is much shorter than is used to be! *Knock on wood*

[RCSquadraCorse]

This is awesome!Congrats for taking her back on the road! I can just imagine how happy you were when you drove it for the first time!
Great job man!

Riccardo

[blurple124]

It was quite excellent.

Now I have some questions and I am hoping the forum is able to contribute:

1: Is this transmission noise (which I have started a thread about: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20184) something that can be cured with a fluid change? An invoice from 2004 shows $45.00 for "remove stripped trans plug & fill." I hope this means drain and fill... In either case that is over 8 years ago.

2: I am in sore need of a valve clearance adjustment. Is it practical to buy one of the tools needed for the job which I will only use once every 5 to 10 years? Or is it possible to rent this tool? Are people willing to lend it?

I will tackle this job come spring and need a solution by that time.


3: My heater core may be leaking. It is stuck in the "open" position. I am considering removing it from the circuit and simply connecting the two hoses that enter the firewall. What are the negative repercussions of doing this, beyond loss of heat?



Thank you to all!

[blurple124]

Here are three more:

4: I am going to buy new pads and rotors. Is it necessary to buy new pad springs as well? How does one tell if they need replacing?

5: What is the best source for GL-1 Transmission oil?

6: Will replacing my low oil pressure indicator switch turn the light off at the dash? Assuming pressure is adequate?

[4uall]

if they look like this then yes


Brake spring by itzebtze, on Flickr

I would either way

http://www.autoricambi.us/parent_catego ... TEM/1.html

[tartan18]

GL1 is the recommended transmission oil. I get mine from NAPA. It cost $13.69 for a gallon.

[Mike124]

Great job on the car! I live near Fond du Lac. Couldn't get GL1 at any Napa stores in the area. I did find it at Tractor Supply Company. Keep up the good work!

[124JOE]

hey there i have a valve tool you can borrow
if the springs have any pressure when instaled,and not falling apart they should be good
as for the heatercore,the valve bolts up to the core.so bypassing it is hard to do and the core may be soft
so soft it could brake while undoing the valve--i would get a new one if i were you

pm me about the valve shim tool

[blurple124]

Hi Everyone, Thank you for the input!


Progress on the car has come to a screeching halt for the time being, as classes have resumed here in Milwaukee. My life is about to become much much harder than it has been all summer. Fortunately, I have other cars to be working on, like our high mileage vehicle, so I might post some progress pics of that, just for fun.


For the time being, I will leave you with some beautiful music from my last day at home with the old girl.

[tartan18]

Two hands on the wheel Charlie Your car makes great exhaust music. Good luck with your classes and I am looking forward to your ongoing car updates.

[profcucchi]

If only I had the car and the guts to do one!

It's inspiring to say the least.

[deftone]

I just read the thread from start to finish, you have done a great job! An inspiration to all of us who have been slacking in our Restos!

[JohnD]

I too just read your thread from start to finish. Inspiring. I am just starting to more and or on my Spider. Thanks so much for sharing!

John D. Nicosia

71 124 Spider
2012 Fiat 500c
2008 Saturn Astra
2004 Chevy Colorado