Engine just stalls... and then restarts!

[johnssi]

So after my last post about replacing the fuel filter, which I've done, thinking that might be the cause for the engine stalling, well... that's not it. I had good pressure from the fuel pump when I replaced the filter, so I don't think it's the pump. After starting the car and perhaps driving just a very short while the engines just dies. Sometimes it takes a while to get it started, and there's plenty of battery juice, but like it's not getting any fuel. Let it sit for a few minutes and it will start up, but them it might happen again, might not. It's got me baffled, any suggestions?
John

PS: 81 Fuel injected 2000
PPS: BTW, when I changed the filter there was a small amount of water in the filter. I have added a "Stabil" type gas additive to the full tank of gas.

[Danno]

do those FI cars have that danged condenser. That's that this sounds like to me. I now carry a spare in the glovebox with my points.

[majicwrench]

I have a suggestion....TEST SOMETHING!!!!! When it is dead is the perfect time to figure out if it has spark and fuel. Carry a spare plug with yu, a spare friend, and/or a longer plug wire, something so you can see the spark. Practice this when car running, now you know what to look for when it dies. Carry a spare wrench and crack the CS inj line to see if it has fuel.. Now you have something to start with.
Keith

[chuckcloutier]

Replace the ignition switch!!! Exact same thing happened to my 81 FI.

[beater]

Well the preceding poster beat me to the punch but I vote for the ignition too. Did it to me several times but would always start eventually. I wish I could say i found it but after a mechanic friend of mine rebuilt the motor he couldn't get it to start. Checked the ignition and one of the wires that should have had juice didn't so he jumped it to another hot. I've never had a problem since. Don't know if pulling power from another pole on the ignition is a good idea or not but it worked for me. A purist might want to rebuild their ignition switch or buy a new one instead.

[johnssi]

Thanks for the replies. I was just thinking about the problem and here's why I'm not sold on the ignition switch idea. The cars stalls as soon as you let off the accelerator and then when trying to restart it it will sometimes hesitate and burp and try to start and then won't. Sometimes it will stall after driving for awhile and then, say, coming up to a stop light, let off the gas and it stalls. I'm thinking that if the ignition switch was bad the engine would either start or not start, but it wouldn't act like it was going to start and then not. To me it seems like perhaps it might be fuel related somehow, any thoughts on that theory?
John

[Danno]

seriously, do these have the condenser? this sounds exactly like what mine will do when it's going bad.

[majicwrench]

They do not have a condensor like a points setup.
Keith

[Danno]

They do not have a condensor like a points setup.
Keith

Thank you, that's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

[giuliot60]

My 81 just started having a hesitation problem that appeared to be caused by the coolant temperature sensor connector, I replaced it but now it's idling very rough after initial good start, but the plugs got black from an over rich mixture caused by the CTS issue so I'll see if clean plugs will help it.

If it is the ignition switch, mirafiori has a good step-by-step rebuild document that I used, and was able to do it in 3 hours taking my time. http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html. And Auto Ricambi has an ignition relay setup that prevents any further ignition issues.

Also check all your ground connections. Clean them and use dielectric grease. Another good link: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/el ... estore.htm.

I was having an intermittent no start that turned out to be a loose connection on the after market amp meter gauge the PO installed. That little thing made my life miserable for several weeks.

Sea Foam does a good job cleaning fuel related issues and won't hurt anything. I just bought a gallon of it today.

Good luck!

[johnssi]

Well I think I've got to give Beater and ChuckClotier props! Yesterday while dring the Spider she just wouldn't start after running well for more than an hour. Finally got it started and back home. Today I went out to mess with it for a few minutes and for the first time it wouldn't start right out of the box. BUT.... While trying to start it I noticed that the dash lights and fuel gauge needle were randomly and rapidly jumping around and it wouldn't start. Then when the lights and the gauge stopped jumping and remained in the on position, bingo, it started right up. I now say ignition switch.... What say you all to that idea? I think it would worth a shot at the mirafiore rebuild. IAP has new switches but at $120 I just might try the rebuild. As always thanks for the great responses and I'll keep you posted on the fix. John

[giuliot60]

Good news.

What is the worst that could happen? You buy a new switch?

And the stock ignitions are better than the aftermarket ones anyway.

Like I said, I did mine in a very slow paced 3 hrs (after gathering all the parts and tools). Just be careful when drilling out the holes. The plastic may be brittle. Mine chipped a little, but did not compromise the switch. Enlarge the holes gradually.

And make sure you have a good soldering gun. I bought a new one for this and it made all the difference.

Good luck!

[RRoller123]

I have found the butane soldering guns are the best when working outdoors. Plenty of power to stay hot in a slight breeze. No stupid electrical cords dangling around. HD, Lowes, etc. And the butane refill is cheap and lasts a really long time.

[chuckcloutier]

Thats when it dawned on me. Just before it would start back up I would see the gauges come back to life. Coil and accessories are on the same circuit. Glad you figured it out, it frustrated the heck out of me.

[johnssi]

Thanks Chuck, I completed the rebuild of the ignition switch today and everything seems to be in good order, and although my switch was slightly different than the one described in the "fix" directions, I was able to get it repaired. Very sooty contacts on about half of them. So I believe that this will fix the problem. I took the Spider out for a test drive this afternoon and everything ran well, but there's always that nagging feeling..... know what I mean? Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks to everyone for posting. This site sure is the best when it comes to stuff like this. Nice to have a "family" this big!

John