Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

This is the place to discuss restoration problems, post questions or projects-complete or partial.
Post Reply
MYFIAT

Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by MYFIAT »

HELP HELP. I have put the engine and gearbox back into the car, I have re connected all the wires, however when I connect the battery all that works is the fuel pump. The dash is dead and no ignition light comes on when I turn the key on. Can anyone suggest what I have done wrong?

Scott
User avatar
azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by azruss »

check the engine ground strap, check the fuses. check wires to the coil. If its an FI car, check the 2 other grounds to the plenum.
BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by BEEK »

check the wiring at the starter, the main lead coming from the battery attaches to the back of the starter, there should be 2-3 other heavy wires usually brown that also connect in the same spot, those wires feed power to the rest of the electrical system.
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
MYFIAT

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by MYFIAT »

Hey guys

Thanks for the help, I had the wires wrong to the starter. When I turn the key on I get a hand brake light, oil pressure warning light, the digital clock flashes but that is all. When I try and start the engine I get a clicking noise, I will try another battery mine could on its way out. Does anyone have the details of the warning lights on the speedo and rev counter?

Scott
BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by BEEK »

the speedometer has a green and blue light it it, the green one is for parking lights and low beams, the blue one is for high beams. the tach has 1 red light , it is the alternator/charging light.
i am assuming this is a 67-82 fiat spider
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
User avatar
azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by azruss »

the red light is the alternator light. If it is burned out, the alternator doesn't charge. It should be full bright when you turn the key on before starting.
MYFIAT

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by MYFIAT »

Need some more help, the car turns freely but wont fire. I changed the timing belt, I lined up the marks top cams and the bottom mark but did not check were number 1 piston was, is it possible that I am out 180 degrees? I put starter fluid in and it tried to fire but was rough. It is a fuel injection 2l engine.

Scott
bobplyler
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 823
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:58 pm
Your car is a: 1979 spider 2000
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by bobplyler »

If you checked the marks on the crankshaft and the marks on the camshaft, the piston is already in the correct place, as it's controlled by the bottom mark. Be sure that you have the aux pully at the right mark too. Just from the sound of it, I would check the spark timing.
1979 Fiat Spider (since new)
2005 Lincoln LS (the wife's car)
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier (daily driver)
1999 Honda Shadow VLX 600
1972 Grumman Traveller 5895L (long gone).
User avatar
azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Lakeland spider engine in but car is dead

Post by azruss »

yes it is possible you are 180 out. this wont change your timing marks, just the position of the rotor. Rotor need to be firing on #4 at TDC
Post Reply