'80 Spider been in storage!!

[davearl46]

Just got a '80 Spider! Been in storage for 5 or 6 years!! Was just wondering if there is anything special I need to do before I put gas in it and give her a whirl!! It has fire and oil looks good! I'll check all the filters and fluids!! Has had anti-freeze in it the whole time! Don't know much about E.F.I.! If there's something I should do, please let me know!! My first Fiat!! Thanks!!

[bradartigue]

Just got a '80 Spider! Been in storage for 5 or 6 years!! Was just wondering if there is anything special I need to do before I put gas in it and give her a whirl!! It has fire and oil looks good! I'll check all the filters and fluids!! Has had anti-freeze in it the whole time! Don't know much about E.F.I.! If there's something I should do, please let me know!! My first Fiat!! Thanks!!

I'd change the oil, change the radiator fluid, change the gasoline (siphon it out, put new fuel in), replace the plugs (they're likely corroded by now), and change the timing belt. When the plugs are out and the belt and fluids are replaced I'd turn it over by hand a few dozen times. Easy to do with the plugs out and in 5th gear, just push the car, slowly. Don't go backwards.

After all that put in the plugs and remove the air filter; turn on key but don't start the car. Rotate the AFM flap (the aluminum thing on top of the air filter box has a flap in it, make it rotate) - the fuel pump will turn on and circulate fuel. Let it do that for ten seconds or so then replace the filter and crank it up. So long as fuel isn't leaking everywhere the thing will likely start and run.

[bonsaiwino]

Great opening suggestions. Some other follow ups: change the fuel filter, wires, rotor, & dist. cap. Down the road, have the valves adjusted. Best of luck with your new project!

[spidernut]

Siphoning the fuel is insufficient in my opinion. I'd recommend taking the gas tank out and flushing it thoroughly, reassemble and install an new fuel filter in addition to what was listed so far.

I'd also highly recommend checking all of the rubber fuel lines for any cracks or leaks before attempting to start it. A leak on EFI can be a disaster. If you see any damage, replace the lines before starting. If it passes the visual inspection, ensure someone is under the hood watching for fuel leaks when you do turn it over. If there are any leaks, stop the motor immediately.

You won't necessarily need to replace the timing belt before firing it up, but I'd not recommend driving it until you do replace it. If the belt breaks your motor could be irreparably damaged.

Before driving, check all of the brake lines for cracks ort leaks, check the brake calipers for rust and/or binding. Double check the flex disc for any damage. Do not drive it if is cracked or split. Double check the U-joints for play or damage.

[vandor]

The injectors could be clogged from sitting. If it starts on only 2-3 cylinder then tap on the injectors to see if you can free them up.
Some brake calipers may be froze, or may become sticky once you start using the brakes. Rebuilding them is not a bad idea.

[davearl46]

Thanks for the tips!! Will take some time and follow these instructions!! I think it's gonna be a fun little car!! Will keep y'all posted but it will take some time! I also have a truck I'm working on and it is first in line!! I for sure will be needing a hood hinge on the passenger side! Had it up and a strong wind came and snapped the hinge!! Thanks for the help!!

[pluktv]

I'd change the oil, change the radiator fluid, change the gasoline (siphon it out, put new fuel in), replace the plugs (they're likely corroded by now), and change the timing belt. When the plugs are out and the belt and fluids are replaced I'd turn it over by hand a few dozen times. Easy to do with the plugs out and in 5th gear, just push the car, slowly. Don't go backwards.

Why not backwards?

Phil

[fiat218]

Hm, I have a 80 that sat for 10 years, I change the oil,plugs,fuel pump,that's it, I know I should have changed the timing belt, but I did not