Rough idle and stalling 1981 Fiat Spider 2000

[rossittof]

I have a 1981 Fiat Spider that is running very rough at idle. I took it to a mechanic and he checked and replace some vacuum lines. He also changed the fuel filter and checked the fuel pump (it was fine). The only way he got it to stay running at idle was to jack the rpm's to 2000 at idle. This makes the car run like crap and it is idling too high. I am at a loss at what to do. He said it could be the mass airflow sensor or the exhaust sensor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[redcars]

First get a new mechanic. The car does not have a mass airflow sensor. I would look for more air leaks. Also look on the form for idle problems with FI cars.

[rossittof]

Maybe I misunderstood what he said. There appears to be a sensor after the air filter housing, going into the engine. The mechanic did a smoke test and found some minor leaks in the vacuum lines--he replaced them. What would you suggest I do next.

[FiIiAiT2000]

Here's a guide to the FI system. There's a troubleshooting guide on page 56 as well. http://www.artigue.com/fiatcontent/Arti ... 124_MM.pdf

[bradartigue]

Yep get a new mechanic. There is no mass air sensor and the o2 sensor would never, ever, on any car, cause such a bad idle. Only bad mechanics and retail parts counter people think the o2 sensor does all that.

Start with checking the O-ring in your idle speed adjustment, replace it, reset the idle, then report back.

[rossittof]

Thank you for your feedback and advise. Here is some more information about the origin of the problem. The car initially ran very well for about 30 to 40 minutes and then it would stall our when I came to idle. I replace the ignition module, spark plug wires, rotor, cap and distributor ignition wire. The car ran great for a while and then started having a problem remaining at idle right off the bat. It would drive fairly well when I gave it the gas, but then would stall out immediately when I stopped giving it gas.

Any other thoughts about this additional information would be helpful. I will also look at the manual that you provided.

Thanks,

Frank

[bradartigue]

Thank you for your feedback and advise. Here is some more information about the origin of the problem. The car initially ran very well for about 30 to 40 minutes and then it would stall our when I came to idle. I replace the ignition module, spark plug wires, rotor, cap and distributor ignition wire. The car ran great for a while and then started having a problem remaining at idle right off the bat. It would drive fairly well when I gave it the gas, but then would stall out immediately when I stopped giving it gas.

Any other thoughts about this additional information would be helpful. I will also look at the manual that you provided.

Thanks,

Frank

Start with the idle adjustment O-ring. Get the idle set - if you can't get the idle set then you have an air leak somewhere.