DOA

[Sscottdvm]

I received my 1978 spider today. Not exactly what I expected but that's what happens when you purchase over the Internet.
Drove the car 2 miles to get home and now it won't start. Turns over fine, don't think it flooded. It did start for a few seconds then died. The previous owner said. IT always started right up and ran fine. ANy simple ideas. Had MGs for years and could usually figure out why they wouldn't start. I'm a newbie with these. Not a good start.

[RRoller123]

Best to go through the usual steps in sequence:

Have fuel? Pressure at the carb? Float bowl has proper fuel level in it?

Have spark at every plug?

Can you smell unburned fuel coming out end of exhaust?

Any visible fuel leaks?

Check spark wires. I like to put a timing light on each line and see if there is charge flowing through every spark wire.

Power at the Coil as required?

Visually check mechanicals. Timing belt ok, no evidence of slip or wear?

[Sscottdvm]

I'm only able to check a few of those things. Thanks for the input. I'm afraid many of those steps are above my pay grade. Might just flat bed to my mechanic and have him check it out tomorrow.

[Nanonevol]

Best to realize a 39 year old car will always be a project and will need you or a mechanic to give it TLC.

[Sscottdvm]

It started right up this am. If it wasn't pouring rain I'd drive it a bit. I extended my AAA plan to give me 100 mile range just in case.

[PhillySpider]

You'll find when new to you issues pop up little by little, giving you a little more experience each time. It may sound "scary and above your pay grade", but I fear if you just pull in a mechanic you'll need to consider bringing him in on retainer lol. I was in your boat when I bought mine 2 years ago, but the wealth of info and great folks on here and other forums can solve anything.

I'd say you've got a 50% chance of resolving your no start if you find the two ground pods in your car, pull the wires, clean the contacts and put them back together...Your chances increase to 70% if you find the C31 connector under the column and clean out that puppy too. If that doesn't do the trick you'll need to check power at the coil perhaps and so on...start reading/searching this forum.
Get yourself some basic tools...volt meter, sockets, screw drivers, CONCTACT CLEANER, and dielectric grease and get to know your car. YMMV, but I'm optimistic for you, mindset goes a long way in happy FIAT ownership Good luck!

[nelsonj]

Two most important items before every drive in my FIAT: 1) Cell phone (in case I'm stranded and need to call for help) and 2) AAA card with 100 mile extended tow service. DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!

[Sscottdvm]

The car wouldn't start again. Called AAA. Waited 30 mins. Tried it while waiting, started right up and got me home. Checked all connections. Coil, distributor, all seemed clean. While sorting out some cosmetic issues, started the car throughout the afternoon, started every time. I assume it's some issue with not getting spark periodically. The ignition coil is an unattractive rusted thing but I don't want to just start replacing stuff for no reason. Was hoping to have a nice summer beach car, with minor problems. I want to like this car, so far I'm not feeling the love.

[nelsonj]

Hmmm, it cranks fine, but won't turn over. Sometimes it runs fine, then sometimes it won't start.... Sounds like the timing is ok, and the ignition switch and starter are all cooperating. But you should check the timing next time it is idling (should be between 0 and 10 deg advance, much more than 10 you can have starting and other issues).

Next time it won't start, first check for spark. Lots of tricks, but pulling a plug plug wire, holding it close to the block (having some one else) crank the engine and looking for the spark is quick and dirty. If no spark, something is wrong with your coil, wires, distributor.

If you have spark, the issue is fuel. If you pump and pump but never get the smell of gas, it could be a dying fuel pump or clogged fuel line. If you have gas but the car won't start, something is going on in the carb. What carb do you have? If stock, I think its a 32/34 Weber with an electronic idol control solenoid thing. I had one go bad and car would die at idol - that might cause the problem. Or the water choke might not be functioning properly (closing the butterfly valves until the water heats up) making it hard to start, or just clogged old jets. You could try some carb cleaner, take off the air filter and just spray it ad nausium (mostly inside but also all over the linkage). That can't hurt, but it can work magic.

Keep posting with more details. It sounds like a low-cost issue once tracked down.

[Sscottdvm]

I'm pretty it's a minor problem but a major pain in the ass . Now that I'm getting familiar with the car I have my voltmeter with me and can do some diagnostics when it dies.

[baltobernie]

The ignition switch on these cars can be problematic. Usually they are intermittent when hot, but maybe not in your case. Suggest you download a wiring diagram for your particular car. The next time it won't start, see if you have voltage at the coil.

[blazingspider]

+1 on the ignition switch or the connector just downstream from it.

[Sscottdvm]

If the ignition switch is the problem wouldn't the engine NOT turn over? Took it out last night and drove fine. Of course I didn't stop anywhere just in case.

[blazingspider]

The sort answer is yes, the switch can still send voltage to the starter motor and intermittently not provide 12 volts to the coil as there are different sets of contacts inside for each.

[samakijoe]

It sounds like a bad/loose connection to me. I would go over all the wire connectors I could find under the hood ("bonnet" in some parts of the world). I use brake cleaner then a little "3in1" on the contacts. Be sure to unlock the connectors by squeezing the lock tab if there is one. Tug the wires on each to be sure the crimp is good. Do the same under the dash. The fuse block is also under the dash. These old style fuses are not the greatest design. Remove each fuse and clean the contacts. I sometimes use a pencil eraser. Clean off the ends of the fuses. I have been known to put a really small rubber band around each contact to increase the pressure on the fuse ends.
Hang in there. It's worth it..
Joe