Automatic Transmission Problem

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leigh0680
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:03 pm
Your car is a: Spider 2000 1979

Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by leigh0680 »

I have a 79 with an auto. Just switched out the carb and manifold for a flat plane and 32/36 DFEV. With help from the forum you can follow in my other post, I managed to get it installed and tuned. The car now starts, idles and revs perfectly.

The problem is that when I switch into Drive or Reverse, the engine immediately bogs down and quits. Stepping on the gas doesn't help, nor does shifting while at higher revs.

Any idea why it's doing this? The transmission worked fine up until the carb and manifold switch.
GeorgeT
Posts: 379
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:41 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat 124 Spider

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by GeorgeT »

Sounds like a torque converter issue. I believe that transmission is a GM unit.
manladypig
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2018 11:11 pm
Your car is a: 1976 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: San Diego

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by manladypig »

the problem is you have a automatic transmission :P
Warren
Posts: 132
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:25 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by Warren »

Did you connect up the vacuum hose (should have been replaced) from the new manifold to the transmission modulator tube? I retrofitted a single plane manifold and 34ADF carb to my 79 with auto transmission. Email me at whhopson@southernco.com for some marked up pictures.
Warren
Sylacauga Alabama
1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1974 Dodge Dart Sport Hang 10 (in restoration)
Multiple other cars, trucks, and boats
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MattVAS
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 225
Joined: Thu May 18, 2017 11:10 am
Your car is a: 1976 Fiat Spider 124

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by MattVAS »

Yeah sounds like an issue with the transmission modulator. Either no vacuum is still connect to it or the hose to it is bad or it is bad itself. Easy to replace if you have to replace it.
Matt Phillips
Vick Auto - Manager
http://www.vickauto.com
Stock parts or Performance parts we've got what you need.
leigh0680
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:03 pm
Your car is a: Spider 2000 1979

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by leigh0680 »

Wheeeee - the sound of me driving my car this past weekend. It's amazing - so quick and fun, feels like a whole new car. Finally now feeling that it was worth the effort.

Turns out I had accidentally loosened the back end of the line going to the transmission during my work so that the vacuum seal wasn't tight.

Warren, thank you so much for sending the pics. All the labels were really great and helped me track the problem. Would you mind if I post them here? I think others would find them useful.

Thank you to all the rest of you as well for your great advice.
Warren
Posts: 132
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:25 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by Warren »

Leigh:
You may post all my pictures of the 34ADF & manifold conversion. They have been sent to many members in the past.

Regards,
Warren
Sylacauga Alabama
1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1974 Dodge Dart Sport Hang 10 (in restoration)
Multiple other cars, trucks, and boats
jlopresto
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 12:33 pm
Your car is a: 1985 Pinninfarina Azzurra

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by jlopresto »

Hi guys,

Any chance I can see those pictures? Just bought an 85 with an auto. Previous owner told me the car had the exact same problem after switching to carbs. (Just got the car yesterday haven't started it up yet)
wetminkey
Patron 2018
Patron 2018
Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by wetminkey »

I like the sound of you driving your '79 2000, leigh0680!
I'll take that as a recommendation for the single plane and 32/36DFEV! Like your's, my Spider has a GM TH180 automatic transmission. I hope to afford a similar carb/manifold swap in the future.
Thanks for the feedback on your swap!
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
wetminkey
Patron 2018
Patron 2018
Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by wetminkey »

And I see that there's a picture request,...any chance of posting some of your pics here?
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
Warren
Posts: 132
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:25 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by Warren »

Hello:
The PDF of my 34ADF/single plane manifold conversion on my 79 automatic can be obtained by emailing me at warren72955@netzero.net; my previous email (company) of whhopson@southernco.com will no longer work as I am retired.
Warren
Sylacauga Alabama
1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1974 Dodge Dart Sport Hang 10 (in restoration)
Multiple other cars, trucks, and boats
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volzke
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:10 pm
Your car is a: 1979 FIAT SPIDER 2000

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by volzke »

Thanks for offering to share those photos Warren. The wife and I are mulling our options between a 34ADF and a 32/36 DFEV as a spring/summer project (this So.Dakota winter can't end soon enough, ha!). We also have a '79 with the auto trans. I'll send you a separate email requesting the document. Final note, an opinion on the 34 vs 32/36? I've been trying to see if anyone has a strong opinion or results one way or the other before we decide which option to purchase. Take Care.
'79 FIAT Spider 2000
So.Dakota
Cooter
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:03 pm
Your car is a: 1979 spider

Re: Automatic Transmission Problem

Post by Cooter »

Do you happen to have a fiat with the automatic transmission?
If so, I need some help please.

Mike
Buffalo texas

Mrayborn61@yahoo.com
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