need help diagnosing an issue. Car turns over and dies

[TD124]

I'm having an issue with my 1980 Spider that occurs randomly and sporatically.

The car will start and run for 2 seconds and then die. There is spark and it seems like a fuel issue but when I had it towed to a mechanic that specilized in foreign cars it started right up and everything he checked while he had it was working.

I took it home and a few days later, it didn't start. when it runs it runs fine but I can't tell one day to the next whether it will start and continue to run.

Has anyone had a similar problem and/or suggest what might tbe the cause.

Thanks

[spider2081]

a 1980 Fiat Spider can be carbureted or it could be Fuel Injected. Do you know which your car is?

[TX82FIAT]

As mentioned above, if carbureted you can inject fuel down the carb to see if it will keep running and isolate. If FI I suggest the FI problem solving guide.

[TD124]

fuel injected

[spider2081]

First I would check the voltage on the pink wire on the ignition coil. It should have battery voltage in both the "start" and "run" positions of the ignition switch.

[TD124]

Voltage seems ok. I say that because when I remove the pink wire the car will crank but not turn over. When I replace the pink and the car starts and runs for a few seconds and then dies.

As you can probably tell, I'm not knowledgaqeble about cars so I appreciate your help.

[TD124]

after i remove the pink wire and reattach, the car starts and runs for about 4-5 seconds. That is a bit longer than it ran percioulsy which seemed like just a couple of seconds before it would die. and as I said previously, there are times when it will start and run fine.

[spider2081]

Intermittent issues are the most difficult isolate and repair.
Do you have any reference material for you car? Wire diagram? owners manual?
What tools do you have to work on the car?
Have you checked to see if there are other Fiat Spider owners in your area that might be willing to work with you?
Have you checked with Fiat Club America to see if there is a local chapter close to you?
Its very hard to make recommendations not knowing what your personal capabilities are.