Just Quit!

[litt387]

Hello, first post here but have been a spider owner for many years. Was driving last night (80 FI Spider) and it just quit. No sputtering or such, like you turned the key off. It will run if you spray a bit of starting fluid but only until the fluid runs out. When it runs on the fluid it runs perfectly for the few seconds it does. What type of fuel problem do you think I have here. It almost seems electrical in nature for it to shut off like that?

Thanks..

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I agree that it sounds electrical, but it could still be a fuel issue like a plugged fuel filter or pump. The electrical issue is most commonly one of three things:

1) The Ignition Control Module can temporarily fail when it gets hot, although it does usually start working again once it cools down. Old ignition coils can do the same thing. But that wouldn't explain the engine firing on starting fluid.

2) Bad ignition switch. The contacts have a habit of going bad over time, and you lose power to the coil. But, if the engine fires on starting fluid, then again that's probably not the issue.

3) Blown fuse for the fuel pump, or a bad electrical connection.

So, I'd verify that the pump is coming on when you turn the key to "Run" (not "Start"). If it's not that, you might need a new fuel filter and maybe a new pump. Remove the fuel tank sending unit from the tank and peer down in the tank with a flashlight. If you see rust or crud or the like, that's probably the issue.

One other possibility: The tank is building up a vacuum inside and the pump can't pump the fuel. Try loosening the cap one turn and listen for a "whoosh" which would indicate a vacuum. Loosen and then try to start.

-Bryan

[litt387]

I will check those as soon as possible! I appreciate the input.