Hello from Virginia!

[Azzurra85]

Hello everyone!

I just bought a 1985 Pininfarina Azzurra, and I'm in the process of restoring it. It's an automatic with ~85,000 miles. The car currently does not run, as the previous owner had it sitting in a garage for several years, but the engine does not appear to be seized. The previous owner told me the car had a persistent hot-start problem when he had it running, and after several unsuccessful attempts by various regional mechanics to fix the problem, he bought most of the components needed to replace the entire original fuel injection system with a modern ECU setup. All of the components he'd bought came with the car. I'm not sure if that is the best way to fix the problem since I have little experience with Fiat electronics, but I'll save that discussion for the Electrical Issues board.
Beyond that, the car is in great shape all things considered. The paint appears to be completely original and in good condition, and there is very little rust on the car outside of one small portion of a wheel well and a few small bubbles around two other wheel wells. The frame has little to no rust as of the last time I had it on jackstands. I don't believe the car has ever had any bodywork done before. As for the interior, the carpet has been removed, but the car still has its original seats and dashboard, and all of the gauges seem to be working.

Looking forward to getting it restored and to being a member of this community!
- Azzurra85

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Welcome! Where in Virginia are you? (I grew up in Lexington, as did my '69 spider)

As for the hot start issue, it's likely going to be easier to fix the problem than install a modern FI system. Hot start issues are often an issue with the coolant temperature sensor at the front coolant neck on top (not the two temperature sensors down by the spark plugs). Check the sensor and its wires. Another issue can simply be flooding. Crank the engine for a few seconds with the gas pedal held to the floor and see if it fires.

If you can find an old school mechanic who is familiar with the old Bosch L-Jetronic systems, that would be great. Such mechanics are getting harder to find as time goes on, though.

-Bryan

[Azzurra85]

Hello Bryan,

I live in Alexandria, small world! Thank you for your advice for the hot start problem. I was hoping I could fix the problem without having to go through the trouble of installing an entire modern FI system, so I'll be sure to check for the coolant temp sensor and possible flooding first.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Well, I get back to DC about once or twice a year, but that's about as close as I get to Alexandria. Except for when I take the Metro Silver Line from Dulles to downtown. Flights from SFO to IAD are cheaper, nonstop, and usually better times. But I digress.

The Bosch FI system is pretty good when all is working as it should. The injectors are very reliable, and it's rare for them to go bad. The ECU is also pretty reliable. Problems are caused by one of a few things:

Coolant temp sensor (CTS) as I mentioned.
Time-Temperature Switch (TTS) which is under the intake manifold.
Cold Start Injector (CSI). That blue thing hanging off the front of the intake plenum.
The air flap in the AFM. These can often stick, and so the ECU doesn't meter the right amount of fuel through the injectors.
Leaks in that large rubber tube that runs from the AFM to the throttle body inlet. Or leaks in the intake manifold.

By the way, the oxygen sensor is often accused of being the issue, but these are also pretty reliable unless very old or the engine's been burning oil. They don't function until they get really not, so they are not really in the loop when the engine is cold, or idling. Not hot enough. I think they don't kick in until the exhaust reaches 600 oF or so.

I'm not much of an expert on the FI systems so try posting in one of the technical forums, and you are more likely to get an answer. You can also register at mirafiori.com and they have a library with a very good Bosch FI troubleshooting guide. Might be out there on the Web as well.

-Bryan

[rdv]

Hi
and welcome! Congratulations to that rare one!

Have you any pic for us? Always nice to see some "new" cars. Is your car already listed in the worldwide Spider Register?
It counts 26 Pininfarina Spider in Virginia, see here:
https://www.fiatspider.de/register?Fahr ... e=Virginia

Good luck with your car problem! Because my Spider is a 69 carburetor model, I can't help with our "modern" problems..

Cheers Ralf