If the starter turns the engine... Is it functional?

[markpink]

In the continuing adventures of my 1975 Fiat Spider...

I have fixed the wiring on the ignition switch and added a cranecam xr3000 so that I now have spark.

I replaced the fuel pump and corrected the fuel lines so they go where they are supposed to go (Don't even ask where they went before....)

When I try and start it, the engine turns over but does not start.

If the engine turns over, is the starter functional? It seems to have the right voltage.

If it isn't the starter, I am going to replace the old weber 32 with a new 32-36 DFEV.

Thanks

Mark in NH

[maytag]

the short answer: YES. If the motor turns, the starter is functional.

Basic rule on our internal combustion motors: If you've got spark and you've got fuel, then it runs. (This assumes you've got spark and fuel at the correct time, of course.)

So Mark, forgive the next few questions; I just want to ascertain what level of experience you have, so we know how to best be of assistance.

When you installed the crane XR3000, did you re-time the ignition? Have you physically inspected to be sure you have spark? Or are you relying on replaced parts for this?

You say you put the fuel lines where they were "supposed to go". How did you determine this? Do you know that your carb is delivering fuel to the motor?

Trust me when I tell you that just replacing parts 'til it runs is a quick way to get very frustrated, and broke.

[markpink]

This car has never run while I have owned it. I have seen the spark. I did the spark test. I never got spark before I added the electronic ignition. I need it to start before I can fix the timing.

When I went to test the fuel pump, I found it disconnected from all wires and hoses and lying in the bottom of the trunk.

When I added the new fuel pump, I found that the fuel lines in engine were not correct.(fuel went everywhere) I used my 1977 as a model and shop manuals to correct the problem.

The starter does turn the engine. So if that is the proof that the start is functional, then I am looking at the carb.

The 32 carb has like many many connections and looks really beat-up. I replaced the 32 with a 32-36 DFEV in my 1977 two years ago and I like the way it cuts down the many connections and removes all the emissions issues and I love the improved performance. The 77 had trouble starting and once I replaced it with the 32-36, it has started every time without a problem.

I have tested everything else. So I am probably going to order a carb.

thanks

Mark

[maytag]

I have seen the spark. I did the spark test. I need it to start before I can fix the timing.

What
"Spark Test" did you do? and you MUST time the ignition prior to expecting it to run. If you are not getting spark at the right time, then it will not run. Do you know how to set your initial timing, at least close enough to get it to fire? Again, not trying to offend. I don't know what you may or may not know how to do yet.

When I added the new fuel pump, I found that the fuel lines in engine were not correct.(fuel went everywhere) I used my 1977 as a model and shop manuals to correct the problem.

So are you quite certain that you've got fuel to the carb? Is the carb bowl full? When you press the accelerator, can you see fuel down the throat of the carb?

The 77 had trouble starting and once I replaced it with the 32-36, it has started every time without a problem.

Not arguing which carb you like, but remember: with the '77, you started with a running car. Now you're not.

personally, I would make sure you've narrowed it down to that really being the culprit before buying another carb.
Practically speaking: even with a near-dead carb, you should be able to at least get the motor to fire.
Pour a trickle of gas down the throat and crank the starter:
If it fires and runs for a couple of seconds: look to your fuel delivery (carb / pump / hoses).
If it doesn't fire and run for a couple seconds, look to your ignition timing.