80 spider starts fine sounds fine but no power

[Rob80Spider]

I just bought a 1980 2000 Spider Pinanfarina It ran great the first day or 2 but I took it out on the innerstate for about 10 or 15 miles and it started loosing power. Now it doesn't want to start so I disconnected the air filter and it starts right up and sounds good. I tried to drive it around the block just to see how it would do. Everytime I gave the car gas it would loose rpms. This is a carbeurated Spider.

I'm new to Fiats and not much of a mechanic. So please keep it in laymens terms.
Thanks for your time,
Rob

[azygoustoyou]

I'm not sure this would be the problem. But, take the plugs out and check for a crack. I had another car that did about the same. It had a cracked plug. Who knows how it happened. It was a new car too. Hopefully that helps.

[majicwrench]

How did you "disconnect" the air filter?? And it would not start before you "disconnected" air filter??
If it starts up and idles ok but looses power when trying to go, I would check to see if fuel pressure drops. Or just change fuel filter. Take old filter and drain it over soem paper towels and see how much junk comes out.
Keith

[kmead]

Definitely look at replacing the fuel filter. I would also wonder about dirt in the float bowl and elsewhere in the carb.

How much fuel is in the gas tank? If its really low, the fuel pump could be drawing a high concentration of junk into the filter.

You will likely need to change the filter a few times and may also want to look into taking the tank out and having it cleaned and recoated inside to get rid of the rust/dirt.

Remember this is a thirty year old car so its got lots of crud likely built up in the gas tank as a result of being stored for lengthy periods partially full allowing condensation to build up in the tank causing rust.

[Rob80Spider]

I disconnected the air filter by opening the air intake just in front of the box that holds the air filter. I'm sorry I don't know the correct names for the parts but the term newbie would be generous in my case.
The car was supposed to be a "daily driver" when I bought it but I have doubts. I did fill the gas tank up when it was running fine but the problem started within a mile or two after the fill up.
I'm going to take your advice and check the filter and possibly drain the tank. Thanks for your help.
Rob

[Rob80Spider]

I checked the filters, they didn't have much in them. Next, I checked the electric pump to make sure it was working. The gas that came out looked dirty. There was some cloudy areas floating within. Is there an easy way to empty this tank? It looks as if all the outlets are at the top of the tank.

Thanks,
Rob

[So Cal Mark]

from your description of the air filter, it sounds like FI not carbed

[Rob80Spider]

The previous owner said it was carb but from what I've been able to come up with from the web it is FI.

[ORFORD2004]

Picture of the engine will solve lot of question from members.

[Rob80Spider]

I'm attempting to post some pics but it seems to have the better of me so far.

[joelbert2k]

Definitely Fuel Injection.
First time I filled my 80 I went about 5 miles before the fuel filters clogged.
Even though mine is carb'd I'd say a good cleaning is in order!

Joel

[kmead]

I disconnected the air filter by opening the air intake just in front of the box that holds the air filter.

Whoa there a minute.

Did you remove the hose from the box? The black ribbed hose that goes across the top of the engine?

If you did (and your car suffers a common electrical fault that keeps the fuel pump running), you have likely disconnected the air flow meter from the flow of air which means the car will not rev nor create power.

If this is the case, reattaching the hose to the AFM unit will restore your car to at least running condition.

I suspect you are not seeing the real fuel filter, which is back by the fuel pump and is metal so its rather difficult to inspect.

[So Cal Mark]

Make sure the air intake hose fits tightly on the air flow meter and that the hose is not cracked anywhere. Make sure the flap in the air flow meter moves freely throughout its' range.
Then, turn your water tee over, it's mounted upside down

[Rob80Spider]

I found the fuel filter you mentioned. It seemed pretty clean. I think I do need to drain that tank of gas. Does anyone have a suggestion about how to do that? I'm going to turn that water tee over tomorrow. Does Oreillys carry that gasket? If not is there a gasket I can use instead? Another problem I've found is that there is a wire clip missing on the air filter housing so the top doesn't seal as well as it should. I guess the way to fix that is to fabricate one some how or should I go another route?

I really appreciate everyones' help,
Rob

[kmead]

So where are you at in terms of the car running properly? Beyond just starting is it now drivable? What was the problem?

Out of curiosity how are you inspecting the fuel filter?

Glad you are making progress.