First Day Questions

[KensSpider]

Greetings!!

Just purchased a little 1975 Spider today. It's not a Concours champ, but I think it has the makings of a fun driver -- which is exactly what I am looking for.

I have a couple of questions ... one which concerns me a bit.

Although the car came to me without any real documentation, there was a copy of a receipt in the glove box for about $900 worth of recent engine work, mostly centered on a new head gasket. The car seems to run extremely well and I don't find much to complain about, right now at least.

However, I note that the when the engine is running, the Engine Oil Pressure gauge is reading almost 0. As the engine revs up, it will move up just a bit, but not much beyond about halfway to the first line. I checked the oil level and it's nice and full. The engine sounds fine, no obvious noises. At this point I suspect the gauge reading is nothing to really worry about, but I'm open to suggestions from y'all. Gauge itself? Sending Unit? Maybe too thin oil?

I did notice a slight "oil burning" odor at times, but again I don't see anything obvious at this time.

By the way, I consider myself a fair shade tree mechanic, but certainly NOT a pro!! And, this IS my first Italian car ...

Also, is there an online version of the owner's manual? I'll search eBay to buy one, but am curious what all of the indicators are, how they operate, etc. At least anything that is not obvious!!

Thanks in advance!!

Ken

[bandit]

Greetings Ken

Try taking it to 10,000 RPM and see what it reads then ???
hehe jk


This is a common complaint with these cars i would add a mechnical
gauge or swap the orginal to solve this but thats just me .

Welcome to the Fiat club this is a good place to get info .

Daniel

[mdrburchette]

Congrats on your purchase. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Dan is right about the low reading being common but it's probably the sender. You could hook up a mechanical gauge temporarily to make sure it has good oil pressure. The manual suggests 55-85 lbs.