RE: [alfa] Re: Spica problems on 74 Spider

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sounds like a classic case of a failed rack return spring.

Remove the barometric capsule (triangular plate on the top of the logic
section, held in with three screws).

Stick a finger inside the hole, and GENTLY feel for the spring which is
toward the front on the side closest to the engine. It should be attached at
both ends. It is most likely broken where it attaches to the rack at the
bottom.

Replacement springs should be available from Wes. It is possible to replace
the spring without removing the pump from the engine working through the
hole in the top, but it is not easy. I've managed to do it a few times.

A failed spring will cause an extremely lean condition. When cold the
mixture is rich enough from the TA, but as it warms up it leans out pretty
quickly.

Check this first, there are a few other things it could be too, but this is
the most likely. I assume that the car was running ok, and then started this
behavior all of a sudden one day?

Let us know what you find ...

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
ronewing
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2004 3:08 PM
To: alfa@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] Re: Spica problems on 74 Spider

    Hi guys.  A little more info, hoping for some bright ideas before I tear
into it.  Symptoms: runs normal on cold start up, but after running to lunch
a mile away and sitting for an hour it will barely run well enough to get me
home - very little power, cutting out, a bit of backfiring, surging.  Feels
like extreme lean running.  Failing fuel pump?  New filters and lines, clean
tank.  Good TA.  Recently "tuned up" by knowledgeable mechanic.  Let it sit
overnight, and all is well again in the morning on start up.  Got me
stumped, tho that admittedly isn't too hard where Spica is concerned.  Give
me carbs or give me death!  :)  Ideas?  TIA, Ron.
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