Technical 1978 124 Project

[Slotman]

Yes a few more passes with the hone, it looks like there's still untouched areas and then it could use a finer finish..is there much of a ridge at the top? You might be able to borrow a ridge reamer from the local auto parts store...

 

[chiefgray]

Finally today - I got a good look at the front engine cover (yellow) and there is a sticker saying "california" which may mean that this motor had additional emissions controls on it?? In any case, here is a video of my survey before I took the radiator out. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the wiring anomalies (?) I found....

I also have a 1978 California model, and I can tell you that a lot of your "loose" wires are from smog stuff that was removed. Look under your distributor cap... someone might have installed a Pertronix ignition module, and that's the red wire running to your coil. But if that's true, it should also have a black wire going to the negative side of the coil.

 

[Twink80]

I believe ring gap is measured with a feeler guage while in the cylinder?

Yes you can measure the ring gap like this. The ring needs to be at the respective height in the bore
The bores can go oval in the direction of thrust on the conrod. You will need a micrometer bore guage for this. There were a couple of used sets on for about £25 recently

 

[smahaley]

I also have a 1978 California model, and I can tell you that a lot of your "loose" wires are from smog stuff that was removed. Look under your distributor cap... someone might have installed a Pertronix ignition module, and that's the red wire running to your coil. But if that's true, it should also have a black wire going to the negative side of the coil.

Very interesting. Here is the top of my distributor - thoughts?

 

[Twink80]

Very interesting. Here is the top of my distributor - thoughts?
View attachment 464386

Buy a new one!

 

[Twink80]

Very interesting. Here is the top of my distributor - thoughts?
View attachment 464386

Might clean up in a ultrasonic cleaner?
Will have to dismantle further to see

 

[smahaley]

Buy a new one!

Yeah - I've never worked with one in such (apparent) bad shape so I may just add this to the (growing) list of parts to acquire. I'm DEFINITELY going to be spending less on the re-do of the interior of the car!

 

[Slotman]

Ya, give that one a gold watch and retire it! Ebay might be a good place to shop for a used one from a private party...if your going to buy new eBay is not the place, new fiat parts seem marked up compared to the fiat company's we know...

 

[Twink80]

Ya, give that one a gold watch and retire it! Ebay might be a good place to shop for a used one from a private party...if your going to buy new eBay is not the place, new fiat parts seem marked up compared to the fiat company's we know...

A guy n texas has just listed a car hes breaking maybe thats of some use to you?

 

[Slotman]

And it's free!

 

[smahaley]

And it's free!

Whaaaaaaaat???? Someone in TX has a free something or other? Sorry - didn't follow (but I'm at an advanced age so unsurprising).

 

[Slotman]

 

[Slotman]

It's on the vintage spider home page at the bottom under classified, and a rare color...