Technical Hi, I have a problem with a Fiat Barchetta.

[Mjo]

Hi, I've owned a Fiat Barchetta for 25 years and I've just bought another one.
I cannot get it to run properly, I've drained the fuel etc (stood for 3 years).
The engine starts and occasionally I can rev it for a few seconds, then, the revs drop off to a very lumpy tick over until it stalls. It doesn't have a visible fuel filter.
I've replaced the spark plugs ( which were black) and fuel pump relay with the one off my car. Unfortunately, the coil packs don't fit this slightly later model.
Any suggestions before I buy new coil packs?
Thanks in advance!

 

[jmi]

Sounds like it is not getting gas. Stood long time, so fuel pump itself could be jammed because of old petrol. Same for fuel filter. Filter should be found under the car, front or right rear tire.

One thing you can try. Unplug fuel line from engine, put line to some big bottle etc and turn ignition on. You should get good amount of fuel in the bottle.

- J

 

[Mjo]

Thanks for your reply, I'll try your suggestions. My earlier car has a fuel filter under the car, unfortunately, later models, like this one don't have an external filter.

 

[varesecrazy]

Thanks for your reply, I'll try your suggestions. My earlier car has a fuel filter under the car, unfortunately, later models, like this one don't have an external filter.

It MIGHT be worth seeing if you can swap pumps..


Initially... I would compare the cycle time of the 2 x cars as you turn on ignition

It should fill the fuel rail, then cut off once pressure is reached

Cycle both cars a few times.. Then see if the "refill times are similar"


It doesn't sound like a coil pack issue to me

 

[Mjo]

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea.
I'll try that first, when I get chance!
Thanks again!

 

[varesecrazy]

Do let us know what you find

 

[Mjo]

Yes, you were right! I disconnected the fuel pipe from the top of the fuel tank and attached a piece of tubing to it.
When I switched the ignition on, the amount of fuel being pumped out was a pathetic dribble! When I get a chance, I'll install a new pump to the tank.
Does anyone know if all fuel pumps (with the filter built in) on sale specifically for Barchettas Will fit!?
Thanks again for all your help, you've got me out of trouble !

 

[varesecrazy]

Yes, you were right! I disconnected the fuel pipe from the top of the fuel tank and attached a piece of tubing to it.
When I switched the ignition on, the amount of fuel being pumped out was a pathetic dribble! When I get a chance, I'll install a new pump to the tank.
Does anyone know if all fuel pumps (with the filter built in) on sale specifically for Barchettas Will fit!?
Thanks again for all your help, you've got me out of trouble !

Glad you found an obvious problem

I have often wondered if you can run the pump in reverse..

Pass fuel through the pump.. Then the filter

Catch all the junk in a tub,

And then try again..?

As pumps get harder to source.. This may be worth a try..


Compatability..

Have you used the EPER Parts manual on this site..

Might aid your search for a pump

 

[Mjo]

Thanks again for your help.
I'll have a go at fixing the original one first.
I've been quoted £175 by a trustworthy motor factors, I don't know whether to trust the ones advertised on eBay for around £45. I still have to remove the old one, once it stops raining!
I'll keep you posted on my progress soon.

 

[varesecrazy]

@pmx007pl member wrote a good GUIDE on the pumps

Worth a look,

Posted in Mk1 punto GUIDES

 

[Mjo]

Thanks again for your help, I'll try fixing it first, can't do anything until the weather improves!
I'll keep you posted, thanks again!

 

[Mjo]

Thanks for all your help! I eventually fitted a new fuel pump and filter unit into my fuel tank( as advised ). Couldn't get the old one out without breaking it! The car ran beautifully on all cylinders until I managed, somehow, to break one of the extremely brittle, fuel injectors! It won't run at all now!
I'll fit 4 new ones soon .
Thanks, especially to varescrazy!

 

[varesecrazy]

Good the hear the correct tree was barked up

Were there variations of pump, or was getting a replacement pretty straightforward?

 

[Mjo]

Finally got a chance to replace the fuel pump. I couldn't get the old one out without damaging it!
Fitted the new one and the car ran perfectly until I accidentally damaged an extremely brittle fuel injector connector etc. Now, it won't run at all! I'll fit a new injector when i can!
Thanks to everyone for your help, you got me back on the road with it for a minimal cost, financially and timewise!

 

[Mjo]

No problem at all, there were a few cheaper options at around £40. I paid £50 with free delivery and it looked exactly like the original. Works perfectly. I'm not looking forward to replacing the fuel injector, not sure wether to replace them all? Any advice about getting the fuel rail off without damaging the other 3 injectors would be greatly appreciated!