re: SOS 71 Spider

[Dana Loomis <dloomis@domain.elided>]

>for the past month, i noticed a strange behavior in the vehicle. once it 
> started (which sometimes took a little nursing), it ran very well until it 
> heated up (10 minutes or so), then it'd get extremely weak. it would then 
> start lurching like a bucking horse through the gears to a point where i was 
> lucky if it kept rolling.... usually if i got it up to highway speed, it 
> could maintain the speed.... i would feel extremely relieved each time i 
> parked it.. then after it'd cool down, it would run fine again until the
same 
>problem occured. also, i noticed it was only getting 10 miles to the gallon.
> 
> i took it to a mechanic who showed me that 2 of the 4 bosche spark plugs 
>were wet, and who then proceeded to tell me that i needed a new engine, 
>and that they couldn't help me.

Charlie in LA is right--don't give up on this car.  If I had to guess, I'd
say the cold start valve is way out of adjustment or stuck open.  If this
is indeed the problem, it's not a big deal and can be fixed in 1/2 hour by
any competent Alfa mechanic.  You certainly don't need a new engine.
However, if you've been taking your car to the mechanic who told you you
need a $300 carburetor kit, the fuel injection may not be properly
adjusted.  Most problems with the SPICA system are due to incompetent
tinkering.

Dana Loomis
71 1750 GT Veloce (Webers)
72 2000 GT Veloce (SPICA)

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