[alfa] HELP! Fuel pump problem?? 1978 Spider Veloce

[alfa@xxxxxxxxxx]

Hi, I am new to Alfas and their intricacies - but my car was left for
2 weeks while we were abroad, and now it is playing up!  It ran fine
prior to sitting in the garage - although I have only had it for a
couple of months now.

It is a 1978 Cali. Import 2000 Spider Veloce with the Spica FI ripped
out and replace with Dellorto 40 DHLA carbs, the mechanical fuel pump
position is blanked off, and an SU electric fuel pump is fitted on the
rear crossmember.

Symptoms:
Runs fine for between 5-10 miles - then much back firing upon
deceleration (fuel cut off related???), and finally conking out
altogether.
However if I then turn the key off then on again, the fuel pump can be
heard going like the clappers to prime the carbs, and I can drive
again for a seemingly random amount of time until we start the process
again.

So any ideas? Does the backfiring indicate over rich - too much fuel
being pumped thru' the carbs - where do I start [ well where does my
husband start actually ;-) ]

We think it could be the fuel pump, should there be a cut off solenoid
on the pump itself??
Or the carbs set over-rich (although the previous owner did say they
were set 'lean' to pass the MOT emissions test here in the UK, and we
haven't played with them yet.


I would be very grateful if people here could give me any advice!
Thanks a lot,
Nicky
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