[alfa] Re: SPICA timing question: should my spider even be running?

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Matt:

It seems you've answered your own question about whether the engine will 
run with the Spica timing as it is.  The engine will also run with the 
injection timing 360 (crankshaft) degrees off, but not as well as when it's 
correct.  The fuel will still be sprayed into each of the intake ports, and 
when an intake valve opens, it will get into the cylinder.  The first thing 
I'd do is set the timing correctly, and go from there with the rest of the 
tune-up procedures.  One step at a time, and all the steps in the proper 
order.  A good, working Spica pump, on an engine in good repair, should 
yield gas mileage about double what you've mentioned.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 12:48 AM 10/8/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 21:25:50 -0500
> From: "Matthew Hanselman" <mjhanselman@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] SPICA timing question: should my spider even be running?
>
> Hi all -
>
> Can anybody explain the SPICA timing marks, and whether my car should even
> be running?
>
> Right now, it looks like the timing mark on the SPICA is lined up when the
> engine is at TDC -- at "F".  This is fully 70 degrees after "I".  Can this
> even be right?  Would the car even run at all with this configuration?
>
> Right now my spider runs real rich and spews a bit of carbon.  It also gets
> about 13mpg on a good day.  Needless to say, I'm taking it apart to see
> what's up.  If I'm right in reading the marks and the injector is lined up
> at TDC, would this explain my performance woes?
>
> Mind you, I inherited it this way.  I didn't do this one myself... :)
>
> - - Matt
>
> 73 Spider
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