Re: [alfa] checking out a potential purchase

[Benjamin Kaupp <bkaupp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hmmm... speaking from oh so personal experience, it may be something 
simple:
-Check that the battery has a GOOD connection. Mine was giving enough 
juice to run the fuel pump, but not the starter
-That fun little crash switch (back right in the engine compartment) 
has a fun habit of popping out, immobilizing you

oh, and bring a few spare fuses, flashlight, hammer... Not completely 
kidding on the last one, but that story's for after my knuckles heal.
I have a great PDF of the wiring diagram from a '78 if you want it... 
contact me off list (I know I found it through the list, thanks to 
whoever posted it)

interestingly enough, other than the above two times, my baby has 
always started right up for me. Which is a lot more than I can say for 
my &*%$^ BOSCH equipped Audi 4000 (which is the reason I got a Spica, 
the reason I got Lodge plugs, the reason I don't have Blaupunkt 
speakers... I know I can't avoid them completely, but their quality has 
gone downhill oh my I seem to be ranting)

-Ben Kaupp
'78 Spider (License plate VIII LEG coming soon!)

On Nov 19, 2003, at 10:20 PM, Christopher Keen wrote:


> Hi all,
> Well, as a distraction from my own car's problems, I'm going to go 
> check out a potential purchase tomorrow. It's a late 70s spider that 
> won't start. I was wondering what people would recommend checking on 
> the car and what they would bring along - here's my list so far:
>
> To check:
> - under the oil and radiator caps for blown headgasket clues
> - check oil level, smell the oil for gas smell to see if the spica is 
> worn
> - check for power at fuel pump and starter
> - check for spark at plugs
> - where do i check to see if i'm getting fuel? unbolt the hard lines 
> from the spica pump? undo the fuel hose at some earlier point?
> - of course, check general condition of body, interior, etc.
>
> To bring:
> - fresh battery / jumper cables
> - multimeter
> - wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.
>
> My goal with this car is to buy it if it's straightforward to get it 
> running. I don't want to put huge lumps of cash into it since I don't 
> have huge lumps of cash.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
>
> Chris Keen
> '77 spider
> Los Altos, CA
>
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Benjamin Kaupp
User Group Connection
bkaupp@domain.elided
831.295.2591
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