[alfa] Spica Pump: To change or not to change...

["John S." <roadtrip999@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

PJ -
It shouldn't be too difficult to modify if you have all the hardware from 
the donor car. I'm not sure what you mean by the "bumps" on the top of the 
pump. Although I don't have any direct experience with the monofarfalla 
systems on the 80-81 models, I do know that the '78 (T261/1) and '81 (T265) 
injection pumps themselves were very similar except for slight differences 
in the 3D cam and the use of a fixed baro compensator instead of an 
adjustable one. After 1974 (T255/1), the pump fuel delivery shedule was 
leaned out due to tightening emissions regs. I didn't think the electrical 
connections were any different from earlier models. Maybe someone can 
correct me. There should be two electrical connections to the pump. One from 
the starter solenoid to th Cold Start Solenoid and the other from the car's 
electrical system to the Fuel Cutoff Microswitch on the bottom of the pump, 
then on to and terminating at the Fuel Cutoff Solenoid. You should get a 
mirror and flashlight and look at the data placard just below the fuel 
pipes, and see what model pump is installed in your car. Also look right 
below that for any overhaul markings that would indicate the pump has been 
overhauled. That said, I think either pump, as long as they are in good 
condition would be ok.

R&Ring the pump isn't that hard and especially not when you've already 
pulled the manifold and fuel pipes off. The easiest way to remove the pump 
is to leave the pump base (that attaches to the engine block) on, and remove 
the six 10mm nuts that holds the pump section to the base. As far as the 
drive belt cover goes, I'd just remove that and leave it off. I think it 
causes more problems than it solves. Be very careful not to bend the fuel 
pipes and you note exactly how they are mounted, in what order and the order 
of disassembly/reassembly. Take a photo or make a drawing. They are 
confusing to reinstall.

It seems that you are very unfamiliar with the SPICA system since you don't 
know the ordinary nomenclature of the pump parts. Before you start the 
conversion, I would highly suggest that you become much more familiar with 
the system and how to tune and adjust it. For instance, before you put the 
new manifold on, it's a lot easier to check the correct adjustment of the 
throttle idle and wide open throttle stops, if you don't have the special 
Alfa tool. Those stops are fundamental settings that unless they are 
correct, will make it impossible to tune the system for optimum performance. 
That is only one example. Messing with the system without doing your 
homework will probably yield unsatisfactory results. The SPICA system is 
does not respond well to hit & miss tinkering.

There are several good sources. Wes Ingram's book for tuning. The AROC Tech 
Notes Series. AR Owner's Bible, etc.  If you'd like to talk more specifics, 
email me at NOSPAMroadtrip999@domain.elided. Of course, delete the NOSPAM.

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