Alfa Romeo Repair: Engine Fails to Starts, clutch master cylinder, mechanical fuel injection

Question
Hi,
We have a 1977 Alfa Romeo. It is a fantastic car and we are now having our 2nd problem:-( I bought the car about 18months ago - and had the Clutch Master Cylinder replaced. Other than that, it hasn't had anything but regular maintenance done.

Now the engine cranks and sputters, but won't start. If you press the accelerator, it stalls and dies. Hubby thought it was a vacuum leak. We replaced the hoses (injector hoses going to the carburetor) - because we saw a little cracking. It wants to start...
Any advice?
Thanks!
Robyn


Answer
Robyn,

That car should have SPICA mechanical fuel injection.  You said something about the injector hoses going to the carburetor.  You can't have both.
Many have been converted to side draft carbs because of the limited parts and knowledge of the SPICA system.
If it's SPICA, there are four metal lines running from the pump mounted on the lower right side of the engine to individual injectors.  They are small metal lines about 5mm or 3/16th inch.  There are no rubber fuel lines on the injected cars except one going to the pump from the rear of the car.
If it's Carburated, there will be rubber fuel lines going to the carbs and on top of the carbs there is a wingnut in the center that covers the air jets and emulsion tubes.

As for your problem, the car should run with a vacuum leak unless it's severe.  You haven't wasted your time, replacing cracked and weathered hoses is a good idea anyway.

Without knowing if your car is Carburated or Fuel Injected, it's going to be difficult for me to troubleshoot.

If it's injected, it sounds like a device called a Thermostatic Actuator on the distribution pump.  This makes the fuel/air ratio richer on cold start.  If it's not functioning or isn't adjusted properly, the car will fire and chug some, but won't start.  The distribution pump is also belt driven from the crankshaft.  If the belt is broken, it can act the same way.  It's a cogged belt and is timed to force fuel to the injector at the right time.  Even if it's slipped half way around, it would still run but poorly.  If it's broken, it won't run at all.
Unless you are very mechanically inclined and have a manual, I hesitate to suggest you try to fix this yourself.

If the car is carburated, then you can remove the wing nuts and cover on the top of the carbs, use a common screwdriver and remove the four jets, blow them out and make sure passages are open and replace them.  For the car not to run at all, there would have to be a lot of crud in there on both carbs.

If you don't know of anyone who works on these, send me followup and tell me where you are and I might be able to suggest a local shop.  There is also a strong Alfa subculture and probably a club near you.  Most times, they can be very helpful and are eager to assist.
It's difficult to own one of these cars without getting involved with others who share the same affliction. :)
You will never find anything else as much fun to drive and with as much spirit.  They have a personality, which means they need lots of attention.
Let me know where you are and I should be able to help more.

dave miller
Deltona, Florida