Thanks to those who replied to my post regarding the Alfa Spider. Problem Solved! We finally got around to addressing it today, after messing around a bit, we dropped the exhaust and Voila, the element in the cat was sitting sideways and there was a round imprint where it was plugging the outlet. It didn’t want to break apart, so out came the sawsall and in went a straight pipe. That Alfa ‘four’ sings better than ever now.

And now the bad news. My car has decided to not start again. It’s an ’82 244 w/LH 1.0 FI and Chrysler ignition. It turns over fine, but there is no spark even at the coil. Several coils were swapped in, even one from a (gasp!) Saab. I tried two different ignition switches too. Swapped ignition computers and FI computers with a working ’82, no difference, and mine worked fine in the other car. I spent a fair amount of time cleaning and wiggling connectors and wires too but to no avail. The wire (brown) on the pos. side of the coil is connected well to starter solenoid. In desperation I jumped a wire straight from the battery to the coil but it made no difference. Where do I go from there for spark?

But wait, that’s not all. Even weirder than that is what’s going on with the fuel delivery. The fuel pump comes on with the ignition only half the time. When it does, it doesn’t turn off until the key is turned off. It’s as if it doesn’t build enough pressure to turn off. No leaks at the tank, pump, under the hood or in-between. I pulled off the return line and it pumps gas back. Relays clicking and all that good stuff. BUT, no fuel is making it to the cylinders! The plugs are dry even after all the cranking I did. I eventually saw the gas dripping from the bellows at the bottom of the mechanical FI unit. With the pump running it will slowly pour out the bottom of the unit. What the heck is going on there???

I don’t get it. It ran fine the night before. It has however been rather rainy here lately (moisture + 19 y/o wiring). It certainly seems to me that one thing is causing both problems since they appeared at the same time. The question is what?

Thanks so much for your replies; I’m at a loss right now. The silver ’84 that’s waiting to be put into commission is looking more and more appealing.

Tell me if you need more info. I’m sure there’s something I forgot!

Will R.