Overheating...

[Bar Vitelli]

Well, hours of effort and a small fortune in parts and we've still not cracked it. 

To recap, it starts, runs for a bit and sounds fantastic, after about 5 minutes it starts to shake (I think it only has one cylinder working at this point) and then cuts out after a series of shudders.

We've tried lots:

New coil
New condenser
New HT leads
New spark plugs
New fuel sender
New battery
New oil
New petrol
Cleaned the carburettor
Tested the fuel pump
New fuel tubes
Replaced the fuel filter
New rocker shaft

We're running out of ideas and feeling incredibly deflated.

Any ideas or suggestions most welcome.

[dadandlad]

Have you checked the valve clearances

When it cuts out have you checked there is any fuel in the carburettor float chamber (remove carb top and have a look)

If it was cutting out dead I would suggest an electrical fault

Slowly dyeing suggests fuel related problem

Offers still there Gary if you want me to call down

[Bar Vitelli]

Thanks, Mark, I think both Chris and I will take you up on that.

I'll give you a call later this week to line some time up.

Very much appreciated.

 

[Pete126]

I think you need to do a compression test when the engine is hot, after all the items you have replaced and checked the fault must be internal

[Bar Vitelli]

Thanks, Pete, I'll add that to the list. Desperate to give Kohli a chance to drive it this year before winter sets back in again. 

[drcdb15]

This is going to sound both silly and insulting, so please be assured that I don't mean to be, but A) I've just watched your video of it dying, and B) I've just read the whole thread, and I don't see any mention of...

Air starvation.

Now before you scoff, just think: if air was being restricted flowing in through the bodywork grille and ducting into the main fan, then the air supply to the outside of the engine would be too low, hence the overheating, and the air supply to the air filter and hence to the inside of the engine would be too low, hence the cutting out, and the excess of petrol over air leading to the 'too rich' smell.

It's only a theory, but like I say, I don't see any mention of a new air filter, or checking the air ways. Easy test: run the engine as normal (so as to get as much cooling as possible) until it is starting to cut out, then whip off the air filter housing and air filter, or at least disconnect them so that fresh air can get into the inlet without restriction. If my theory is right, the engine should pick up again (but don't let it run too long on unfiltered air and without the full cooling flow).

If my theory is wrong, then the engine will just cut out completely as before.

And now you'll tell me oh yes, we did fit a new filter but forgot to mention it ! 

Anyway, really hope it's some blockage in the airway and not a cracked cylinder head 

Good luck

[dadandlad]

No problem Gary,
 I can throw compression tester in the van as well

[Bar Vitelli]

Thanks, Mark and thanks everyone for the advice, will add it to the checklist. I think we changed the air filter but it's been so long now I can't remember. Will pop outside and check.

I'm working late next couple of days, Mark and trying to dodge some travelling so will give you a call later this week once I know when I'll be at home. Really appreciate the support.

[Bar Vitelli]

Hi Mark, I'm re-motivated and all charged up (wish my car was!)...is any time Friday, Saturday daytime or anytime Sunday this week any good. Please let me know, I'm feeling lucky so got a good feeling that you will crack it in one go!

 

[DeVilleChris]

To me its screaming something internal now, checked valve clearances and what not. the list is endless.

I'm lost on this car!!!!

[dadandlad]

Lets have a go Friday evening, any time after 3 is good for me

[DeVilleChris]

I'll be there most of Friday, going to start putting the other engine back together

See you then

[tmf123]

Watching this post with bated breath! I have the exact same problem with my Fiat 500 D, will go ok for about 9 miles then it overheats. I've changed and re-set everything three times, and I mean everything! Spoke with an old fashioned auto engineer today, he said unleaded petrol runs hotter and to knock the timing back to 4 degrees and it should cool it down. I tried it tonight, but haven't had the time to take it for a proper run. Have you checked the timing on the other (working) cars you have to see what they are set to ?

Please post up your results as soon as and I will do too....

[drcdb15]

my Fiat 500 D, will go ok for about 9 miles then it overheats.

Can anyone remind me, why exactly is this thread called "Overheating" ? Unless you have a temperature gauge fitted somewhere, how exactly do you *know* that the engines are overheating? The only firm symptom I can recall seeing in the thread (I may have missed it, of course, it's been several months now) is that the engine cuts out after a fairly short time. Are there any other symptoms? Obviously the engine starts when it is cool, and stops after a while when it has warmed up. So it is "heating", but why do you think it is *over* heating?

Until you get to the temperature where the oil is breaking down *can* an air cooled engine overheat?

[Bar Vitelli]

Overheating is our current theory but right at the start the engine was definitely overheating because we had a chap with some gadgets measure the temperature in different parts of the engine and the bit on the right hand side was significantly over what Fiat said it should be.