fiat mechanics

[Spudzmonkey]

Gah! None of my local garages want to touch my 126. The poor car has been off the road for 3 months following a series of embarrassements. Its still running but could really do with an all-round service... Not sure what to do. It's the labour costs that worry me - I want the work done quickly and properly. Not too much to ask for such simple looking engine.

I live outside Bangor, Gwynedd (I've noticed that there are no club members in the area), does anyone know where I can find a good fiat mechanic locally?

[Chris Lakin]

my Brother was in Bangor last weekend with his family!!! we have 2 members in Wales, both south though!! Chris lewis and Neil hollands, in swansea and cardiff.

www.fiat126.co.uk/membermap.html

what work needs doing?

regards

Chris

[Spudzmonkey]

Hello Chris. Same old problems with fuel (I think) leading to a refusal to start on a number of occasions. I read somewhare that this could be caused by over fuelling the engine (?). Car starts okish, drives great, stinks (broken heater cable?), warms up, I arrive at destination, stop car, get out ... get back in, key in ignition and - nothing! very feint click, thats all. Wont bump start! Aagh! Strange thing is that after leaving the car overnight it starts okish again.

Leaks oil, I've noticed- between gearbox and engine - plus messy rocker cover - why? I dont know. Steering wheel out by a 4 degrees handles fine though.

Oh and passenger side flooded. Apart from that the car looks mint.

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[Spudzmonkey]

Its done it again! Took the car on a half mile drive around the block. Started as always - first time, tap the accelerator a little, engine coughs and almost stalls and then catches up, so I move off. Lights work fine, wiper inermittent, wheezy tapping sound from...tappets(?) I forgot how loud these cars are (well mine is) as I get used to the handling again. Travelling in a straight line the steering wheel points right by about 4 or 5 degrees, is this normal? I get the car back home in one piece - it works! Ignition off, relax. I'm ready for a second outing, so I turn the key and ...nothing, just a 'click'.

Does anyone know what wrong with my 126?

[ChrisRLewis]

aircooled or watercooled?

[Spudzmonkey]

Air-cooled.

[ChrisRLewis]

I would check the points and condenser first followed by the ignition timing before doing anything else. It could be many things? But get these right first!

Starter motor could be connections but more than likely a faulty starter motor or solenoid problem. Try running a long lead from the battery + terminal (when the problem occurs) and touching the small connection on the starter motor, take care the engine may start! Also check the car is in neutral. If it now works it probably a connection problem solenoid to ignition switches.

If it’s still no a go, try bridging the two large connections on the solenoid with a large screwdriver take care and wear gloves, do this very briefly just to see if the motor turns! If it does it’s a solenoid fault. If it does not it’s the motor itself.

The steering wheel can be removed and realigned in a straight position. It’s probably occurred through the tracking being not set up properly.

[Spudzmonkey]

Thank you! I will try that.

[Chris Lakin]

sounds possible its either fuel pump or carb?? as with my BIS it had all those problems you listed!!! changed the fuel pump a sit was over fueling because a seal in the fuel pump had gone.

 do you have a manual??

regards

Chris

[Spudzmonkey]

makes sense, because I've refurbished the carb but haven't touched the pump. But could overfuelling be the cause of my ignition problems?

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