FSM Niki - Alternator and Running Problems ( Please Help )

[triantis]

Hi everyone,

My name is Sam and I've recently purchased a FSM Niki (same as Fiat 126). As i live in Australia getting parts and help with these little cars is not easy. I have very little knowledge on common problems and would like some help in solving a few problems with my car.

Okay so here's a rundown on problems.
- My alternator is only pushing 12.4 volts and drops to 12.3 volts when revving. (measured at the alternator). I have inspected the brushes and believe they are in working order. There is a resistor type setup within the alternator... im assuming this is the voltage regulator? What could be the problem? it looks like sourcing an alternator wont be easy as the engine fan in built into it.
- The second major problem occurs on and off. I am able to start the motor (650cc air cooled) and only rev it using the choke. If I press the accelerator the motor begins to slowly die down. Once i release the accelerator the motor will come alive again. Im not sure if this is somehow related to the alternator not charging?

Please HELP

[skelz]

Hi Mate,
I cant help with your issue but parts can be brought from Turin Imports, and OS as well.. see the Top site catergory above.. I would also suggest making a donation and downloading a workshop manual or two

[gsxr126]

Hey buddy, welcome to the forum. You'll find heaps of quirky Englishmen on here and a few Poles too..... Plenty of great advice though, great forum. As Skelz suggested a donation to download the manuals is a good place to start diagnosing your probs.

The voltage drop of 1 point shouldnt be an issue, does it affect anything? If the prob with the motor is intermitent i would look at points & plugs & leads first then see if carb is clean then check your fuel pump is working properly. Also check the air filter & clean. All stuff you can do for next to nix. If the prob is still there i rekon you'll need to look closer at ignition/coil etc... but it sounds like it just needs a proper tune.

Good luck with your niki - treat your gearbox with care and you'll enjoy pretty much trouble free motoring [-/

[skelz]

Are we getting enough Aussies to have a Oz Chapter of Club126 ?

[triantis]

Thanks guys. I think the manual will be a good start.

gsxr126 "The voltage drop of 1 point shouldnt be an issue, does it affect anything? If the prob with the motor is intermitent i would look at points & plugs & leads first then see if carb is clean then check your fuel pump is working properly. Also check the air filter & clean. All stuff you can do for next to nix. If the prob is still there i rekon you'll need to look closer at ignition/coil etc... but it sounds like it just needs a proper tune.

Good luck with your niki - treat your gearbox with care and you'll enjoy pretty much trouble free motoring thumbs"

- The voltage drop is not really my concern. I am concerned about the voltage its putting out... Isnt an alternator meant to push 13.5 - 14 volts???
- As for the running issue. This is the second time this has happened. The first time it occurred I changed over to a new battery and did a service on the motor (plugs, fuel filter, oil). The problem was gone for two days but has now come back.
- Also where is the oil filler plug for the gearbox? there is a square type bolt at the front of the gearbox (on the side just behind the clutch). Does this have to be filled until full?

Why would the motor run strong using choke and then die under throttle? Would it be too much fuel? As i touch the throttle the revs drop lower and lower until the motor just stalls. I am not even able to take off. How do i go about checking the following:
1. Carby - Do i just attempt to clean this out?
2. Ignition System - What can be done in regards to dizzy and coil?

I thought I would ask you experts on what could be the issue as it may possibly be a common problem.

Thanks

[Rusty's Uncle]

Tally Ho old boy , a quirky englishman here  </4
Make sure you have got the tension right on the altrernator drive belt as that also drives the cooling fan . Also the carb has a habit of working loose which might explain the choke thing . Probably worth stripping carb mount to check gaskets & for cracks in the bakelite spacer. Carb base flange can deform if it has been overtightened.
Must fly now as I think I hear the Queen calling me & I have not ironed my best bowler hat 

[smallcox]

Triantis,

Does the voltage drop at the ignition coil when engine is revvvvved. It sounds like the alternator is not charging as 12.4-12.3 is Batt volts and this amount off volt drop is nothing. try this test again with the head lights switch on and take a volt reading again, if the volts are still 12.3 then the charging system is doing something but still not right as you said 14 volt is the average.
 Now that Rusty old english man is right that an air leak on the induction system would cause power to drop off when the pedal is floored so check all as he mentioned but if the coil volts is dropping below 8 volt approx then a week spark would also cause the ignition to give a week spark (bit like a rev limiter) but this also would have some mis, mis, mis firing, so faulty carb or induction system would be my quess at this stage.

Smile you own a fiat [-/

Smallcox

[triantis]

I'm smiling but will be much happier with a car that drives.  [-/

After a couple hours of playing around with the motor I have sorted out the issue of not being able to build up revs.  Cleaning plugs, carby, ignition etc. made no difference. My gut feeling was power, so I decided to focus on this area. After connecting a fully charged jumper pack to the battery the problem was gone. She did not miss a beat and revved right out. So basically my alternator is not doing it's job in providing enough power for the motor to keep running.

My question is... Where is the cheapest place to get a new alternator? Im in Australia

Or... Is it worth attempting to rebuild it myself?

[Rusty's Uncle]

Pretty sure that you can get the parts you need for a rebuild fron the 126fan guys in Slovakia. They ship quite a few parts to Australia  [-/

[triantis]

Who are these guys? Do you have a contact?

[Pete126]

Korius had a similar fault turned out to be the wire from the altenator to the starter motor

http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4947.0

126Fan guys are in the Top Sites at the top of the page

[triantis]

Thanks for that Pete126, i will check mine.

Has anyone considered upgrading to a higher rated alternator? Im thinking of making a custom bracket and using an alternator off a Holden Commodore (85A unit and very cheap). Would this be possible? I would make a bracket to mount the alternator above the current belt and install a larger belt around all three. Leaving the current alternator in place to work the fan.

[gsxr126]

Good to see you found your problem Sam. The commo alt idea would probably work but i rekon just recoing your original should do the job.

[triantis]

gsxr126, I will speak to my local auto elec. I am half tempted to just buy a new one as I have the feeling that I might get a half assed job getting an auto elec to recondition it. I also have a spare motor and gearbox (complete). A good auto elec should be able to make 1 good one out of two units

[Aaron]

Doesn't the engine fan run off the alternator shaft throught the rear of the alternator on the air cooled models?  If so then a Commodore, or most other types of alternator wouldn't work as the rotor shaft is just not long enough at the rear.

Get one of your two rebuilt, would be easier.  Martin at 126fan can supply all of the bits you (or your auto sparkie) needs.  I use these guys pretty much all of the time, you just have to think ahead and be prepared for the delivery times - normally it takes about 1 -1.5 weeks for items to get to me here in Perth.  The exchange rates are pretty favourable for us at the moment.