RE: Cold starts and SPICA

["Ian Lomax" <sfalfisto@domain.elided>]

Hey James,

The cold start solenoid only affects the start, so it's an easy bugger to
adjust, and won't affect normal running.  Again, check the AROO site at
www.alfaclub.org for directions, but you can test it's operation with the
car running, and dial it in.  Of course this assumes that the rest of the
system is working correctly, but if all else fails and it's too rich just
disconnect to start.

As for the fast idle, I think it's supposed to idle around 1400 when cold,
but I have no idea how fast it will return to normal.  The T/A affects the
cold idle, by keeping the throttles open slightly when cold.  Testing the
T/A is easy, with a candy thermometer and pot of water on the stove.

Have fun!
Ian Lomax
71 Spider


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided]On Behalf Of
James Montebello
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2002 10:56 PM
To: alfa@domain.elided
Subject: Cold starts and SPICA


My recently acquired Alfetta is my second SPICA-equipped car, the first
being a VERY tired Berlina.  Both cars had (have) cold-start problems,
requiring 2-3 tries to get them to stay lit.  Once warm, starting
was no problem.  Having never driven a SPICA car with a known-to-work,
properly-adjusted thermostatic actuator, what exactly is the car supposed
to do when cold?  The actuator handles mixture AND fast idle, yes?
How "fast" is "fast"?  1200rpm?  2000rpm?  More?  How quickly should it
drop to "normal" idle?

I've read all of the material on adjusting the pump, and spent hours
fiddling with the pump on the Berlina.  I'd just like to know if the
above is "normal", or not?

I should point out that a big difference between the two is the Alfetta's
pump was recently adjusted by a respected Alfa-savvy mechanic, and passed
the California smog test only days ago with flying colors (remarkably low
numbers, in fact).   It also has good drivability and power.  The Berlina
was set up randomly, which was one reason I didn't mind experimenting
on it, and never really ran properly.  Their only common trait is the
cold-start issue.

james montebello
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