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Oil pressure question-

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Tinster

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A third year engineering student has sought me out
because he heard I was an "expert" in old sport cars.
Kinda funny but then I remember my own fruitless quest
to find help here on the island. Also, he knows of 2 old
Triumphs that are sitting in self storage garages. The
owner is a collector but too fat to drive either car.
So, I'm on my own quest now to locate them.

Anyway, the lad's car is an original 1984 Fiat Spyder. He
bought it on E-bay for $6,000. (with dad's help) and had it
shipped here. 75,000 miles, dusty 4 cylinder engine,
original everything except new leather seats and new soft
top. Color white, very nice looking car. No rust obvious.
Car came from Iowa and was owned by a collector who sold it
to make room for a 911 he had just purchased.

I drove it for maybe 15 minutes. Very smooth 5 speed
tranny, suspension and steering tight as a drum. Engine
feels strong for a four banger and scoots up to 60 quickly.

BUT cold start oil pressure at 25 psi and running pressure
at 5 psi. I told the lad this might be an issue and that
I'd ask you experts here. Are Fiats like TRs and have thrust
washers? If so, can I measure end float at the fan pulley
like I did on the Crypt Car?

Sorry to take up Triumph space for a Fiat question but I
think it's great a young fellow is into old sportcars, even
if it is a Fiat.

thanks,

dale
 
Dale, You might post this in the 'Other Cars' section to get some people with more Fiat/Alfa experience if some of us here in Triumph world can't help. Doc Entropy would be the first one I would expect to respond with helpful advice. A few others could 'pop' up though too.
 
And now I see you do have it posted here as well... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/blush.gif
 
And I see it... HI Shawn! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif


Italians don't put too much stock in pressure. Volume is their game. This is a reading at idle, I assume. If the needle is off the "Prepare to Walk" mark at all, it's likely fine. You won't see much more than 40~50 PSI at full chat.

As an aside, the Alfas have a seven quart sump. Finned aluminum with a "maze" of baffles inside. Oil is cooled this way to help keep the engine temp down. Fiat are more "conventional" but warn the lad NOT to bottom the oil pan: it'll snap the pump pickup in an eyeblink. Matter of fact, mebbe have a look-see at it to be sure that hasn't happened.
 
Dale,
The link below will take you to a forum on Spiders. A quick read indicates a propensity for bad oil pressure readings, not from the engine, but from the sensors. Also recommendations to use 20-50w oil in old engines in warm climates.

www.fiatspider.com/
 
Hello Dale,

it is essential to get the oil pressure checked, if it is a sensor problem then that's much less of a problem.

What Dr E says about sump size and type should help oil pressure and indeed many engines, not just Fiats, are quite happy with 40 to 50psi hot. Who needs more? Virtually all engines have some sort of thrust control and going back to Triumphs, worn thrust washers alone won't explain a low oil pressure. This would be true of most engines.

Alec
 
Another Fiat forum is here: https://www.mirafiori.com/

Ditto above comments on faulty sensors... a common Fiat problem.

As I recall, Fiat 'solved' this problem by eliminating the Press Olio gauge sometime in the late 70s (went with just an idiot light). My 81 Spider didn't have one though, like many others, I added one from an older 124.

If his is truly a 1984 then I think it is a Pinafarina rather than a Fiat. When Fiat discontinued production of the 124 (by then it was called a Fiat 2000) Pinafarina took it over for a spell. The car was badged with that 'P' and had assorted cosmetic changes to try to justify the higher price tag... so perhaps they went back to using a gauge for oil pressure.

Many sources for a new sending unit (don't even think about trying a used one) though I was always satisfied with these guys: https://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm/sc/28953
 
Just to add my 2 cents, my experience with a '69 124 Sports Coupe were similar to the above mentioned, re: low idle readings! I ralleyed the car and never had any probs. with it!! PS I always loved the 124 engine/tranny combo (the 5 speed is built like a Swiss watch!) and have toyed with the idea of it as an engine switch to a Spridget ( I would have to call it a Fidget!).
 
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