1977 Spider - Fuel system part

[nadhome]

Hi all,

Acquainting myself with my recently acquired 1977 Spider 2000 Veloce.

It has a strong fuel smell from the engine bay even when sitting for a day or so.

Seems to be coming from the following part located near the carbies (see attachment pics).  Is this a Injector pump ? 

Trying to establish what it is to locate seals, parts on Classic Alfa.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,

[LukeC]

That is a pressure regulator and filter.

You can buy the filter and seal:

http://classicalfa.com/products.php?product=FL005-FUEL-FILTER-ELEMENT-%252d-SMALL

http://classicalfa.com/products.php?product=FL078-RUBBER-SEAL-FOR-FISPA-FILTER-UNIT

Generally nothing else goes wrong with them... You can't but parts anyway.

I prefer the Malpassi unit:

http://classicalfa.com/products.php?product=FL053-FILTER-KING-FUEL-FILTER-%26-REGULATOR-WITH-GLASS-BOWL

However, I suspect the issue is leaking accelerator pump diaphragms in the Carbs. This common with Dellortos. Reach underneath the carbs (the things that the fuel line goes to from the regulator) and feel for wetness. If there is petrol there, this is the problem.... If this is the case then it is time for a carb overhaul.

Kits:

http://classicalfa.com/products.php?product=FL013-CARBURETTOR-REBUILD-KIT-%252d-DELL%27ORTO-DHLA40

[LukeC]

The inline filter should not be there. Common fitment by people that do not know Alfas.

Does it have and electric fuel pump? The fuel line going into the reg looks like it coming from the supply line and I can't see the normal engine driven pump.

[nadhome]

Thanks Luke.

Is the pump located under the Carbies ?

I felt under the Carbies & it's not wet.

To get to the fuel pump will I need to jack it up?

Cheers,

[bonno]

Hi Nadhome
If fuel leak can’t be located with the engine off, I would start the car and run for several minutes then switch off engine. Check for the fuel leak, starting from the fuel pump/exit line (mechanical??) and follow line up to the carbies connection points. If found OK, then check carbies for obvious signs of leaks top and bottom carby gaskets/seals (mirror and torch might be useful here). If leak still can’t be detected, then I would be checking carby mounts (cracked/frayed/secured).

[nadhome]

Thanks LukeC & Bonno.

Found the leak.  It is from the top of the fuel regulator.  Wiped it clean & with the engine running you can see it slowly getting wet at the top of the regulator from fuel.

I've ordered the one with the glass bowl (FL053) and will remove the inline filter when replacing it.

Greatly appreciate the help & advice.

Cheers,

[Paul Byrne]

Hi There, While you are waiting for a new reg there is an easy fix for the leaking one. Remove the unit and the four screws holding it together. Using a flat surface and wet and dry paper carefully flatten the mating faces. Clean carefully and put it back together and all should be well.

On the tarmac rally car the two causes of a similar leak seemed to be an electric pump which delivers higher (excessive) pressure to the reg,  and slight bowing of the faces after 40 years or so! No further problems after flattening as described--even with the Holley pump still in use.
Cheers

[nadhome]

Thanks Paul,

Great tip!  Definitely will give that a try tonight.

Cheers,

[nadhome]

Fitted the new regulator (with glass bowl) & removed the inline filter.

All good & the fuel smell is gone.

Thanks for the help & advice.

Cheers,