fiat regatta power problems

[bluelima4]

Does anyone know the correct type of fuel for 1987 Fiat Regatta - is it unleaded or premium unleaded. Originally ran on leaded. It intermittently loses power and car slows to a stop - engine still idles but cannot go. After waiting about 10 minutes car goes again. Can happen in cold or hot weather. Has been in for service many times (tried different places) to fix problem but nothing seems to help. Have tried several choke levels. Doesn't happen all the time but this problem has been going on and off for years. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

[mortenkristofferse]

Hi ,
I have experienced a few late1970-mid1980s (X 1/9 & Ritmo) with same symptoms.
(Main jet clogged, but can idle as this is through a separate jet)

Even in warm climate some Fiats can manage to block the main jet in the carburettor with ICE when running.
Might be your problem as well, since there is nothing wrong if you take the car in for service.
I would try and give it a bigger main jet to reduce the airflow speed, and then readjust so the fuel/air mixture gets back to normal with the new jet installed.

(-And, since you have to buy a new jet anyway to try this, you might as well go ahead with this procedure :
Take a thick needle and knock it through the existing main jet to expand it a little, and then adjust the mixture.....I did it on a X 1/9 and it was fine! - But dont tell a pro mechanico about it afterwards...)

Though be a little careful with the lean mixture, as you might end up in the opposite ditch and overheat your spark plugs.
(some older Fiat engines can be a bit sensitive with the adjustments while others runs for decades without even changing oil..)

Should be no problem to run on unleaded on a 1987.

Ciao!