What the real problem was (or might be) 


Why you should read the manual first. 

It's not like I don't enjoy spending afternoons under the car or bent over the hood. With the right combination of environmental variables, it can be almost pleasant. Take this afternoon, for example - despite the sweltering heat, I pointed my loyal Vornado fan to blow through the garage, plopped some CDs in the ghetto blaster (this afternoon it was Poison 13 and Minor Threat), a jug of ice cold Diet Coke, and the stars were aligned for more fuel system diagnosis, Italian-style.
Buttoned up the pump, making sure the fuel lines were routed cleanly and (unlike myself) kink-free. Started up the engine - looked good. As I turned the key, the fuel pressure light would glow, then dim - as it should. The engine fired up. And the fuel pressure light would glow again, as it shouldn't. So I refer to the official Automobili Lombardi Fabrica Anonima SPICA trouble shooting guide. Check the other filter, it says, and check the fuel pressure switch.
Well, o.k. Gets me out from under the car. I pop off the air cleaner, spot the filter and get ready to inspect it. Hmmm, this wire don't look good, I say quietly to myself, and give it a gentle tug. And, sure enough, twasn't. Pink. The tab welded to the top of the fuel pressure switch let go of it tenuous grip, and probably even more tenuous electrical connection to the switch.
So I'm gonna prowl around the IAP and Centerline catalogues. Prolly more stuff I'll need once I start looking.  

Posted: Sun - June 20, 2004 at 04:02 PM           |

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