Help! 308 QV Dead At the Gas Pump!

+1 Were getting quizzed about this on friday!

 

If it is turning over normally, then you need to do two things:

1) Spray starter fluid (or gas) directly into carb while someone attempts to start it. If it starts or sputters, you have a fuel delivery problem.

If test #1 does not result in it starting or sputtering, you have no spark, try test #2.

2) Remove spark plug wire from plug and hold near ground while someone turns it over. If you see an arching spark, you have spark. If not, you have spark problem.

 

Have you figured anything out yet with the problem?

 

I recently had a similar experience with my '83 QV Mondial. I had driven about 25 miles, stopped at my local
Shell station and topped off the tank. The car was off less than five minutes. It cranked normally, but would
not start. I tried for over an hour, finally having AAA bring the "stretcher" and take the car home.

Two days later, I looked at the wiring, fuses, relays, coils, battery terminals and emergency master switch.
All looked O.K. with no anomalies found. I reassembled everything after cleaning the pieces with contact
cleaner.

I cranked the engine, which started normally and settled down to a fast idle. I never had the problem before
and haven't since. However, my confidence in the Ferrari is somewhat reduced, especially since no probable
cause was located.

It was a Shell station, but I doubt that had any bearing. I don't know if there could be a problem brewing
with 15% ethanol being blended in gasoline in lieu of MTBE in California and elsewhere. The Bosch F.I.
system may not be "happy" about ethanol and the way it vaporizes when hot. Back in the '70's carburetors
sure didn't like ethanol or methanol which were both used in gasoline sold as "gasohol".

I also fly. I know the Feds have warned that aircraft owners using an autogas STC should not use ethanol
blended fuel. Their rubber fuel lines, seals and "o"-rings are not likely to be compatible with ethanol, especially
in older aircraft.

 

Probably why it started up again!

 

I'm not sure if the Mondial is the same as the 328 but did you look at the connector in the panel underneth the passenger footwell?