[alfannut]

Hi I am hoping someone can give me an idea on this problem. My engine seems to be running quite well but when I get on a highway I can only run at 80mph 4000 rpm for a few minutes then it starts to slow down. It will slow to 60mph and all the time it feels like someone is putting on the brakes. If I take my foot off the gas is will speed up a little then if I run at 60 for a while I can get it up to 70 but won't go much faster.
Could it be timing or carb? I thought I had it timed ok but I am doing it on my own and may not be reving high enough when setting the full advance position, but it is starting well and idles well.
Thanks for any insite you folks can give

 

[Nige005]

No expert but perhaps you are suffering from Fuel Starvation ? Could be blocked Filter, Fuel Pump or Vapour Lock if it has been hot over there.

I'm sure the experts like papajam et al will be along soon enough to offer a better opinion.

 

[Erik Loye]

Your picture shows a US Spec Spider. As Nike says it sounds like fuel starvation. Have his suggetions checked and if no fault is found, the the Spica injection system.
It should be able to do more than 110 mph (119 mph top speed for Euro versions).
Erik

 

[papajam]

I concur that it sounds like lack of fuel. Do you have Spica or carbs?

 

[SimonGTV]

I'd say a fuel issue too but do check your timing, when I reset mine using max advance at 55 rpm ( from memory) got the same problem as you described but at about 40 mph. I reset it only using tdc and it s been great since.

I've never had the nerve to go over 80 though!

 

[alfannut]

Thanks for all the ideas. It does have carbs (twin 2 barrel Webbers) I changed the fuel filter and increased the pressure to 5lbs and it does work a little better. On another topic has any one had problems with the starter grinding even with the sholder bolt in the center hole?
Again thanks for all the great input.

 

[Erik Loye]

A little better is not enough

Thanks for all the ideas. It does have carbs (twin 2 barrel Webbers) I changed the fuel filter and increased the pressure to 5lbs and it does work a little better. On another topic has any one had problems with the starter grinding even with the sholder bolt in the center hole?
Again thanks for all the great input.

A little better is probably not enough. Make sure that ignition is "spot on" and the carbs and flanges are not leaking false air thru.
Mayby the carbs needs a good clean and tuning, read her how to http://hem.passagen.se/veloce/buy1.htm
Even if your Spider's performange is OK for you it's importen for the sake the engines relaiability and it will not burn valve or pistons that carbs and ignition is at the right parameters.
Erik

 

[papajam]

...increased the pressure to 5lbs...

This much pressure may result in flooding and/or fuel leaking out of every nook and cranny imaginable. Spec is about 3PSI.
Since you have a fuel pressure gauge, I would install the gauge and position it such that you can read it while driving the car under load. If the pressure starts dropping while under load, likely suspects are the sock (strainer) on the fuel pickup tube in the fuel tank or a faulty fuel pump.

 

[alfannut]

Thanks Papajam, I dont actualy have a fuel pressure gauge I am going by the setting on the regulator. But a pressure gauge sounds like a good idea. At the curent setting I am not seeing any leaks.