Lancia Beta Forum

Hi, i'm Mark and live in Holmfirth and have just bought my 1st Lancia a 1600, 1978 Beta Spyder and Classic Car.

I have to say I have not got the much experience of mechanics but willing to give things a bash. I bought it off E-bay and it seemed a good deal and i am in love with it although it has soom issues as you woul expect

So having driven it back from Newcastle i have identified a few problems, so if anyone has any advice i would be greatful.  

When i turn the steering wheel it makes an awful loud groaning noise but it comes and goes?

Also I kept loosing power, it was spluttering and then when i pump the accelarator i woul pick up again, I was thinking maybe there was some crap in the fuel lines, possibly sludge in the fuel tank,as it started as the fuel got low, now it's doing it all the time.  

What fuel would anyone reccommend for the Beta I put the unleaded Ultimate in, not sure if i should be putting an additive in!

All the Best Mark

welcome to the Forum Mark

the Car looks great. Notice you need a wing mirror which im sure you can hunt down.
The spluttering might well be a blockage. i'm about to check the accelorator jet in the carb based on the same symptoms you mentioned. recent threads include:  Fuel System Carb > Spluttering under acceleration on Carb Saloon.
A high octane fuel like optimax or v power is good plus an additive of your choice.. Not sure about the steering problem. If it were a noise like that all the time i would of suggested a wheel bearing was worn.
Anyway, enjoy the summer in it.
cheers
Graham

Welcome aboard. Nice looking car - how's the interior?

I notice you say it's a 1600 - the grill is (supposedly) of a 2000 though I suspect they just used whatever was to hand at the moment  - I happen to have a 1600 grill if you want to revert to original.

The fuel issue sounds like starvation of some sort, if you pump the accelerator and things improve then the extra fuel being pumped in by the accelerator pump (a separate part of the carb) is helping out. More than likeley you've got crap in the main jet and /or it's not seated correctly. The best bet (as already said) is to investigate and clean the carb. Note than a bit of hesitation when accelerating on part throttle is quite common but it should clear when you step on it properly.

When you say it makes a groaning noise where would you say it's comming from? The steering column, the rack or the suspension?

Stuart

the oblong lights are from a 2 litre too but the bonnet looks correct

DOH! Quite right - perversely Brian Long's book shows a couple of 1600s with the right grill and lights but the wrong bonnet...

As most have mentioned re the loss of power I'd do the following in order.

1. Clean primary and secondardy jets.  (Thats free!! and well documented on the forum)

2. Change the fuel filter and check condition of old filter. (Cheap)

3. Check timing is set correctly.

4. Check that all pipes are connected to the carb properly and there are no splits (I've seen some blanked off)

5. Check/change mechanical fuel pump.

6. Check for/clean out any residue that has collected in fuel tank.

Carb jets get blocked/fouled quite easily with bits of muck so always best place to start.

Hi

just to say that points 1 ,2 ,4 ,5 from Matts post have just about solved same problem for me,  plus a jet was a bit loose - so it was number 1 really. Need to do some adjusting on the carb and I hope i'm up and running

cheers
G

Dear All,

thanks for all your advices and nice welcome much appreciated.  Will let you know how I get on.  Thanks Mark

What are the lights like on the 1600?

Mark,

This 1600 Coupe shows the 'correct' 1600 front end.


(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/HFStuart/imm021_23.jpg)

It does look pretty good inside. Is it my imagination or are the front seats a very slightly different colour to the rest?

Hi and welcome along
Your spyder looks really good.
I too have a red 1600 - with the wrong front end.
Based in sheffield so maybe see you around.
Gerry

Hi Stuart,  i think i prefer the 1600 front end to the 2000, i will have to change this now,  look what you,ve started i must be a purist!! lol!!  The front seats are a different colour slightly more orange, but I can live with that for the moment.  They are new were as the rest is original.  All the Best Mark