Have small fiat that runs well but when you stop, its almost impossible to get it started again

Question

cant spell model cinqucento (I think), has been on diagnostic machine which showed no problem - there is no problem running its when you stop for petrol or shops, its nigh on impossible to restart. all obvious parts have been replaced to no avail. In every other way its a great wee car, just so frustrating that it now just sits and no one in the family uses. - Any ideas please

Answer 1

it sounds like the automatic choke is staying on therefore flooding the engine when hot,

it needs it to start from cold making the fuel mixture richer allowing it to start.

try asking the garage to check this out,

Answer 2

Sounds like a auto choke problem.Rover sdi used to bad for it.

Answer 3

I would agree, fuel-vapourisation, from a fuel-line or filter too near the exhaust manifold or system.  Like he said, an insulation applied around it, like a wrap or a sleeve, could be all you need to do - or re-route it but do so safely, away from sharp edges and moving parts.

Answer 4

Try a new ignition coil, if that doesn't fix it get a good mechanic to do a compression test both wet and dry. Dry first, then wet (he'll know what I mean) write down all numbers for future questions if needed.

Answer 5

Some of this particular model suffer from fuel evaporation when the engine is hot, I will update this posting with the mod to cure it after I look it up. I have found various references to the problem but no reference to a cure so try getting your garage to insulate the fuel line or re route it and it might not be so bad. If they have checked all else I would suggest that this is the problem, hence the reason it only fails when hot.

Check that your engine cooling fan is cutting in ok and that your radiator is not blocked with road dirt, also make sure that all vents to your engine housing are clear and you have no mods blocking them as a build up of heat in the engine bay will cause the same problem.

Answer 6

My one answer (from experience) is that it has the Italian personality and will do what it wants when it wants and "to h**l with you"  A better answer is to look for a fuel line that runs too close to the exhaust .  That would tend to boil the fuel out and give you a vapour lock when you stop with a hot engine.  A borderline weak fuel pump would contribute to this condition.

Answer 7

my car did the same thing I took it to a mechanic and he said that the cam was starting to wear and it wasnt running the 7th and 8th cylinders.  i had it replaced for $150 and it runs great now.