Install distributor on test bench and remove cap.
Wire to an ignition coil and battery, and insert an ammeter or a test lamp in the primary circuit.
Manually operate the distributor in the specified direction, and on the graduated disc of the stro¬boscope - in correspondence with the timing mark -read the value in degrees at the instant the contacts snap open.
This instant is revealed by the return to zero of the ammeter needle or by the test lamp going out. Keep rotating the distributor in the same direction until the ammeter needle moves away from zero (the ammeter follows the value of primary current), or the lamp lights up again, indicating that contacts have closed.
At this precise moment, record the value in degrees read in correspondence with the timing mark.
Continue the rotation of distributor and record the new value corresponding to the new re-opening of contacts (lamp goes out or ammeter needle returns to zero).
The difference between the second value and the first one represents the closing angle value; instead, the difference between the third and the second is the opening angle magnitude.
These two angles should total 80° ± 1°.
Try starting it from the engine compartment, push the lever at the back of the starter motor(has cable running to it), this will rule out a broken cable, if still no joy check the brushes in the motor.
Make sure the car is out of gear and keep fingers and clothing away from the fan belt.
Good luck
SO what type of fiat do all you members have? Mine is a 1973 Fiat 500 L with a custom chrome 650cc engine about 32hp, If you have any pictures upload them in the photo gallery.
