Nate wrote:
: I'm considering buying a '72 Fiat 850 spyder, but the owner 
says 
: the fuel regulator (fuel regulator?) causes it to stall after 
a 
: bit.

Nate:

I have to agree with the Vick-Meisters on this one.  The 850 is 
an old-fashioned points-plugs-condenser-fuelpump-carburator type 
of car.  I've had experience with buying one that has sat around 
for a while and had the gas turn to varnish and have the inside 
of the gas tank rust real badly.  

I have no idea what the PO is talking about when he refers to a 
"fuel regulator".  Make him point to it and then tell us what it 
is.

Based on my experience with three 850s that sat unused before I 
bought them, I would get a siphon hose into the bottom of the 
tank and see if you get a container full of rusty varnish.  If 
you do, drop the engine and trans, remove the gas tank and have 
it scoured and coated inside before doing anything else with the 
car.  You're probably going to have to do it anyway, and it's 
better not to have the car die in traffic like one of mine did.  
Freeway drivers are notoriously unforgiving, and the life you 
save may be your own.  And, be fair, we don't want the car to 
get damaged either, right?

Also, try backing off the gas cap a couple of turns to simulate 
venting.  One of my 850s draws a vacuum on the tank if the cap 
is screwed down tight.

Have fun!