Engine/Transmission "Shunting" on and off the power

[michaelkaye]

Hi all,

I've had my Zagato Fulvia for a week now and thoroughly enjoying the experience so far.

However I do have a question about what can only be described as "shunting" of the engine/transmission when applying and releasing the power.

The engine mounts are pretty new, the gearbox lower mount is new, and has no loose movement in it. The gearbox support mount looks ok but may have some bagginess in it and the little torque reaction "foot" needs a bit of adjustment. Lastly the subframe mounts all look ok but may have a bit of slack in them.

So my question....what should I be looking at to fix this issue and make the driving experience slightly smoother and more enjoyable. Is it an issue common to the Fulvia or is this viewed as normal ?

Would appreciate any help or advice.

Thanks & regards,

Michael.

[williamcorke]

It's worth looking at the pedal and mechanism for stickiness (friction). A friend with a Fulvia Sedan recently solved his car's 'kangarooing' problem when he found that the bushes had expanded causing symptoms like the ones you describe.

On my S1 Flavia, I had a related problem with both clutch and brake. The main bushes at the top of each pedal are some kind of nylon type material which had expanded, making it necessary to remove the cross shaft and enlarge the hole in the bush a bit with file and sandpaper to restore smooth movement. Part of the problem was that the pedals were not fully 'returning', which become more marked when they had been used (heat build-up caused by the unwanted friction?). A potentially dangerous fault, as the brakes dragging could heat the fluid and cause a failure.

[fay66]

Replaced the bushes under the pedal with roller bearings over 10 years ago, end of problem!
This has been a known fault with Fulvia for at least 30 years and the first article I found regarding this problem is dated 1988, the Bush expands with heat and the hole in it is too small to cope with the expansion.
Brian
8227 

[simonandjuliet]

Tim drove my HF this week and said it was lovely apart from the 'horrid' throttle and suggested the same mod.....

So if you can remember the bearing size without my having to dis-assemble , I would appreciate it - getting lazy !

[dhla40]

I replaced the horrible organ pedal, that looks like it belongs on a bus, with a normal pedal from an Alfa that bolts to the original throttle arm. Much better control.

Sean

[chriswgawne]

Here are a couple of photos of the original rubber 'wheels' which over time expand  and cease rotating....and then split!
When I first had this problem I made up a pair of nylon replacement wheels which worked fine until I bought sealed bearings as Brian suggested.
From memory I think the size is 7mm i/d  x 19mm o/d x 6mm wide and you need to make sure the bearings are located towards the ends of the axle pins.
The throttle sensitivity is transformed with bearings.
Its an easy job assuming you can unscrew the Philips screws holding the pedal to the floor.
Chris

[fay66]

Tim drove my HF this week and said it was lovely apart from the 'horrid' throttle and suggested the same mod.....

So if you can remember the bearing size without my having to dis-assemble , I would appreciate it - getting lazy !

.
Simon,
I'm not home until Sunday but I'll look out my invoice and let you have the size when I get back.
Brian
8227 

[simonandjuliet]

Thanks !

[lancialulu]

I have an invoice for for 6x19x6 .....

[chriswgawne]

Found my invoice  - its 6 x 19 x 6. Sorry for any confusion.
Chris

[simonandjuliet]

New bearings on their way .... 95 centimes each !

[lancialulu]

New bearings on their way .... 95 centimes each !

yes probably the cheapest perforance upgrade for a Fulvia!

[michaelkaye]

Thanks for all the replies. Can someone post a link to where to buy the  bearings...

[simonandjuliet]

I`ve used these guys in the past

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords1=6&keywords2=19&keywords3=6

[chriswgawne]

I use Simply Bearings as well funnily enough.