Motronic ML4.1 newbie

[Derek Kaznoski]

I have a '90 Alfa spider with Motronic 4.1.  The car has 62K miles and is in 
excellent condition.
It will start after about 6-8 seconds of cranking, but will then just rush 
once or twice and quit if throttle not opened.  It will not idle.  It runs 
great above about 2000 rpm all the way to the redline without any power 
loss.
While holding the rpm at between 1500-2000 (rough in this range), the check 
engine light flashed a 1223 code (lambda internal control).
Over the past few months, I've had intermittent problems with low/rough idle 
(speed about 600 rpm) and stalling when taking off.  Other times there were 
no problems at all.
I'm new to the auto repair game, so please assume that I don't know jack.  
Here's what I've checked/done so far:
Air-flow meter resistances are OK with smooth flapper operation and 
resistance changes. I tried a spare AFM I have--no real change.
Throttle switch is OK.
Idle speed actuator gets battery voltage with ignition "on."
Spark plugs OK.
Tightened up all air intake connections.
Replaced fuel filter.
The battery is old and probably needs replaced--sometimes cranking is slow.  
I'm replacing it today. Can this cause a problem with idle?
I haven't checked fuel pressure yet since I can't find a fuel pressure guage 
that is compatible with the car (only domestic Schrader valve types around 
here).  Any tips on where I can buy one?
My shop manual says to "supply idle speed actuator with 12V directly for 
awhile and check for proper functioning."  Basically, I just plugged in the 
connector and turned the ignition to "on" with the bypass hose disconnected. 
I couldn't see anything happening inside the device.  I don't really know 
how this thing is supposed to function, though.  Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks in advance. Sorry for the wordiness.

-Derek Kaznoski
'90 Alfa Spider



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com