Fuel System Problems?

e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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Hey all-been a long time since I've posted. Anyway, my car's been running real well for about 6 months with the exception of this brand new issue. Something really wierd with my fuel system-some trouble starting, and when it does start, it lugs like an old school VW Bug (sounds like crap). However, if I add some air to the engine while it's trying to ignite, it doesn't seem to have a problem. I was thinking maybe I had either a bad fuel filter or a bad injector. It seems that if I add more gas at a high enough rate of flow, there is no real problem. I also feel that I'm losing a bit of power, particularly while driving up-hill. The general power loss may just be placebo, as many things often are. Anyway, if anyone has an idea of what might be wrong, or if I'm right about the fuel filter, etc., any advice is much appreciated. It's been a while since I've toyed around with my car so I'm kind of a n00bie again.
On a positive note, however, I ordered new brakes a couple of days ago and they should be here for me to install by the weekend. I got these HUGE grooves in my rear rotors and I decided to replace my front ones, which are somewhat less worn, with some slotted ATE power discs. I'm looking forward to them. =) Thanks all. [wave]
 
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epj3

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#2
Almost definitely a fuel delivery problem - Check to make sure all the fuel lines are fine (the ones on my e30 that connected from the solid line under the frame leaked...), make sure the fuel pressure regulator is okay, and lastly check the fuel system electronics (injectors, fuel pump, and fuel pump relay*)


*sounds like the relay to me though, since it starts when you put the pedal down
 
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epj3

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e30fr3@k said:
ya, it smells like gas a bit...although i started it today with no problems whatsoever. Still seems like it takes more effort to accelerate.
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Oh in that case, it sounds like there's an actual ignition problem... the early motronic ECU's were designed with a built in anti-flood protocol - which just happens to be when the throttle position sensor is at 70% or higher. I had the same problem in my e30 and e34, but a new cap and rotor fixed it on the e34 - i never got it solved in the e30 though.
 
e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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update:it got worse

so I was driving to my gf's house for the 4th and my engine light comes on and it just sounds like a couple cylindars quit on me. I was emitting a fair amount of grayish smoke and it wouldn't rev easily. The most noticable thing here is the fact that the car sounds like a lawn mower. Just not smooth at all. I'm hoping it's not some major problem with the engine itself, so if it is the motronic system, that'd be nice. However, if it's gonna cost me more than 500 or so....well, I'm a carpenter who needs a truck anyway. But man I don't wanna lose my E30. My pride and joy. I'm gonna have it towed to the mechanics tomorrow and hope for the best. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for all your help in the past - especially eric.
 
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epj3

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Eeeek sorry bud, gonna need to replace those valve guides or worse, engine rebuild. Are you noticing a large increase in oil consumption? I doubt it'll be anything but the valve stems... it sounds like oil is probably dripping into the engine only when warm and gunks up the cylinder. Fortunately, replacing the valve guides is, I BELIEVE, fairly straight forward. Also, make sure you haven't put more oil in than required (what is it, 5.6 quarts? I don't remember!) But the gray smoke is a DEFINITE indication of burning oil, fouling the cylinders and plugs (hence the no-start condition)

I'm 99% sure on this one (but of course, COULD be wrong). I literally don't know ANYONE who's needed a bottom-end rebuild on an M20 motor, so I HIGHLY doubt it's blowby. BEFORE doing anything - just simply replace the plugs and make sure they are gapped correctly. Could just be bad plugs.
 
e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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#7
crap

son of a...man, i did not need this. but i'm very sure you're right. It has problems starting, and then it will randomly turn the engine check light button on and i won't have much power...sounds like hell too. But what about the oil dripping down there? i mean...how much cash am I likely to dump into this problem?
 
e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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couple more things...

yes, i have noticed a large oil consumption, although nothing new. I generally have to add about a half quart at about 1900 miles after an oil change, which is why I change mine every 2000...However, before freaking myself out, i am going to pull those plugs. Oh ya...another thing you might wanna know...my friend noticed smoke coming out of the engine from (roughly) between the first cylindar and the distributor. I'm at a complete loss but I'm sure it's real bad. Can't wait to hear your opinion on this one eric. I know it's gonna be bad news but I know you're gonna be right. Thanks for helping man.
 
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epj3

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e30fr3@k said:
yes, i have noticed a large oil consumption, although nothing new. I generally have to add about a half quart at about 1900 miles after an oil change, which is why I change mine every 2000...However, before freaking myself out, i am going to pull those plugs. Oh ya...another thing you might wanna know...my friend noticed smoke coming out of the engine from (roughly) between the first cylindar and the distributor. I'm at a complete loss but I'm sure it's real bad. Can't wait to hear your opinion on this one eric. I know it's gonna be bad news but I know you're gonna be right. Thanks for helping man.
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Sounds like you might have a leaky head gasket too - but up front at one of the oil passages. Unfortunately it's very common for it to leak from there. It's just a simple head gasket change (Fairly simple...)

Could also be something much easier, like the valve cover gasket.
 
e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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i feel like it wouldn't be the valve cover gasket. unless a vacuum leak would be causing these problems (which it might be). All I know is that when I try to diagnose my car electronically, the reading comes up as "lambda-emmission control" every time. I have no freaking idea what that means. I thought it might be a place in my exhaust system, because I had a disconnected pipe. So I had the pipes reconnected and now I don't even have a clue.

How simple is a head gasket exchange...I'm kind of a newbie when it comes to actual engine work.
 
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epj3

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e30fr3@k said:
i feel like it wouldn't be the valve cover gasket. unless a vacuum leak would be causing these problems (which it might be). All I know is that when I try to diagnose my car electronically, the reading comes up as "lambda-emmission control" every time. I have no freaking idea what that means. I thought it might be a place in my exhaust system, because I had a disconnected pipe. So I had the pipes reconnected and now I don't even have a clue.

How simple is a head gasket exchange...I'm kind of a newbie when it comes to actual engine work.
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That's what an oxygen sensor's name is...


BTW A newbie shouldn't do a head gasket himself...
 
PhatBimmer

PhatBimmer

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LOL I like how the Germans change O2 to Lambda :p. Just like Luft is air lol.

I thought Ford was bad with their name changing.

On another note, I think he can do the headgasket if he had the right tools and had a book to go off of and took his time. GOod learning experience lol but I'd keep it safe and take it to someone who knows best and pay the big bucks for it heh. :D
 
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epj3

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PhatBimmer said:
LOL I like how the Germans change O2 to Lambda :p. Just like Luft is air lol.

I thought Ford was bad with their name changing.

On another note, I think he can do the headgasket if he had the right tools and had a book to go off of and took his time. GOod learning experience lol but I'd keep it safe and take it to someone who knows best and pay the big bucks for it heh. :D
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Huh?

Lambda is a letter in the greek alphabet...The oxygen sensor was invented by Robert Bosch (german)... and he named it "Lambda sensor"

So I think WE'RE the one's who changed the name.
 
e30fr3@k

e30fr3@k

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Is there anything Eric doesn't know? =)

I was pretty sure it was the O2 sensor but I posted a few months back and no one had any idea. Well if it's just a bad freakin O2 sensor, good. BTW, the problem sort of stopped...randomly. I just started it the other day with no problem, drove to and from my destination and the check engine light only flashed a couple times at the beggining of the ride back. Thanks for the advice, and please, let me know anything else that comes to mind. Much appreciated!

-E30freak
 
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epj3

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e30fr3@k said:
Does the 89 model 325i have the "4 wire" o2 sensor or is it the sensor with the adapter connection? Or are they the same but just installed differently?
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it's 4 wire. Check out the "15727" oxygen sensor (thats the bosch part number). It is a 4 wire universal sensor with connectors and everything. Works great on my car, and cost like $60.

OR, if you dont mind loosing the warranty on the sensor, buy a "13275" from some chrsyler (can't remember which car though). It's 4 wire but you will have to cut the connector off that sensor. I did it in my e30 and it worked perfect. Cost $40.
 
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