Motor doesn't want to keep running...

[squibs]

Hello,

I bought myself an '88 325e, I replaced the fuel pump to get the car running and everything was well for a couple of months. All of a sudden while driving one day the motor just shut off. The motor still cranks fine, and if left alone for a while will start up again, but then just stops after a dozen seconds. I'm not sure what it is, possibly a problem maintaining pressure in the rail or something. If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate it, thanks.

 

[echothreezero]

Could be a number of things which might be why you havn't got a response yet. Do you have the Bentley Publishers e30 workshop manual?? In it there is a chapter on diagnosing this sort of problem with step by step instructions of where to look and how to test. Until I know more it is hard to comment.

Could be fuel or electrical.

 

[squibs]

I've actually just ordered a copy, in the meantime I've checked fuel, there doesn't seem to be an issue in fuel delivery, I would still like to check the return line. Also want to test the alternator, make sure its still good.

 

[squibs]

Also, does anyone know what the inlet fuel pressure should be? I'm putting in a pressure gauge to see what kind of static fuel pressure i have.

 

[echothreezero]

Alternator won't be the prob. Injectors if fuel is getting that far ok? Could be any one of a dozen sensors, or a prob with the AFM or HT leads or plugs, or dizzy. If it only happens when cold could be cold start valve - they fault frequently. Very bad Vacuum leak??

 

[Doughnut]

Alternator won't be the prob.

I believe he was just saying thats what he has to look at in the mean time.

Does the cars fuel pump 'prime' when key is in the 'on' position (make buzzing noise from rear left hand side? (Not fully ruling out that its not getting fuel)
Maybe a faulty fuel pump relay?
places to start would be there i would think.
Good luck with this one, thats My 2 cents.

 

[echothreezero]

Still thinking about this. My neighbour has a car that (he mostly) we have built into a "paddock basher". It had a similar prob which was due to the following: 2x vacuum leaks - 1 in the convoluted intake boot on the manifold, 1 from a return line. HT leads. Dizzy cap. Fuel pump kept blocking. Was fine on idle mostly, but wouldn't deliver under power - was sucking in all sorts of crap. We also changed the idle control valve but this smoothed up the idle a bit, but didn't contribute to the problem.

Its a case of trial and error.

What on earth is a paddock basher???

 

[squibs]

I finally had some time today to address the issue and noticed I was loosing fuel pressure when the motor would cut out. I pulled the pump apart today, and I couldn't believe what I saw. The STRAINER HAD FALLEN OFF. This was causing the fuel pump to intermittently cut out. So even though I have fuel delivery the pump eventually stalls.

Thanks a lot for your help guys, really appreciate it. Just one last question, where do you recommend shopping for a fuel pump. I don't need the sender unit, just the pump. Ill check my local wreckers tomorrow. Once again really appreciate your help

 

[Doughnut]

I finally had some time today to address the issue and noticed I was loosing fuel pressure when the motor would cut out. I pulled the pump apart today, and I couldn't believe what I saw. The STRAINER HAD FALLEN OFF. This was causing the fuel pump to intermittently cut out. So even though I have fuel delivery the pump eventually stalls.

I don't fully understand?
IMO I doubt that the car would loose fuel pressure just because the strainer had fallen off, fill me in with detail!
peace