320 starting/running problem

[E30Cab1991]

Hi, I got my e30 320 135k miles back the garage recently as I had a problem last winter when it wouldn't start. I tried replacing, spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor arm and battery but no good. I could only afford to get it in garage recently and they gave it a general service and it started and ran ok. Its been ok (takes a few seconds of turning over before starts and a little juddery when on the lower side of the rev counter) but this morning when cold and a bit damp, it took two goes to start then died on me after pulling out the drive. It then wouldn't start and I had to push it back in to the parking space and drive my wife's Aygo! Any ideas what it could be? When I bought it the dash cover under the steering column was off so I guessed there may have been a problem before but it was denied by previous owner.
Thanks

[daimlerman]

Have a read here;
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=178884

Similar sounding problems to yours and saves Brian and I lots of time replying!

[E30Cab1991]

OK thanks, I will work through each item and see if I can identify the problem. I have noticed a smallish oil leak as well. Does that indicate anything further (other than I have an oil leak!) Thank you

[daimlerman]

All M20's leak oil!
But where abouts is it leaking?
Some are more fixable/serious than others.

[E30Cab1991]

I found out it was power steering fluid and only a clip required for that problem, phew!

My local mechanic who has proved himself in the past spent an hour FOC with me today. Its not the plug and socket under the inlet manifold, a bit of grease on it but no water.

The fuel system is maintaining pressure when car is parked.

The starting issue in the damp is really worrying me with winter fast approaching, any other ideas how I can diagnose the problem? It started instantly about 11am then hesitated a bit after pulling over at services (no fuel) and took two attempts.

[Green]

Sounds a bit like a fuel pump again, as when mine went somedays it would start immediately, sometimes it would after a bit of cranking and other times it just wouldn't.

Like daimlerman suggests work your way through that topic and see if you can find any other topics with similar problems for help whilst waiting for replies

[Ajsingh]

U tried adjusting the CO on the AFM? My car used to do the same, put it on a CO machine n found it was running rich n overfueling thus causin it to stall n wettin tge plugs so it wudnt start agen. I also replaced everything that u have along with a full service n fuel
filter, it made a lil differance but not
major until i got the CO checkd.
I also bought a chip for my ecu from speedtouch(maurice) here on the foroum and that has got rid of
my starting problem! The CO tune made it better but the chip has got rid of it..

I hope this helps mate

[E30Cab1991]

Thanks for the advice mate, I will look into the chip replacement. I forgot to mention I also replaced fuel filter too so its definitely not that on mine either. Was yours worse in wet/damp conditions or just randomly?
Cheers

[Ajsingh]

Yh wet damp n cold all in one... Id b lucky for it to start the first time... But now its gud!

[SPADGE]

So what happened this morning then?

I waited in for you all morning and kept my morning free and you neither turned-up or called me

A great waste of my time thank you!