fuel problem

Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:59 am

hey guys, well yet another problem with the old beast! i've noticed recently that the car (325i) is starting to smell of fuel but this morning i had a few people from work following me in and they said it really smells. i've noticed fuel consumption isn't quite what it used to be too. another thing is that the coolant warning light on the roof has come on. a few things i think it could be but perhaps someone could point me in the right direction....

1. temp sensor
2. air flow meter
3. fuel filter

i say fuel filter as i don't think that's been changed in a while. perhaps brianmooore can help?

Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:04 am

If you can smell fuel, it'll be one of three things.

a) The rubber hoses that connect the hard lines to the engine. These run from under the passenger footwell, below the intake manifold to the fuel rail and FPR.

b) The O-ring that seals the fuel pump into the tank. This can perish, causing leaks when the car is parked at an angle

c) The fuel tank filler stub. This is the access hole into the fuel tank, and can be seen on the bottom of the tank when viewing from the rear driver's side wheel arch.

a and b are quick, cheap fixes. c means you need a new fuel tank.

For more info, check the Wiki:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... 8Inside.29

Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:40 am

nice one, that's actually helped loads. thanks

Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:41 pm

Well today I fitted a new blue sensor and bled the system, still all the same. After a minute or so the exhaust starts producing thickish smoke and really smells strongly of fuel. There's a lot of dripping out of the exhaust at this time too ??? The coolant light is still on too. I guess next to check is the C191 wire?

Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:54 pm

e30lou wrote:Well today I fitted a new blue sensor and bled the system, still all the same.

Why do people just throw unnecessary parts at a problem without testing first!

There's a lot of dripping out of the exhaust at this time too

That will be water and cold weather. Burning a litre of petrol produces several litres of water.

The coolant light is still on too.

I hope you've checked the level, or all other problems will soon be academic only.

I guess next to check is the C191 wire?

This is the first thing you should have done, as part of the temp sensor measurements at the ECU plug.

Tue Jan 31, 2012 10:13 pm

Ok thanks brianmoooore, I wasn't sure where to start but the wiki link suggested changing blue sensor then check the C191. Thanks for reassurance on exhaust dripping. The coolant level is fine, I can't find any leaks either.

Wed Feb 01, 2012 5:44 am

e30lou wrote:but the wiki link suggested changing blue sensor .

The Wiki doesn't say to change it at all. It says it may be the problem.

If anything's highlighted in blue, it means "click me". That way you'll see the Blue Sensor page, with instructions on how to test it BEFORE you replace it.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Blue_Plug

From testing, it tells you to check the C191...