318is idle problem

[tulliallancastle]

I'm hoping one of you guys out there can help. I have an e30 1989 318i touring with a 318is engine conversion. 90k on the engine and up until last week had never missed a beat.

The car nearly ran out of petrol even though the fuel light had only come on 7 miles before. The engine started to idle very lumpy but I got her to a garage before she ran out. I filled her up and thought that was the end of it.

However the problem has remained. She idles about 600 rpm and struggles not to stall. When driving there is no problem just idling.

Any ideas?

[Sanchez]

replace the fuel filter, it could have picked up some crap from bottom of fuel tank.

Give the ICV a clean.

[tulliallan]

replace the fuel filter, it could have picked up some crap from bottom of fuel tank.

Give the ICV a clean.

I'll try the filter thanks sir- what is the ICV?

[Sanchez]

ICV is the Idle Control Value.

Its a valve that controls the idleing of the car.

It sits between the inlet manifold and the cars bulkhead.

[magpie]

take the black boot off between the throttle body and the air flow meter and check for splits or perished.the icv is found close to the bulk head.
there are a couple of other breather pipes to check for splits/leaks etc.
the other main culprit being the one that goes to the rocker cover.


where are you located?

[magpie]

re read and sounds more like fuel starvation.

fuel filter

[Brianmoooore]

The reported symptoms are those of an air leak between the throttle body and the engine - poor idle, but fine when off idle - or of a leak between the AFM and throttle body.
It seems a bit of a coincidence if this is not related to the low fuel level, but these type of coincidences happen to me all the time!
If fuel flow is restricted it should idle fine, and fail under full power, as fuel pressure drops off, not the other way around!

[tulliallan]

I'm based in Glasgow. Fantastic guys I'll get at this weekend and report back!

Thanks

[Sanchez]

I'm based in Glasgow. Fantastic guys I'll get at this weekend and report back!

Thanks

I think I know of this car. You bought it from a Glasgow zoner in 2009 and he brought it from a boy in Bristol do south.

Its either dark blue or Green IIRC.

[tulliallan]

That's the one malachite green with tan leather- without doubt the best e30 I've owned!